Splash247: South Korea targets 30% port productivity boost with AI strategy

Published by Splash247

South Korea has unveiled a national strategy to deploy artificial intelligence across its ports, targeting a 30% increase in productivity and a 10% share of the global port-equipment market by 2035.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to develop autonomous quay cranes, automated guided vehicles and systems capable of controlling and optimising terminal operations in real time.

The programme will also seek to automate hazardous tasks including container twistlock handling and mooring operations.

Technology will initially be tested at Gwangyang, where the government is considering establishing an advanced port technology institute covering data collection, equipment trials, standards and performance certification.

The first phase of the new Jinhae port, scheduled for 2032, will serve as the main showcase for the strategy. The government expects the development to create a Won2.5trn ($1.8bn) domestic market for autonomous cargo-handling equipment and AI-based terminal operating systems.

The technology would subsequently be extended during Jinhae’s second development phase, scheduled for completion in 2040, and progressively introduced at other South Korean ports.

Plans also include port-specific AI data centres, smart logistics centres in port hinterlands and a manufacturing and logistics cluster around Jinhae covering shipbuilding, defence and cargo-handling equipment.

South Korea is seeking to improve the competitiveness of its ports after acknowledging that container-handling productivity at Busan trails several major Asian rivals.

Government figures put Busan’s average berth productivity at 75 container moves per hour in 2025, compared with 80 in Singapore and 116 at Qingdao.

The strategy also includes support for South Korean equipment and technology companies seeking overseas projects, including through port and logistics cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.