Mooring operations are essential to safe and efficient port operations, yet they have traditionally been carried out under fragmented management structures and inconsistent safety practices. At Busan Port, mooring workers often operated within terminal facilities without being fully integrated into terminal safety management systems. The sector is also characterized by an aging workforce, small-scale service providers, and the absence of standardized operational procedures, creating significant safety challenges. Following two fatal mooring accidents in 2025, Busan Port Authority (BPA) recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
To address these issues, BPA led the development of the Busan Port Mooring Safety Management System, the first integrated framework of its kind in Korea. The project began with a comprehensive survey of all mooring service providers and field operations, followed by the development of standardized work procedures, safety guidelines, and minimum staffing requirements. BPA also established Korea’s first dedicated hands-on training facility for mooring workers and introduced practical safety education programs. In addition, a Port Safety Consultative Body was created to bring together government agencies, terminal operators, industry associations, and labor representatives for continuous monitoring and improvement.
The project has delivered measurable results by strengthening safety management capacity, standardizing operational practices, and creating an integrated safety governance framework that connects policy, institutions, and field operations. The initiative has also generated recommendations for legislative and institutional improvements, including stronger registration requirements and the incorporation of mooring safety standards into national regulations. As a result, the Busan model has been adopted by the Korean government as a best practice for port safety and is being promoted nationwide. The project demonstrates innovation, stakeholder collaboration, scalability, and tangible safety impact, providing a replicable model for ports seeking to enhance occupational safety and operational resilience.