BPA Shares Leading Cases of Port Digitalization at World Port Authority Representatives Meeting

[Financial News] Busan Port Authority (BPA) announced that it attended the '10th World Port Authority Representatives Meeting (PAR)' held in Osaka, Japan from the 9th to the 11th, and discussed cooperation measures to respond to the rapidly changing global environment and uncertainties with major ports.
PAR is a global major port authority council launched by the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority in 2015, and BPA is the only participant from Korea.
The meeting, held under the theme 'Navigating Together Through an Era of Uncertainty and Change - The Role of Future Ports', was attended by representatives from 20 major ports worldwide, including the host port Osaka, as well as Busan, Singapore, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and LA.
Representing Busan Port, BPA CEO Song Sang-geun presented on the theme 'Busan Port's Digital Transformation Strategy'.
CEO Song stated, "Busan Port is gradually pursuing the construction of a smart port," and introduced the Busan Port Chain Portal, selected as an excellent case of port community systems worldwide by the World Bank. 
He explained the main functions installed in the Chain Portal, such as the transshipment monitoring system (Port-i) that enhances connectivity between ships and cargo, the transshipment transportation system (TSS) that increases truck cargo transport efficiency, and the electronic receipt and delivery certificate that reduces safety accidents for truck drivers, emphasizing that Busan Port is simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and safety through digital transformation.
After the presentation, many port officials showed interest in the information linkage and stakeholder persuasion know-how during the Chain Portal construction process and continued to ask questions. 
At the meeting, participants shared digital innovation cases aiming to enhance port operation efficiency and safety using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and digital twins. They also agreed on the importance of retraining port personnel and nurturing professional talents to support such transitions. Additionally, as cyber threats emerge as a significant risk to port operations, the strengthening of preventive response capabilities was emphasized. 
BPA plans to officially participate in the Port Call Optimization (PCO) working group led by the Port of Rotterdam and actively expand digital-based international cooperation. 
CEO Song stated, "This meeting was a meaningful occasion for the global port industry to seek joint solutions to complex challenges faced in an era of upheaval and to establish the direction of cooperation," adding, "Based on the leading experience accumulated in the field of digital transformation, Busan Port will lead these international cooperation discussions and continue to make substantial contributions."

bsk730@fnnews.com Kwon Byung-seok Reporter