부산항의 글로벌 경쟁력 제고를 위한 컨테이너 터미널운영사 재구성에 관한 연구

Abstract

This paper is highly motivated to restructure terminal operator mix in Busan port in order to make it more competitive and sustainable as global hub port amid of fierce global competition. Among selective measurements worth of substantial consideration in strengthening global competitiveness of Busan port as T/S port, this paper clearly spells out the necessities to restructure current mix of terminal operator to which government’s non-strategic approaches yet are attributed in carrying out port administration policies.

In general, 5 types of entities are engaged in operation of container terminal: Port Authority(PAO), Global Terminal Operator(GTO), Regional operator(RO), Global Carrier(CO, Hybrid Operator) and Financial Operator(FO). Whereas, the Governments and Port Authorities are importantly demanded in all circumstances to appoint the most suitable parties among 5 aforementioned entities as operator or developer of terminal ahead of commencing port development in order to ensure the operational efficiencies and sustainability of ports.

It is imperative, therefore, that systematic and strategic policy making processes in drawing the picture of port development and operation should be implemented from the phase of planning, however, broadly speaking, most of the Port Authorities much rather tend to put the ‘situational decision’ than to practise those critical ‘strategic processes’ to say nothing of Busan port to very large extent.

From the analysis, therefore, that Busan Port, as the 3rd busiest transshipment port in the world, does not structure optimal mix of terminal operators, this paper aims to suggest optimal operators mix in Busan port most importantly in order to ensure sustainable status as the Northeast Asia gate port.

In the comparison with foreign leading ports such as Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Long Beach and Hamburg who are having similarities in the scale of port and type of handling cargo, Busan Port is found to have several striking differences from them which appears to lower the competitiveness of Busan port in spite of its potential strengths.

To explore the most competitive mix of operator in Busan port, four inherently discriminating features of Busan port, Geographical superiority, High proportion of T/S cargo, Two port System by North Port and New Port, Low level of terminal handling charges are pointed out, then, most competitive terminal operator mix is proposed thereto in the end.

Through the research, it is proved that Busan port needs some corrective measurements in restructuring the terminal operator mix for the improvement of operational efficiency and these actions proposed herewith could be, at the same time, the conclusion of this paper.

Firstly, Global carriers should be placed at the key position in operating terminal while considering the type of handling cargo in Busan port.

Secondly, excessively multiple operators should be reduced and minimized through consolidation among operators in the efficient direction.

Thirdly, National carrier should secure own terminal independently or by allying with Global Terminal Operator or with leading Global carriers.

Fourthly, Financial Operator should sell their shares to Global carrier operators, who, then, may position as the key terminal operators in stead.

Finally, Busan Port Authority needs to execute higher influential leadership in the management of entire port of Busan by expanding shares in the operating corporates or by the regulatory backups from the government.

Once above measurements are to be implemented, feasible effects, whereupon, comprising T/S cargo volume increase, enhancement of operational efficiencies, national carriers’competitiveness regaining and Port Authority’s augmented leadership can be expected.

As methodology of this research, survey with experts in the industries comprising shipping companies, entire terminal operators in Busan and Port Authority is conducted. To draw more objective results, whereas, additional survey with highly experienced researchers in the national research institute is conducted as supplementation.

In the mean time, this paper may deserve high value and originality from the point of first approach in making efficient terminal operator mix, which, therefore, likely to provide policy maker in the government with insight how to ensure Busan port to have competitiveness and sustainability simply by refixing the type of

operators. Furthermore, the Authorities in the foreign countries who are planning to develop ports may take insightful references from this paper in selecting the operator and developer of the terminal in their countries.