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Busan port eyes 20m teu box throughput in 2016

Busan port eyes 20m teu box throughput in 2016
Busan Port Authority (BPA) has expressed confidence in moving 20m teu of container throughput in 2015 at Busan port, and will set up a new international business division to further extend its global outreach.

If the 20m teu goal can be achieved this year, it will be a 2.8% increase from the throughput of 19.45m teu recorded for 2015.

BPA admitted that in light of the sluggish shipping market and an average growth rate of around 4% seen by other global ports in 2015, its ambition for 2016 is considered challenging.

The port authority, however, is confident of achieving its goal by subsidising the cost of inter-terminal transportation of transhipment cargo, establishing an empty cargo storage area in the New Port, and strengthening customer service activities.

BPA will also hasten its integration plans at North Port to deliver a single unified terminal operator. Additional terminal construction at New Port will be accelerated to meet current cargo demand and to ease congestion at peak times.

This year, more focus will also be directed at the development of the Distripark to attract more multi-national logistics companies as tenants. This will result in higher cargo throughout and create additional employment.

Additionally, the aim to create a new international business division will boost Busan port’s penetration of global markets and help to react to a changing shipping and maritime landscape.

“As one of the world’s largest container ports, we must focus our efforts on the international markets to ensure our continuing growth and development. We are well placed, geographically, to handle domestic, international and transhipment cargoes and our modern terminal facilities and extensive Distripark make us an excellent choice for vessel and cargo owners,” said Woo Yejong, ceo of BPA.

BPA will also enhance current collaborative activities with other ports, particularly those in developing countries so as to share knowledge and experience in port operation and management.

“We will continue to diversify our portfolio and enhance the service we deliver to our customers in 2016 and beyond,” Woo said.