New direct route between Gwangyang and Japan

Sinokor Merchant Marine exchanged an agreement regarding opening a direct service connecting Gwangyang and Japanese ports with South Cheolla province and Gwangyang City on July 20.

Services connecting Gwangyang and Japanese ports by Sinokor Merchant Marine are already operated by Namsung Shipping, STX Panocean and Dongnama Shipping. This existing service operates through Pusan, so it takes over 5 days to connect Gwangyang and Kobe. But, the new service can finish the same route in 3 days because it operates a direct service between Hakada and Kobe starting in Gwangyang.

Sinokor Merchant Marine will invest a 1,200 ton feeder ship in this route, sailing from Gwangyang on every Wednesday and Sunday.

Gwangyang Port has pushed for opening Japan direct services since the port opened in 1999. But, there aren't any shipping companies that have shown interest in the operation because it is a new port. South Cheolla Province and Gwangyang City agreed to support the first period losses for opening a direct service to the shipping companies.

The two regional self-governments will support a maximum of 2.73 billion won for 3 years if shipping companies operate at a loss in the direct service. The subsidy will be supported by a 7:3 proportion from South Cheolla Province and Gwangyang City.