The South Korean Busan Port, in order deal with Northeast Asia’s rapidly growing attractiveness as a cruise destination, is bringing a new facilities online this fall.
In September, the port will officially open a new cruise terminal to complement the current facility – Yeongdo Cruise Pier, opened in 2007 – to accommodate the trend for larger vessels.
This facility will take cruise ships up to 130,000t and has 360m of quay length with 12m of water depth. The new terminal facility is a six-story building with total area of 93,932 square meters.
BPA also announced further plans to extend this new facility by adding an additional 75 meter quay in order to accommodate vessels up to 200,000t. The extension will be operational by 2018.
In the interim, Gammam Pier – an existing container berth – will be made available for the larger cruise ships.
The cruise developments at Busan port are fully supported by the Korean government which has recently re-confirmed its commitment to developing the nation as a cruise hub and marine tourism destination.
Plans include constructing additional cruise terminals nationwide to enhance facilities from the current three terminals to nine by 2020. In addition, the government will support initiatives to promote the Korean cruise industry, attract more passengers and port calls and offer support to the domestic cruise industry, including state owned cruise carriers.