BJFEZ Accelerates Smart Port Logistics Innovation... "Advancing Domestic Equipment and AI-Based Operational Systems Is Key"

On November 13, the Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority (led by Commissioner Park Sungho) held the 'BJFEZ Global Logistics Innovation Task Force 2nd Meeting' at the Dongwon Global Terminal, where they conducted an on-site inspection in the smart port and logistics automation sector and began to concretize implementation strategies.

Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority holds the 'BJFEZ Global Logistics Innovation Task Force 2nd Meeting' and takes a commemorative photo. Provided by Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone Authority

This meeting was organized to verify the key tasks presented at the kickoff meeting in September at actual operational sites and to further detail the direction for their implementation.

The core agendas discussed at the time included: ▲ strategies for linking with the government’s Arctic shipping route policy, ▲ advancement of smart ports and the automation equipment industry, ▲ digital transformation of logistics and warehouse automation, and ▲ fostering specialized talent and strengthening global networks.

During the meeting, the Authority focused on discussing strategies for advancing smart ports, such as introducing AI and big data-based operational optimization systems and securing technological competitiveness for domestically produced equipment. There was also an in-depth exchange of opinions on implementation strategies for logistics automation transformation and improving the efficiency of port and terminal operations.

The Gyeongnam Provincial New Port Construction Support Division, newly established in July, participated in the meeting for the first time. They shared the current status of the Jinhae New Port development and the province’s role, and, together with Gyeongnam Technopark, Gyeongnam Research Institute, and local universities, discussed ways to establish a cooperative system for fostering the smart port equipment industry and supporting R&D and infrastructure.

Alongside the on-site inspection, Dongwon Global Terminal presented a case study on smart port operations. Based at Busan New Port’s Pier 7, this terminal has established the nation’s first 'fully automated' system, with all processes-loading, transportation, and stacking-automated, resulting in productivity improvements of over 20% compared to previous methods. The Authority regards this as a representative success model for regional smart port competitiveness.

The presentation on the localization of port automation equipment also drew attention. Domestic technology company Z proposed demonstration tests and cooperation plans for industrial automated transport equipment such as AGVs and AMRs, while company S, leveraging its experience in building an automation testbed at Gwangyang Port, presented a roadmap for expanding RMGC automation and localizing components.

Participants at the meeting agreed that strengthening the localization capabilities of domestic technology companies and building AI and big data systems based on operational data are key to transitioning to smart ports.

Commissioner Park Sungho emphasized, "The Busanjin-Hae Economic Free Zone is already the logistics hub of Northeast Asia, but now we must take a step further by combining the smart equipment industry with digital logistics technology. We will enhance the competitiveness of domestically produced equipment and advance AI operational systems to establish ourselves as a hub for global port logistics innovation."

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