The South Korean government will invest 772.4 billion won (approximately $617 million) by 2029 to transform Gwangyang Port into a testbed for port automation, accelerating innovations in physical artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to achieve full automation of port operations, from loading equipment to operational systems.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on July 29 that a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Port Automation Testbed' will take place on July 30 at Gwangyang Port. The ceremony is expected to be attended by about 150 officials, including Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo, Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated City Deputy Mayor Hwang Gi-yeon, and Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority President Choi Kwan-ho.
To establish a fully automated container port, the ministry plans to invest 772.4 billion won in Gwangyang Port by 2029. This investment will include the introduction of AI technologies in domestic loading equipment, container transport systems, and port operational systems. The initiative aims to create a stable environment for the introduction of automated ports in South Korea and to develop the domestic port technology market.
The details of this initiative were also included in the 'Physical AI Port Strategy' announced on July 23. The strategy aims to establish Gwangyang Port as a demonstration hub for physical AI technologies and to proactively introduce related technologies.
According to the strategy, the Gwangyang Port testbed will be developed into a next-generation smart port equipped with AI technologies. Agentic AI technology for optimizing yard operations and AI systems for real-time analysis of cracks and subsidence in automated guided vehicle (AGV) routes will be prioritized.
HD Hyundai Samho, which is involved in the production of the dock cranes for this project, has successfully entered the overseas market based on its participation in this initiative. On July 26, it signed a supply contract for four port cranes with WUT, which operates the Port of Tacoma in the United States.
Minister Hwang Jong-woo stated, "The Gwangyang Port automation testbed will be an advanced port that enhances our country's export and import logistics competitiveness and will serve as a key hub for strengthening port technology competitiveness and leading the innovation of physical AI ports in South Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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