• The Incheon Port Authority (www.icpa.or.kr) announced on the 16th that President Lee Kyung-Gyu signed a strategic business agreement with Shandong Port Group General Manager Li Fengli in Qingdao, China, with the aim of fostering friendly cooperation between the two ports and revitalizing cruise and car ferry passenger activities.

   

• The Shandong Port Group, established in 2019, is the primary operator of the Qingdao, Rizhao, Yantai, and Bohai ports. It has recently resumed operations at the Qingdao International Cruise Homeport after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group is actively promoting marine tourism, including international car ferries and cruises.

• By signing the agreement, both ports have committed to closely collaborate on various aspects of port management, including ▴Port Construction, ▴Operational Development, ▴Technological Innovation, ▴New Technology Operation in the Port Management Sector, ▴Opening of New Cruise Routes, and ▴ Operations and Management of Cruise Homeport

• President Lee conducted an inspection of the Qingdao International Cruise Homeport, a key cruise home port in China, and engaged in detailed discussions with the Shandong Province Cruise Culture Passenger Group, and the Qingdao Port Authority, among others. These discussions included market analysis for route operation and the review of port call schedules.

• In addition, Incheon Port was highlighted as an optimal destination for cruise travel, boasting the largest cruise dock facility in Korea, a strategically advantageous location for Fly&Cruise* due to its proximity to the international airport, and the diverse array of tourist attractions, including immersive local cultural experiences.

* Fly&Cruise: A product that connects an aircraft and a cruise ship, allowing passengers arriving through the airport to board the cruise ship

• President Lee Kyung-Gyu of the Incheon Port Authority expressed “This year holds special significance, marking the return of a cruise ship to Incheon Port after a three-year hiatus due to the challenges posed by COVID-19.” He further stated, “Through this agreement, we anticipate the future expansion of cruise offerings between Korea and China. I look forward to the increased vibrancy of marine tourism.”

   

• In 2023, a total of 12 cruise ships, including 4 from China, entered Incheon Port and welcomed over 13,000 passengers.

   

   

※ Photo Caption (Attached)

= Capturing the moment of signing the strategic business agreement and taking a commemorative photo / Photo provided by the Incheon Port Authority