Busan Port to Install 'AI Brain' Beyond Automation

Busan Port is undergoing a major transformation from an "automated port" to an "artificial intelligence (AI) port" that judges and operates autonomously. In line with the government's strategy to "become a top-3 AI powerhouse," the blueprint aims to integrate AI across all port and logistics operations, boost container terminal productivity by 30% by 2030, and achieve zero fatalities. The plan goes beyond simple technology adoption to include completing a Korean-style automated terminal for export to overseas markets.

According to Busan Port Authority (BPA) on the 18th, the organization recently established the "Busan Port AX (AI Transformation) Implementation Plan" and began full-scale execution. This plan is the first comprehensive AI roadmap in Korea's port sector, incorporating policies reflected in government ministry work reports and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries public institution reports, along with opinions from the port and logistics industry and research institutions. The vision is a "future-oriented hyper-connected AI port."

The starting point of this AX initiative is "technological self-reliance." In July last year, BPA established a Digital AI Division through organizational restructuring and formed an AI Implementation Task Force headed by the Executive Vice President, consolidating company-wide capabilities. The authority also signed business agreements with Korea Institute of Robot Industry Advancement, Naver Cloud, and Hyundai Motor Company to specify directions for physical AI applications.

The core objective is completing an AI-based Korean-style automated terminal. Korean-made container cranes and transfer cranes will be introduced at the New Port West Container Terminal phases 2-6, with an Equipment Control System (ECS) built for integrated control to secure sovereignty over equipment and operational data. An AI agent will autonomously determine optimal container stacking positions, with a digital twin system added to pre-verify operational scenarios. Once autonomous yard trucks and rail-based tram shuttles are introduced, internal port transportation will shift to a structure operating without human intervention.

This represents evolution beyond simple automation to a "port with a brain." The strategy is to design equipment, systems, and data with Korean technology, add AI, and create a model that can be exported as a complete package to global markets.

Logistics flows will also be redesigned. The integrated mobile platform "All-Con e," used by 17,000 truck drivers, will be equipped with voice-interactive AI to automate complaint handling and import/export procedures. AI-based reservation and visit time recommendation features reflecting port congestion conditions will reduce gate bottlenecks.

The maritime domain's "Port-i" will also be enhanced. Ship and cargo data will be analyzed in real-time to detect transshipment anomalies, with AI recommending alternative vessels when problems occur. Combined with vessel arrival time prediction and berth simulation functions, the plan aims to minimize uncertainty in berth operations. A Korean-style vessel port call optimization (K-PCO) system linking data with major global ports is also being pursued, with the goal of making Busan Port a testbed for international logistics standards. A BPA official explained, "This essentially creates a 'port logistics AI expressway' that connects land, sea, and internal port operations into a single data network."

Another pillar of AX is safety. BPA will introduce a 365-day real-time safety monitoring system with the goal of an "AI-protected zero-accident port." AI will analyze on-site footage to predict collision risks in advance and immediately warn of dangerous situations between trucks, equipment, and workers.

High-fall-risk tasks such as container securing work and refrigerated container management will be expanded to unmanned operations performed by robots. A predictive maintenance system that automatically analyzes crane wire rope defects and technology that simulates container toppling risks during strong winds are also planned for field application. This is evaluated as a structural transformation to a "port where people don't enter dangerous work areas."

Public infrastructure serving as the foundation for AI transformation will also be expanded on a large scale. BPA plans to build high-performance AI servers (GPU farms) and data centers that port operators and logistics companies can jointly use, creating an environment where small and medium logistics companies can also utilize AI. Internally, specialized chatbots for port construction and safety, along with AI personal assistants (Agents), will be introduced to enhance administrative productivity.

If BPA's plan is completed without disruption by 2030, AI is expected to become a "strategic asset" that determines competitiveness rather than merely a supplementary tool for ports. The total project cost for 38 detailed tasks is 892.1 billion won. Of this, BPA will invest 435.1 billion won. AI infrastructure projects with strong public interest will be pursued in phases through consultation with the government and related agencies.

BPA President Song Sang-geun said, "Busan Port AX will become a core driver in the port and logistics sector for Korea's leap to becoming a top-3 AI powerhouse," adding, "We will establish ourselves as a 'first mover' in the global port market by combining operational experience with AI technology."