South Korea has unveiled a national strategy to develop Physical AI ports, with Gwangyang Port to serve as a technology testbed and Jinhae New Port to become the country’s flagship AI-enabled port.
Announced by the country’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT, the strategy aims to introduce AI across port operations, allowing equipment to operate autonomously while optimising cargo handling and logistics.
The programme targets a 30% increase in port productivity by 2035, while also seeking to secure a 10% share of the global port equipment market.
Initial development will focus on autonomous cargo handling equipment, including cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), together with remote and unmanned systems for tasks such as container twist-lock handling and mooring operations.
The strategy additionally includes development of AI-based port operating systems capable of analysing overall port conditions and optimising workflows in real time, supported by an expanded data platform and a proposed Advanced Port Technology Institute at Gwangyang Port.
Jinhae New Port will become the primary deployment site for the technology, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2032. The government estimates this phase alone will create a KRW2.5 trillion (approx. US$1.7 billion) market for AI-enabled port technologies, including autonomous cargo handling equipment and AI operating systems.
The programme features plans to integrate real-time data across sea, land and air logistics, establish AI data centres in port hinterlands, expand the use of autonomous mobile robots in logistics facilities, and create an AI transformation cluster linking manufacturing, ports and logistics.
To support commercialisation, the government plans to establish an AI transformation support platform, develop certification frameworks, update port technology legislation and promote overseas exports of Korean-developed Physical AI port technologies.
“With no clear global frontrunner yet in the Physical AI port space, South Korea – holding strong advantages in both manufacturing and AI – has a golden opportunity to claim early leadership in technology and market share,” said Hwang Jong-Woo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (translated from Korean).
