Busan still 5th at 16.2 million TEU in 2011, but 14pc growth tops megaports
2012 03 07
- Details
KOREA's Port of Busan may still be the fifth busiest container port in the world, but it beat all in growth of 2011 at 14 per cent, Shanghai's 9.2 per cent, Singapore's five per cent, Hong Kong's three per cent and Shenzhen's near zero growth.
Last year, Busan lifted a record 16.2 million TEU; next year the port expects to handle 17.5 million TEU by continuing to expand its role in global and regional transshipments, reports UK's Port Strategy.
"Busan's regional location is desirable in that it is sandwiched directly between China, the world's largest manufacturing base, and Japan," said Ho Chul Park, Busan Port Authority's marketing director.
"Its comparable low costs combined with this locality means Busan is the convenient and favourable choice for many Japanese shippers," he said, adding that success depends on location, connectivity and stability.
Busan is attracting more transhipments because it is has been proven to be more reliable, he said.
"Unlike many larger ports in other countries, Busan is very rarely affected by adverse weather conditions or fog. A port closed due to bad weather means extremely high excess fees for the shipper forced to wait until the port is re-opened, as well as disruption to global shipping schedules and routes," Mr Park said.
He expects Busan's three-pronged strategy will see its transhipment traffic as a proportion of total throughput rise from 45 to 60 per cent by 2020, a target that is being backed up by an extensive marketing campaign aimed at shippers.
Mr Park attributed the 17 per cent year on year volume increase for Far East destined cargo to the port's outreach to shippers as well as rising trade between Asian countries.
Cargo destined for Far East Asia constitutes some 32 per cent of container volume last year, while North American demand was responsible for 16 per cent, followed by Japan with 15 per cent, representing only a one per cent decline owing to earthquake and tsunami a year ago which devastated Japanese output.
Breaking down trade barriers also helped. A Free Trade Agreement was agreed with the EU in 2007 and with the US last year and liberalising trade talks could be finalised this year.
Four new berths at Busan North Port have been built bringing the total to 42. Original plans to build 30 berths at Busan New Port - 22 of which are already open - have been increased to 45 to be built in Busan New Port over the next six years. New rail connections and a huge new distribution park are also being built, while Busan North Port is being redeveloped.
Source Shipping Gazette - Daily Shipping News
.jpg)
The magazine SEA has been published since 1935
International business magazine JŪRA MOPE SEA has been published since 1999
The first magazine in Eurasia in the four languages: English, Chinese, Russian and Lithuanian
|
|