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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

Ferry Service with Vehicle Transport to Baengnyeong Island to Launch in Early 2028

From Dong-A Ilbo · (14m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A new large ferry capable of carrying vehicles will be deployed on the Baengnyeong Island route by the first half of 2028.
  • The new 2600-ton vessel will accommodate 573 passengers and 50 vehicles, aiming to resolve inconveniences caused by the lack of vehicle transport.
  • The introduction of this ferry is expected to improve accessibility to Baengnyeong Island and reduce cancellations due to bad weather.

Residents of Baengnyeong Island, the northernmost island in the West Sea, have reason to celebrate as a new, large ferry service capable of transporting vehicles is set to commence operations by the first half of 2028. This development comes after a significant period of inconvenience following the suspension of vehicle transport services. The Ongjin County office has finalized a contract for the construction of this new large-capacity ferry, a move that promises to greatly enhance connectivity and the quality of life for islanders.

The new vessel, designed by the world-renowned naval architecture firm Incat Crowther, will be a 2600-ton class ship. It is designed to carry 573 passengers and 50 vehicles (based on 1.5-ton trucks), alongside 10 tons of cargo. Touted as a high-speed, eco-friendly vessel, it will operate at speeds of approximately 76 km/h, featuring a low center of gravity for enhanced stability and fuel efficiency. This represents a significant upgrade from the previous ferries, which could not accommodate vehicles, causing considerable disruption to the transport of essential goods and limiting tourism.

With the introduction of the new large ferry, vehicle transport will resume, and we expect fewer cancellations due to bad weather.

— Ongjin County OfficialAn official from Ongjin County expressing expectations for the new ferry service.

From our perspective, this is a crucial infrastructure development that directly addresses the long-standing needs of the Baengnyeong Island community. The previous ferry, 'Harmony Flower,' ceased operations in November 2022 due to age restrictions, leaving a void that smaller vessels could not fill. The return of a vehicle-carrying ferry is not just about convenience; it's about revitalizing the local economy, ensuring a stable supply of goods, and improving the overall living conditions for residents. Furthermore, the improved stability and efficiency of the new ship are expected to reduce the frequency of cancellations caused by adverse weather conditions, making travel to and from the island more reliable. This project underscores the government's commitment to improving access to remote areas and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, benefit from modern transportation infrastructure.

It will also help improve accessibility to Baengnyeong Island and its living conditions.

— Ongjin County OfficialAn official from Ongjin County highlighting the broader benefits of the new ferry.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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