Let's Create a Busan-Shanghai Cruise Ferry... Panstar Group Consults with World’s Largest Port Operator

Chairman Kim Hyunkyum Speaks at APEC Side Event

Proposes Expansion of AI Logistics and Korea-China Maritime Network

Kim Hyunkyum, Chairman of Panstar Group, has begun working with Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), the world's largest port operator, to develop a new Busan-Shanghai cruise ferry route.

On July 27, Chairman Kim announced that during his recent visit to China, he held meetings with SIPG to discuss plans to establish a cruise ferry route operating twice a week between Busan and Shanghai.

The two sides confirmed that utilizing the Zhanghuabang Terminal, which is operated by SIPG, would enable stable arrivals and departures. If the new route is launched, it will reestablish a maritime passenger service connecting Busan and China, where currently there is no passenger route.

Fanstar Group Chairman Hyun-Kyem Kim was invited as a speaker at the APEC China side event held on the afternoon of the 25th in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, where he presented on the case of AI transformation in the shipping and logistics industry.
[Image source: Fanstar Group]

Panstar plans to carry out the development of the new route through its affiliate, Panstar Enterprise.

Chairman Kim also participated as a panel speaker at the 2026 APEC side event, "The Role of Data and AI in Accelerating Industrial Transformation," held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

At the event, he introduced Panstar’s cases of AI transformation (AX), presenting its operating system that applies AI to the entire logistics process and cases of building logistics-focused AI agents.

He also proposed several collaborative initiatives with Sichuan Province, including establishing an integrated transport network connecting Chengdu and the Port of Busan, developing a shared platform for cargo and customs clearance data, and jointly developing regular routes between Korea and Japan utilizing Busan’s transshipment capabilities.

During his stay in China, Chairman Kim met with senior executives of Sinotrans, China’s largest logistics company, to discuss ways to expand logistics cooperation, including creating a dedicated express delivery network connecting all the way to inland Sichuan.

Chairman Kim Hyunkyum stated, “I was able to showcase Panstar’s AI-driven logistics capabilities on the APEC stage,” and added, “Beginning with the Busan-Shanghai route discussions, we will continue to expand the maritime network connecting Busan and China.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.