Busan Port Authority – Unified Strategy for Safety, Health & Resilience

Busan Port Authority (BPA) has implemented a comprehensive strategy to enhance port safety, worker health, and disaster resilience. As Korea’s busiest port and the world’s second-largest transshipment hub, Busan faces increasing risks from automation, climate change, and operational complexity. To address these challenges, BPA committed to closing safety gaps, modernizing its systems with smart technologies, improving worker well-being, and building disaster response capacity through collaborative governance.

In terms of safety management, BPA established Korea’s first Port Safety Experience Center, providing immersive VR and real-life training to over 700 frontline workers. It also introduced AI-powered systems to prevent accidents involving cranes and yard tractors, resulting in a 37% reduction in workplace accidents.

On the health front, BPA implemented tailored programs focused on preventing heat-related illnesses, supporting mental health, and managing musculoskeletal disorders—earning national recognition for excellence in workplace health.

In disaster management, BPA cut facility recovery times in half to just 2.00 days, ensured zero incidents during Korea’s first simultaneous LNG bunkering and cargo handling operations, and facilitated real-time coordination through five joint emergency response councils.

In 2024, these efforts led to measurable improvements: zero fatalities, a 33% reduction in port-related accidents, and a 76% decrease in disaster-related property damage. BPA received top national ratings in safety, disaster preparedness, and occupational health, reinforcing its leadership as a sustainable and resilient port authority committed to protecting both people and operations.