Gwangyang City Seeks Operators for 'Gwangyang Port–Japan' International Car Ferry Route

Applications accepted until September 3

Full support for selected operators in infrastructure and administration

Gwangyang City, Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan City, announced on August 26 that it is publicly recruiting operators to launch a regular international car ferry route connecting Gwangyang Port and Japan, leveraging the logistics infrastructure of the Gwangyang Bay hinterland industrial complex and the marine tourism resources of the southern coast.

This international car ferry route establishment project is being pursued as a key initiative of the municipal administration’s ninth term, reflecting local residents’ desire to promote Gwangyang Port and boost marine tourism. The new route, linking Gwangyang Port and Japan, aims to operate an international car ferry capable of carrying both passengers and cargo.

A view of the Gwangyang City Hall building.

Eligible applicants are shipping companies qualified under relevant laws such as the Shipping Act to obtain a license for international regular passenger transport, or those with sufficient operational capability, who seek to open a regular route starting from Gwangyang Port.

Shipping companies wishing to participate must submit a letter of intent, a company profile and route proposal, documentation verifying vessel acquisition, and other required materials to the Steel and Port Division of Gwangyang City in person, by mail, or by email by September 3 (Thursday).

The city will comprehensively evaluate route proposals and business plans to select a "priority partner shipping company." After selection, the city will proceed with the concrete administrative procedures necessary to open the route. The chosen operator will receive support including access to port infrastructure such as the Gwangyang Port International Passenger Terminal, facilitation of administrative coordination with relevant agencies such as CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine), cooperation in attracting hinterland cargo and passengers, and the operation of a dedicated administrative support desk for the shipping company.

In particular, the city will conduct diverse promotional activities targeting the Korea Shipowners' Association, the Korea Shipping Association, and maritime passenger transport operators to proactively identify "outstanding shipping companies" with stable operational capabilities. Based on these efforts, the city aims to actively persuade relevant agencies and foster smooth administrative cooperation.

Park Sunghyun, Mayor of Gwangyang, stated, "The opening of this international car ferry route is more than simply launching a ferry; it will serve as a turning point, developing Gwangyang Port into a key hub for marine tourism on the southern coast and for global logistics. We look forward to competitive shipping companies participating and opening new avenues for Korea–Japan maritime logistics and tourism."

Previously, on August 21, the city held a meeting with relevant organizations to discuss administrative support measures for establishing the car ferry route. Going forward, Gwangyang City plans to continue building collaborative systems with related agencies in line with the recruitment of shipping operators.

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