MOMAF Minister declares reforms for inefficient terminal operation

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF) minister, Lark-jung Choi made clear that he would reform inefficient terminal operations. Some terminals in Pusan have been divided into pieces and operated by individual companies.
Minister Choi held talks with terminal operating companies in Pusan Sept. 25 and requested four Gamman terminal operating companies consolidate their operations as a single company. Gamman terminal opened in April 1998 and has since been operated by four different companies, Global Enterprises, Hanjin Shipping, Hutchison, and Korea Express. This system has led to relatively lower efficiencies in the berth and container yard than at other terminals.
Minister Choi also pointed out similar problems at two conventional wharves, the third and the fourth wharf, and has requested the formation of a single operating company there.
Minister Choi said in a press conference Sept. 24 that operating companies would be from terminal operations after their contracts expire unless they form a single operating company consortium. The minister cited the problem of inefficiency in terminal operations as necessitating the situation.