New car ferry service confirmed in 9th Korea China maritime agreement

In the 9th Korea China maritime agreement held in Qingdao on September 19-20, officials in the Korea and China maritime policy bureau agreed to launch new car ferry trades between Inchon and Qinhuangdao, and between Pyoungtaek and Rizhao.

They first agreed to allow Inchon and Shidao, and Inchon and Yingkou car ferry trades, leaving the exact opening times of the car ferry trades for the next bilateral maritime council. In the meeting, officials agreed to allow one more car ferry vessel to be deployed in Inchon and Qingdao.

During the meeting, the Korean government requested that container vessels be allowed in the trade as soon as possible because of heavy logistic costs in Seoul Metropolitan areas. However, the Chinese government was more reserved on the topic. They stated that car ferry trades have contributed much to the traffic of passengers and cargoes between the two countries.

At first, the trade will focus on stability and keeping pace with market liberalization and the opening of the global shipping industry.

They also concluded that they need to empower the Yellow Sea Liner's Committee to run trade stably, to build a Chinese branch office within the year, and to fully support its activities.