Korean ports handle over 800 million tons of cargo last year

National ports in Korea handled over 800 million tons of cargoes in 2000.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF), vessels through Korean port activity increased by about 6.9 percent, showing 161,593 units over a year earlier, and cargo capacities handled in ports nationwide surpassed 800 million tons for the first time, putting the amount at 846.73 million tons.

Among nationwide ports, the Port of Pusan emerged as the world's third largest container port in terms of cargo handling capacity. Export cargoes grew 3.9 percent to 153.05 million tons, and import cargoes increased by 10.1 percent to 423.77 million tons. Near-sea cargoes also posted gains of 10.1 percent, recording 269.90 million tons. Container cargoes also jumped 18.9 percent to 9.11 million TEU.

Port detention ratios decreased by around 18 percent, and even though vessel and cargo capacities increased, economic losses related to detentions shrank by 9 percent, or about 300 billion won.

Meanwhile, by port, vessels coming into Pusan grew by 5.5 percent, totaling 36,572 units last year. Inchon showed growth of 10.5 percent, recording 22,475 units, while the Port of Ulsan increased by 6.5 percent, recording 24,241 units. Kwangyang showed a 9.3 percent increase, recording 19,468 units. Vessels coming into Mokpo were up by 23.1 percent, totaling 9,061 vessels.