SM Line Discusses Sustainable Shipping Cooperation with Oregon Governor

SM Line, the shipping affiliate of SM Group, announced on October 28 that CEO Kang Hojun met with Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon, and Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland, at the SM Group headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 27th to discuss cooperation measures for sustainable shipping services.

Kang Hojun, CEO of SM Line (left), is taking a commemorative photo exchanging gifts with Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon, USA, at the SM Group Sinchon Building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 27th. SM Line

원본보기 아이콘

This visit was organized so that Oregon officials could express their gratitude for SM Line's efforts in promoting Korea-US trade and expanding trade in agricultural products, thereby contributing to the revitalization of Oregon's economy. CEO Kang had a one-hour conversation with the delegation of about ten people.

SM Line is the only Korean ocean carrier that operates regular services to the Port of Portland in Oregon. Since launching its new Portland service in December 2019, the company has continued to provide stable shipping services and has played a pivotal role as a logistics network connecting the Oregon region with key Asian markets. The average annual import and export cargo volume at the Port of Portland is approximately 52,000 TEU (with 1 TEU being equivalent to one 20-foot container).

SM Line transports container cargo such as auto parts, batteries, chemicals, furniture, home appliances, and agricultural products to and from major ports on the US West Coast. Among these, at the Port of Portland, the company mainly handles hay, which is one of Oregon’s major export items. About 98% of the hay produced in Oregon (as of 2024) is exported through the Port of Portland.

In recognition of these contributions, SM Line received a plaque of appreciation from the State of Oregon in October 2022 for its role in promoting trade. In May of the same year, the company was also honored with the 'Global Leadership Award' presented by the Oregon Consular Corps.

CEO Kang stated, "The Port of Portland is a key hub for SM Line to provide stable logistics services in the northwestern United States. Based on close mutual cooperation and trust with Oregon and the Port of Portland, we will strive to further promote Korea-US trade and economic growth."

Governor Kotek responded, "SM Line's service to Portland has become an important turning point for the revitalization of Oregon's logistics, and as a result, the local economy centered around the port has become even more vibrant. From the perspective of Oregon’s prosperity and development, we greatly value the long-standing partnership we have built with SM Line. I would like to express my deep gratitude once again for your contributions to regional revitalization and job creation."

Meanwhile, since launching its first North American service in April 2017, SM Line currently operates three routes on the West Coast. Out of its total fleet of 15 vessels, 12 are deployed on these routes, with the main CPX (China Pacific Express) service calling at the Port of Portland once a week.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.