"Rising Global Status through Change and Innovation"… Busan Port Authority's 21st Anniversary Event

Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Kang Jun-seok), established as the first port public enterprise in Korea, held its 21st anniversary ceremony.

Since its founding in 2004, the number of employees has increased 2.6 times from 106 to 274, assets have grown 2.3 times from KRW 3.4556 trillion to KRW 8.0548 trillion, and the budget has surged nearly 12 times from KRW 143.4 billion to KRW 1.7338 trillion.

The organizational scale expanded from 3 headquarters and 15 departments to 3 headquarters, 2 business units, and 23 departments. Notably, BPA operates five representative offices in strategic overseas locations such as the United States and the Netherlands, achieving remarkable growth and development across its organization and major projects.

With continuous expansion of port infrastructure, the total quay length for container ships increased from 5.7 km (21 berths) in 2004 to 12.7 km (39 berths) in 2024, and cargo volume rose from 10.41 million TEU in 2004 to a record 24.3 million TEU at Busan Port in 2024.

Despite geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, and the US-China trade dispute, transshipment volume in 2024 increased by 8% compared to 2023, reaching 13.4 million TEU, solidifying its status as the world’s second-largest transshipment port. The year 2024 was a year in which BPA focused more than ever on change.

Achievements include reaching a record cargo volume of 24.3 million TEU, the successful opening of the first fully automated unmanned terminal in Korea, New Port West ‘Con’ Phase 2-5, the commencement of construction for Jinhae New Port, achieving zero major accidents at Busan Port for three consecutive years, receiving the 2024 Presidential Award for Co-growth between Large and Small-Medium Enterprises, and ranking first globally in sustainable management evaluations.

For 2025, BPA aims to increase efficiency at North Port and New Port, targeting a cargo volume of 25 million TEU, a 2.5% increase from the previous year. In 2026, BPA plans to open two berths in New Port West ‘Con’ Phase 2-6, complete the South ‘Con’ hinterland complex, and build a smart joint logistics center, focusing its capabilities on continuously expanding logistics infrastructure to lead the future port paradigm.

Additionally, BPA plans to strategically attract cargo by highlighting Busan Port’s competitiveness, expand its overseas logistics network, and strengthen its global status as the world’s second-largest transshipment port.

President Kang Jun-seok of BPA emphasized the key tasks for 2025: ▲Achieving 25 million TEU container cargo volume and maintaining status as a global hub port ▲Expanding port functions as a tri-port hub rapidly connecting maritime, air, and inland transport ▲Building a high-quality eco-friendly comprehensive service port leading future green fuel supply ▲Creating a world-leading smart port through digitalization of port logistics using AI, IoT, and big data ▲Contributing to regional growth by smoothly advancing the North Port redevelopment project and revitalizing the cruise industry to build a city port combining relaxation, leisure, and marine industry ▲Promoting change and innovation for the sustainable growth of Busan Port through enhancing fairness and integrity awareness, urging all employees to make efforts.

Busan Port Authority is holding its 21st anniversary event and taking a commemorative photo.

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