Gwangyang Port Passes Preliminary Feasibility Study for Automated Port Testbed Construction Project

Investing 691.5 Billion KRW by 2026... Accelerating Development of the Nation's Top Smart Port

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (President Cha Minsik) announced on the 26th that the pilot feasibility study for the construction project of a fully automated port testbed covering all areas of the pier (quay, transfer, yard), the first of its kind in Korea, has successfully passed.

The Gwangyang Port Automated Port Testbed Construction Project is a project to build and operate a Korean-style fully automated port at the Gwangyang Port 3-2 phase pier from 2022 to 2026, with a total project cost of 691.5 billion KRW (50% government, 50% authority) invested over five years.

The authority plans to expand the outcomes based on the experience and achievements from operating the testbed to help the stable introduction of automation at major domestic ports such as Busan and Incheon in the future.

Choi Sangheon, Vice President of the Authority (Head of Development Business Division), said, "In response to the rapidly changing international maritime logistics environment due to the recent 4th Industrial Revolution and the COVID-19 outbreak, this will serve as a stepping stone to expand the automation technology scope of major Korean ports, which had been limited to the yard area," adding, "By establishing equipment and systems centered on domestic technology to strengthen the ability to respond to government policies and changes in external relations, it is expected to contribute to revitalizing port-related industries and enhancing competitiveness."

Furthermore, to ensure successful operation and management of the construction project, the authority has set a goal to develop Gwangyang Port into the best smart port in Korea through active cooperation with related organizations such as the government (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries), local governments, the National Intelligence Service, key shipping companies based in Gwangyang Port, cargo owners, logistics companies, and port labor unions.

Along with this, by establishing education and research infrastructure related to port automation in the adjacent area of Gwangyang Port, it is expected to contribute to regional economic development by actively supporting the training of professionals, employment and start-up support, and advanced port technology development of promising domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.

President Cha Minsik of the authority said, "Through this construction project, we feel a heavy responsibility and mission to breathe new life into Gwangyang Port and lead the smartization of the domestic maritime logistics sector," adding, "We will strive to present a model of Korea’s future smart port optimized for carbon-neutral ports and prevention of safety accidents within ports through this project."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.