KSA calls for permission to use ocean-going container vessels between domestic ports

Korea Shipowners Association called on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to allow ocean-going container vessels to carry cleared outward cargoes or uncleared inward ones and empty containers between inter-Korean ports.

Under the current laws, out-going tramp ships are permitted to operate coastal transportation within 6 months and vice versa.

Customs laws also approve of uncleared import goods (or cleared export goods) being cleared at the final ports between Korean ports.

However, ocean-going liner ships are prohibited from carrying cargoes in domestic ports, leading to transshipments at other overseas ports, and extra costs. It also causes detentions, traffic jams, as well as extra costs in transferring to coastal ships in order to move from one domestic port to another.

Along with this situation, empty containers are exposed to many problems, not reaching their destinations on time under this restriction for approaching ocean-going liner ships.

The KSA called for shipping companies to be allowed to use their own vessels to carry cleared outward cargoes or uncleared inward cargoes, and empty containers between inter-Korean ports, hoping to possibly save time and money.