The introduction of a large passenger ship in Baengnyeong Island...Direct construction plan implementation

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The project to introduce and operate a large passenger ship that can load vehicles on Baengnyeong Island, the northernmost island in the West Sea, is struggling.

In the end, the Incheon Metropolitan Government decided to pursue a plan to secure state funds and build them directly while continuing the business competition.

Reporter Kang Tae-wook reports.

[Reporter]
Incheon Coast Pier Passenger Terminal.

Passengers leave the terminal and board the ship to the 5th West Sea.

Among them, two ferries travel to and from Baengnyeong Island.

The 1,600-ton Korea Pride and 534-ton Korea Princess have departed from Incheon and Baengnyeong Island, respectively.

However, due to the small size of the ship, it is impossible to mount a vehicle, causing inconvenience to residents.

This is because you can load a vehicle on a cargo ship, but it takes more than twice as long to operate as a passenger ship.

Therefore, Incheon City has been preparing for the 2,000-ton Harmony Flower, which can carry vehicles, by recruiting private shipping companies in May last year when the age of the ship expires.

However, the introduction of large passenger ships is being disrupted as the preferred bidder eventually gave up the business.

As a result, the Incheon Metropolitan Government has decided to pursue a plan to secure state funds and build ships directly.

[Kim Seon-gu / Head of Incheon Special Support Group: We have considered building it ourselves to secure the right to move and resolve inconvenience for residents of the five islands, and are taking preliminary administrative procedures accordingly.]

Administrative procedures and shipbuilding take approximately five years.

Therefore, Incheon City aims to launch the service around 2030.

As inconvenience to residents for years is inevitable, Incheon City plans to invite private shipping companies at the same time.

I'm Kang Taewook of YTN.