Korean Ports Research Articles

Road accident risk analysis of at- and near-port areas reflecting regional heterogeneous characteristics

ABSTRACT In port cities, road traffic safety management should consider various types of cargo that will shift in the trucks and containers. This applies not only in the case of ‘at port’ areas within a 2-km radius but also ‘near-port’ areas within a 4–8-km radius. This is important for traffic safety because the crash severity can be high as there are many trucks to the ports that can cause large-scale crashes. Therefore, to prepare traffic safety management strategies for port city, it is necessary to identify crash risk factors that affect the crash severity. This study developed a two-stage road crash severity model of ‘at-port’ and ‘near-port’ regions using a support vector machine and a Bayesian multinomial model. Additionally, a severity model suitable for Korean ports was proposed that considered spatial heterogeneity in the Bayesian multilevel multinomial model. Findings derived from this study can be used for policy development to increase road traffic safety in port cities. ‘This article is a revised and expanded version of a paper entitled [Accident Risk Analysis of At and Near-Port Areas Reflecting Regional Heterogeneous Characteristics] presented at [The 11th International Conference on Logistics and Maritime Systems, Korea, 4-7 September 2023]’.

Maritime trade and economic development in North Korea

The North Korean economy is experiencing a deepening economic and political crisis since the early 1990s. Although North Korea is not commonly seen as a shipping nation, its major cities are coastal, and it hosts nine international trading ports. However, little is known about the role of maritime transport in its development. This article uses vessel movement data to reconstitute the maritime network linking North Korean ports and other ports, over the period 1977–2021. Besides the drastic connectivity loss, main results conclude about a limited role of maritime transport in economic development, except for its participation to China's increasing grip on North Korea. This research brings new knowledge about North Korea and contributes to advance maritime network studies in general.

코로나19 전후 항만 효율성 분석에 관한 연구

Since COVID-19, congestion has become an important factor that can hinder the efficient operation of ports and cause direct and indirect economic damages. Therefore, this study conducted an SBM-DEA analysis with congestion as a undesirable output variable to investigate the impact of congestion on the efficiency of four Korean ports (Busan, Yeosu-Gwangyang, Ulsan, and Incheon) before and after COVID-19. The analysis revealed that the overall efficiency of the ports was lower after the outbreak of COVID-19 than before, and that the efficiency of each port was relatively different depending on its infrastructure and budget. This analysis shows that port efficiency is being negatively affected by congestion both pre- and post- COVID-19. Additionally, port infrastructure and budgets have a direct impact on congestion levels. To enhance port efficiency, it's important to implement appropriate systems and policies to manage congestion while considering the unique characteristics of each port.

「재난 및 안전관리 기본법」상 수상·해상 관련 의무보험 기준에 관한 고찰

On June 9, 2020, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety promulgated a revision of “Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety”(hereinafter “Disaster and Safety Act”), which strengthens the comprehensive management function of disaster safety obligation insurance policies operated by 22 ministries. This law establishes seven standards to be put in place by each statute for the administration and operation of mandatory insurance, which is compulsory under 45 different laws. If the standard is not met, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety may recommend the head of the central administrative agency in charge of the mandatory insurance to revise the relevant laws.
 This paper compares and reviews the actual conditions of mandatory insurances under eight laws related to water and sea mentioned on the “Disaster and Safety Act”. When the Ministry of the Interior and Safety recommends revisions to the head of the central administrative agencies under the Act, it is necessary to reflect the followings in consideration of the internationality and uniqueness of ships.
 First, it is necessary to apply the limits of liability stipulated in the “Commercial Act” and relevant “International Maritime Conventions” to the limit of compensation, and to present the limits of compensation for property damage caused by accidents at sea. Second, the incentives for compulsory insurance and the administrative sanctions applied for non-insurance should have fairness among 8 laws and require consistent application of sanction types. Third, it is necessary to revise the laws so that domestic victims' right to claim directly against foreign insurers is valid even if there are foreign elements. Fourth, when considering the intent of “Disaster and Safety Act”, it should add other water and sea-related laws that accept compulsory insurance. Finally, considering the characteristics and internationality of ships and ocean, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries shall conduct integrated management of the mandatory insurances related to water and sea in accordance with tentatively named ‘Guidelines for Operation and Management of Water and Marine Safety mandatory insurance’ under the “Disaster and Safety Act”. The guidelines should include criterions for approval and management for foreign insurers who are undertaking foreign vessels that entered into Korean ports.

Perceptions of the Relationship between Port Security Level, Resilience, Cargo Operational Performance, and Sustainability Performance among Korean Port Operators and Shipping Companies

Purpose – As globalization progresses, complexity also increases, and various factors that threaten port functions are emerging. Accordingly, the demand for port security to prevent the crisis and resilience that quickly recovers its original function after the crisis is also increasing in port operations. However, few studies have examined how to ensure the port security and how the resilience affects operation performance of port and sustainability performance as well. So the study aims to find out how port security affects port resilience and port operational performance, and consequently, this two factors affect socioeconomic and environmental sustainability performance respectively and synthetically. Design/methodology – Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was first performed to determine the validity of the factors of model and hypothesis test was performed using Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyze the Port Performance Model, which show the perception logic among port security level, port resilience, operation performance, and sustainability performance. In order to empirically analyze this model, total 264 respondents from port security operators, shipping companies in South Korea were surveyed. Findings – As result of SEM, First, port security level positively affected the resilience (H1) and cargo operational performance (H2) but not in both of the sustainability performances (H3, H4). Second, resilience positively affected only cargo operational performance (H5) and socio-economic sustainability performance (H7). Last, cargo operation performance positively affects the both of sustainability performances (H8, H9). Originality/value – It was confirmed that port security could improve cargo operational performance through ensuring port resilience and eventually increase the socio-economic sustainability. Therefore the study implies that careful integration and management of port security, port resilience, and sustainability are required, along with compromise on sustainable development goals in the social, economic, and environmental area among all stakeholders.

The Dynamic Effects of the Foreign Economic Shocks on the Korean Port Industry

Although the port industry is very important in the Korean economy, there are few literature studies that shed light on the macroeconomic implications of the business cycles in this industry. This paper examines the roles played by foreign economic factors in the business cycle in the Korean port industry. Specifically, it aims to estimate the impulse response of the seaborne freight volume in the port industry due to the shocks of the foreign economy and analyze the contributions of each shock considered on the variation in the freight volume. The structural FAVAR (SFAVAR) model was employed to extract the unobserved foreign economic factors. This paper estimates the four foreign economic factors and the parameters of the model using the one-step Bayesian Gibbs sampling method. The findings of this study show that foreign economic activity statistically affects the freight volume of the Korean ports. Specifically, the shocks to the foreign real economic activity increased freight transportation for nearly one year. Following the world inflation shocks, the freight transportation was enhanced. However, this impact disappeared after a year. Similarly, the rise in global liquidity was shown to encourage transportation activity; nevertheless, this activity declined after five quarters. Moreover, the increase in the world interest rates exerted a negative effect on the volume of transportation. Furthermore, the variance decomposition analysis shows that 49.2% of the variation in the transportation volume could be attributed to foreign economic activity. This analysis can contribute to drawing useful implications in establishing the port industry policy in response to the change in the economic environment such as the foreign economy.

Updated list of intercepted Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) at South Korean ports of entry and potential invasive species to South Korea

Updated list of intercepted Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) at South Korean ports of entry and potential invasive species to South Korea

Estimation of Air Pollution from Ships in Port Area: A Case Study of Yeosu and Gwangyang Ports in Korea

With the rapid development of global trade and maritime transportation, a comprehensive emission inventory is necessary to control air pollution from ships as well as to comply with international environmental standards. The purpose of this study is to calculate the volume of emissions from ships in Yeosu and Gwangyang ports in Korea based on a bottom-up approach and supported by the data from the automatic identification system (AIS) and Korean port management information system (Port-MIS). Specifically, a real set of data on specifications of all ships operating at the port in 2019 was collected and an analysis of ship movement using AIS data was conducted by the authors in this study to divide the route into cruising and maneuvering phases as well as to estimate engine’s load factor. Finally, results show that the total amount of air emissions from ships at the port area was 558 thousand tons, which is 96% from CO2 and 66% from hoteling mode. Additionally, container and tanker ships together emitted the highest volume of air pollution accounting for a share of 73%.

중국 장강 삼각주 항만 물류의 경쟁력 및 한국에 주는 시사점

Purpose This study attempted to analyze the competitiveness of the three major ports, Shanghai Port, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, and Lianyungang Port, and put forward policy implications for the development of the ports in the Yangtze River Delta to enlighten the development of port logistics in South Korea and propose the possibility of cooperation between South Korean and Chinese ports. Design/Methodology/Approach In this study, two influencing factors were analyzed by deriving the sub-factors of four determinants of Porter’s diamond model, and the competitiveness of port logistics in the Yangtze Delta in China was analyzed using the Regional Innovation System (RIS) model. Findings Through the analysis of each representative port in the Yangtze Delta region, the overall competitiveness of port logistics is in relatively good condition. Except for the relatively low logistics competitiveness of ports such as the Lianyun River Port, most ports, including Shanghai Port and Ningbo-Zhou San Port, are already high. Research Implications First, it is necessary to establish a diversified cooperative system for the distribution of port logistics between Korea and China. Second, it is indispensable to take full advantage of a policy to revitalize regional ports at a national level. Third, it is necessary to continue to expand the industrial supply network and ties in the port hinterland of the Yangtze River Delta region of China. Fourth, it is necessary to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the regional innovation system and establish a business strategy for port logistics toward China.

Historical geographies of Korea's incorporation: The rise of underdeveloped and modernized colonial port cities

In the century proceeding the Second World War the historical geography of Korea, increasingly influenced by Imperial Japan, experienced rapid change. From a macroscopic perspective, Korean port cities' unprecedented spatial changes were deeply related to Korea's incorporation process into the capitalist world-system and direct Japanese rule from 1910. This study uses two conceptual categories (the underdeveloped colonial city and the modernized colonial city) to explain the massive urban transformations of four Korean port cities. Because Korea's incorporation into the world economic system has gained relatively little attention, this paper contributes to filling this gap in the literature. Furthermore, it allows us to explore the macro geopolitical and geo-economic changes in port cities via a microscopic perspective.

A predatory gastropod as the potential biological control agent of the Korean invasive mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819)

The classical biological control, which is the intentional introduction of exotic species to manage the biological invasion, is the standard measure if the human-mediated management is no longer effective. This method, however, involves a latent risk that the introduced exotic species brings about the nontarget effect on indigenous native species. Applying the native natural predator is the best alternative to control the invasive alien species without the substantial change into the ecosystem of the area invaded. Here, we introduced an indigenous Korean muricid gastropod Reishia bronni (Dunker, 1860), a potential natural predator of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819), a well-known invasive alien species successfully settled down in Korea. In the biomonitoring survey on the Korean ports of the east coast between 2007 and 2011, we have observed the spread of R. bronni within the Mytilus galloprovincialis community. The observed decrease of the mussel density around the gastropod assemblage led us to the idea that R. bronni is the natural predator of M. galloprovincialis . In order to clarify such a predator-prey interaction between both species, we performed a field observation from two Korean ports in August 2012, keeping R. bronni and M. galloprovincialis individuals together into the cages for 18 days. Then, we counted the number of latter ones consumed and estimated the average time spent feeding per individual of R. bronni . We observed the positions of the drill holes made on the consumed shells by it. Our results showed that R. bronni is the active natural predator of M. galloprovincialis with the high feeding intensity and the unique foraging behavior targeting the lateral margin of the shell, so-called “Marginal drilling”. Therefore, we could suggest the possibility that R. bronni can be applied to control the mass spread of M. galloprovincialis .

System dynamics-based prediction of North Korean port volumes

The purpose of this study is to predict North Korea's cargo volume per port, per item, using system dynamics. The products of which expected volumes are predicted include iron ore, oil, grain, cement, sand, coal, other ores, miscellaneous goods, and containers. We further distribute the forecasted value of each item among the different North Korean ports based on inputs obtained during expert interviews. The selected ports are the nine trading ports of North Korea, namely, Najin, Chongjin, Nampo, Rajin-Seonbong, Songnim, Haeju, Hungnam, Wonsan, and Dancheon. Herein, the authors assume and predict the complete economic reopening of North Korea. Based on the forecast outcomes, Nampo Port handles the largest cargo volume among North Korean ports, which is expected to amount to 113,217 thousand tons by 2050. Chongjin Port is revealed as the second largest in terms of throughput, and is predicted to handle 47,525 thousand tons of cargo by 2050. On the same terms, Najin Port is deemed the third largest and is predicted to handle 37,816 thousand tons of cargo by 2050. Containers (72,454 thousand tons) and cement (45,897 thousand tons) rank first and second among the items of which the largest volumes are expected to be handled by North Korean ports, by 2050. These findings provide insight into North Korean port development potential and indicate prospects for inter-Korean cooperation, following North Korea’s economic reopening.

A Study on Under Keel Clearance of Gadeok Channel for the Safety Passage of Mega Container Ship

The worldwide sizes of container ships are rapidly increasing. The container ship size in 2005, which was about 9,200 TEU has increased to 24,000 TEU in recent times. In addition to the increase in the sizes of the container ships, the arrivals/departures of large container vessels to/from Korea have also increased. Hence, the necessity for reviewing safe passage of such vessels is emphasized. In the present study, a 24,000 TEU container vessel was used as a model ship to calculate the under-keel clearance (UKC) at Gadeok Channel through which vessels must pass to arrive at Busan New Port, in accordance with the Korean Port and Fishing Port Design Standards and Commentary. In addition, the maximum allowable speed that meets UKC standards was calculated using various squat formulas, whose results were then compared with the current speed limit standards. The analysis results show that Busan New Port requires 10% marginal water depth, and the squat that meets this requirement is 0.95 m. Gadeok Channel requires 15% marginal water depth, and the squat that meets this requirement is 1.78 m; in this case, the maximum allowable speed is calculated as 15 kts. Busan New Port has set the speed limit as 12 kts, which is higher than the calculated 11 kts. Thus, speed limit reconsideration is required in terms of safety. However, the set speed limit for Gadeok Channel is 12 kts, which is lower than the calculated 15 kts. Thus, additional considerations may be provided to increase the speed limits for smooth navigational passage of vessels. The present study, however, is constrained by the fact that it reflects only a limited number of elements in the UKC and allowable speed calculations; therefore, more accurate UKC and safe speed values can be suggested based on extended studies to this research.

The Framework for Measuring Port Resilience in Korean Port Case

Port resilience has become a crucial topic to achieve port sustainability. To assist ports to successfully develop policies to improve resilience, this study aims to develop a framework for measuring port resilience. This paper conceptualizes the framework to assess port resilience based on relevant literature by conducting exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using 199 samples collected from port stakeholders in South Korea. As a result, it is validated that the framework is a multi-hierarchical structure based on nine factors, i.e., robustness, redundancy, visibility, flexibility, collaboration, agility, information sharing, response, and recovery. Our findings would serve as a theoretical footstep for further studies on the relations between port resilience and sustainability and also contribute to implement policies to strengthen port resilience.

The best practices of port sustainable development: a case study in Korea

ABSTRACT This paper aims to examine the main practices that shape sustainable port development in the context of Korean ports and generalize a typology of port–stakeholder decision framework for sustainable port development. First, the main practices of sustainable port development were examined through a comprehensive literature review and a holistic conceptual framework underpinned by sustainable development and stakeholder management theories. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with 67 port managers in Korea. Lastly, FAHP was performed based on inputs from 18 port managers to analyze the priorities of the proposed sustainable port development practices. It was found that all proposed practices should be used for evaluating sustainable port development. It was also indicated that Optimized Operation Planning is the most important factor while Internal Environment Management is the least important factor perceived by Korean port managers. A typology of port–stakeholder framework for sustainable development was also generalized to assist port managers in making phased investment decisions. This research contributes to theory building by empirically identifying and validating the sustainable port development practices considering all three aspects of sustainability. It has also generalized a typology of port–stakeholder framework for sustainable development which can be used as a guideline for sustainable development decisions.

Application and Verification of Liquefaction Potential Index in Liquefaction Potential Assessment of Korean Port and Harbor

Application and Verification of Liquefaction Potential Index in Liquefaction Potential Assessment of Korean Port and Harbor

Effects of a Vessel Speed Reduction Program on Air Quality in Port Areas: Focusing on the Big Three Ports in South Korea

As the seriousness of air pollution from ports and ships is recognized, the Korean Port Authority is implementing many policies and instruments to reduce air pollution in port areas. This study aims to verify the effects of the vessel speed reduction (VSR) program among the procedures related to air pollution in port areas. This study was conducted using panel data created by combining ship entry and departure data and air quality measurement data. We measured the changes in air quality according to the entry and departure of ships and examined whether it changes due to the VSR program. For estimation, the panel fixed-effect model and the ordinary least squares (OLS) model were used. The results suggest that the VSR program had a positive effect on improving air quality in port areas. However, the VSR program’s effects were different over ports. Busan Port showed the highest policy effect, and Incheon Port showed a relatively low policy effect. Based on the results of this study, to maximize the VSR program’s effectiveness at the port, it is necessary to implement other eco-friendly policies as well.

Surveillance for Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South Korea

AbstractThe Animal and Plant Quarantine Service, South Korea, developed a specific plan for Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), the fall armyworm, in 2019 to implement the surveillance for early detection for this pest. The fall armyworm surveillance program involved seasonal monitoring of the pest with pheromone traps placed into fields of cereal crops at high‐risk locations. In 2019, the trapping season ran from early spring to late autumn, with a total deployment of 140 traps. During the season, a total of 10 male adults were captured in these surveillance traps placed in South Korea and it has since been eradicated from these localities. Additionally, the fall armyworm was intercepted 12 times on asparagus from Peru and Thailand at South Korean ports of entry.

우리나라 항만 인센티브제도 개선방안 연구

세계 주요 허브항만이 되기 위한 각국의 치열한 항만 물동량 싸움에서 한국이 동북아시아 및 글로벌 물류 중심기지로 발돋움하기 위해 현실적이며 효율적인 정책 필요성이 강력히 요구된다. 본 연구의 목적은 동북아시아 물류 중심기지화를 위한 우리나라 항만들의 경쟁력 확보정책의 일환인 항만 인센티브제도를 비교ㆍ분석하고 이를 이용자가 느끼는 서비스품질의 중요도와 성취도를 비교 분석함으로써 항만의 경쟁력제고를 위한 항만지원방안을 모색하고자 하는데 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 우리나라 항만의 인센티브제도 개선방향에 대해 연구 및 이용자 및 전문가를 대상으로 한 설문을 바탕으로 IPA분석을 실시해 보았다. 결과적으로 신규 기항선사 및 수출화주, 수입화주에 대한 인센티브 지급과 합리적인 인센티브 부여 기준마련에 대한 요인은 유지 관리해야 한다고 나타났다. 인센티브 청구절차의 간소화, 전산화, 터미널 운영사 인센티브 및 기존 인센티브외 부가적 인센티브 부여는 개선대상영역으로 나타났으며, 이는 정책을 결정하는 기관에서 제도개선을 위한 의견수렴과 이용자들의 관심을 높이도록 고려해야 할 것이다. 중점개선 영역 요인은 기존기항 선사에 대한 인센티브 제공이며, 이는 기존기항 선사들에 대한 인센티브 제공기준을 재검토하여 좀 더 체계적이며 효율적인 정책으로 적극적인 관리가 필요하다고 볼 수 있다.

Association Modeling on Keyword and Abstract Data in Korean Port Research

Association Modeling on Keyword and Abstract Data in Korean Port Research