Busan Port Authority (BPA) has launched a review of joint research outcomes between Korea and the United Kingdom aimed at advancing port operations using artificial intelligence (AI). The digital transformation strategy, which seeks to enhance both vessel safety and port efficiency through collaboration with global research institutions, is gaining momentum.
BPA said it will hold a three-day workshop from Wednesday through Friday in Busan's Gijang area and across Busan Port to share the results of the international joint research project, "AI-Based Digital Platform and Service Development." The event is designed to review the interim results of the research initiative being jointly pursued by Korea and the UK, and to discuss the future direction of technology development.
Since November 2024, BPA has been participating in the "AI-PASSPORT" project, an international cooperation initiative supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology. The project focuses on developing an AI-based digital platform and services to simultaneously enhance the safety and operational efficiency of vessels and ports.
A total of 25 officials from 11 domestic and overseas institutions are participating, including lead organizer Kenit, BPA, Sejong University, Hanwha Ocean, UK-based Lloyd's Register and the University of Liverpool.
The workshop is divided into phased risk assessments, research outcome sharing and on-site inspections. Key agenda items include measures to improve vessel and port operational efficiency using AI, demonstrations of a real-time information-sharing platform and commercialization strategies. On the final day, participants will visit Hanwha Ocean's Geoje site and Busan Port, where the research findings are slated for application, to assess feasibility.
The AI-PASSPORT project, which focuses on deriving optimal shipping routes based on real-time data, monitoring emissions and supporting autonomous navigation, will run for two years through October of this year.
"This workshop will serve as a stepping stone to further advance Busan Port's AI technology capabilities," BPA President Song Sang-keun said. "We will continue to strengthen global port competitiveness by securing maritime safety and dramatically improving port operational efficiency."
