In a historic milestone for Jeju’s maritime trade, the island has welcomed its first international commercial vessel in 57 years. The new Jeju–Qingdao regular container service is expected to significantly cut logistics costs and transport time, boosting the export-import competitiveness of local businesses.
Historic Return of International Trade to Jeju Port
On October 18, Jeju Province held the First Berth Ceremony of the Jeju–Qingdao Regular Container Ship at Jeju Port International Passenger Terminal. The inaugural vessel, the SMC Ruzhao, carried around 40 TEU of imported goods, including pet chips and machinery, while 10 TEU of exports such as processed seafood and Samdasu mineral water will head to China.
The SMC Ruzhao is 118 meters long, 20.8 meters wide, and has a capacity of 712 TEU, including 109 refrigerated outlets for temperature-sensitive cargo.
Major Savings in Cost and Time
This new shipping lane is Jeju’s first regular international route since the port was designated a trade port in 1968. It was approved by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries earlier this year and will operate weekly departing Qingdao on Mondays, arriving in Jeju on Wednesdays, and returning to Qingdao on Saturdays.
Direct shipping will drastically reduce logistics expenses. Costs per TEU, previously 2.04 million KRW via Busan, will drop to 770,000 KRW a 62% reduction. Transport times will also shorten by at least two days.
Economic and Strategic Benefits for Jeju
The new route enables direct import of construction materials from China and export of Jeju’s mineral water and cosmetics, bypassing other ports like Incheon. It is also expected to create new jobs in port operations, bonded logistics, and vessel support services.
Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun called the development “a historic moment that revives Tamna’s maritime DNA,” emphasizing that the new service will strengthen Jeju’s connectivity with China and Southeast Asia. He added that the province aims to position Jeju Port as a key logistics hub in Northeast Asia, supported by the ongoing development of Jeju New Port.
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Source: THE CHOSUN DAILY
