Pohang City commissions a study to enhance Yeongilman Port as an Arctic shipping hub, aligning with national maritime strategies and global trends.
South Korea's Pohang City has commissioned a study to develop Yeongilman Port into a specialised hub for Arctic shipping, reflecting how Northern Sea Route ambitions are shaping local and national maritime policy, reports Norway's High North News.
Pohang officials stated that the study aims to strengthen Yeongilman Port's competitiveness as the government prepares for pilot operations along Russia's Northern Sea Route later this year. This project follows the passage of the Arctic Shipping Route Special Act and plans for a trial voyage in the second half of 2026.
The 'Yeongilman Port Arctic Shipping Route Specialised Port Master Plan' will examine global Arctic shipping trends, identify functions for the port, assess demand, and recommend infrastructure improvements. It will also analyse cargo flows from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region via rail and the planned new airport, while expanding cooperation with Arctic countries.
The study is designed to align with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' national port development strategy and support Yeongilman's inclusion in higher-level planning, including the Arctic Shipping Route basic plan and South Korea's Fifth National Port Master Plan.
Local officials indicated that the project could reposition Yeongilman Port to serve new industries such as batteries and hydrogen, while boosting competitiveness in international logistics. The contract is valued at about KRW300 million (US$220,000) and will run for 10 months.
This initiative reflects South Korea's broader Arctic strategy, with Busan already selected for a 3,000-TEU trial voyage to Rotterdam and municipal authorities expanding cooperation with Arctic ports such as Tromso in Norway. Officials hope that Arctic shipping will strengthen Asia-Europe trade and revitalise both major and smaller ports.
