zoomImage Courtesy: BNCT

Busan New Container Terminal (BNCT) in South Korea crossed the five million TEU mark on April 27, in less than five years after its first vessel call in February 2012.

BCNT saw an increase in volumes by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, the port figures show.

The increase comes following the recent upgrade works as the terminal completed its phase 2 expansion in 2015, which added 700,000 TEU capacity and a 16,000 TEU empty storage area for a new total handling capacity of 2.5 million TEU.

With further expansion possible to over 3.5 million TEU in the future, BNCT says it is the only terminal able to construct additional capacity in the Busan New Port until 2020.

“Operating the first vertical layout terminal in Asia is not an easy accomplishment since the port industry in Korea had no experience with this type of terminal before. Nevertheless, BNCT achieved remarkable growth and reliable operations,” WM Lee, Branch Manager Director of CMA CGM points out.

“BNCT was a big deal in this industry when it opened due to its unique operation system but we have overcome the challenges together and have improved productivity consistently,” Ki Jeong, one of BNTC QC operators said.

The terminal is the 1st vertical-automated yard structured terminal in South Korea with a capacity of 2.5 million TEU.

The construction of Busan New Port began in 1995 and is expected to be completed in 2020. Currently, the port operates 23 container berths, with 45 planned berths in total. The redeveloped and mega-sized Busan Port will have an annual capacity exceeding 15.84 million TEU.