INCHEON - After dedicating 15 years to the advancement of Incheon Port, Lee Gwi-bok (78), the outgoing Chairman of the Incheon Port Development Council, will conclude his tenure at the end of this month. Born in Ganghwa and a proud alumnus of Jemulpo High School, Chairman Lee is a true Incheon native who has spent over 50 years connected to the sea, with the last three decades deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of Incheon Port.

Chairman Lee's extensive maritime career began after graduating from Korea Maritime University in 1972. For 23 years, he navigated the world's oceans as a ship's officer and captain. In 1995, he transitioned to the role of a harbor pilot, serving the Incheon Port Pilots' Association for two decades until 2015. His dedication to the port's progress further solidified in 2010 when he assumed the chairmanship of the Incheon Port Development Council.

Reflecting on his impactful tenure, Chairman Lee highlighted the pivotal achievement of advocating for a deeper draft during the Incheon New Port's development. "The initial plan for a 14-meter water depth would have only accommodated 6,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) vessels, primarily serving Southeast Asian routes," he explained. "For Incheon Port to attract larger 8,000 TEU ships traveling to and from the Americas and Europe, a minimum depth of 16 meters was essential." This crucial change, achieved through three years of persistent negotiations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and unified efforts with Incheon's civic groups and political circles, has demonstrably elevated Incheon Port's global competitiveness, now welcoming direct shipping lines to the United States.

Looking towards the future, Chairman Lee emphasized several key policy initiatives that his successor should prioritize. He strongly advocated for the designation of the Incheon Port hinterland as a Free Trade Zone to enhance logistics and attract foreign investment. Furthermore, he stressed the urgent need to extend Incheon Subway Line No. 1 to the New International Passenger Terminal, improving accessibility for both passengers and workers.

Chairman Lee also proposed the unique landscaping of the International Port Boulevard near the cruise terminal to create a distinctive and welcoming environment for future visitors. To further bolster Incheon's position as a cruise destination, he called for the establishment of a ship chandler center to support cruise vessels and potentially attract more homeporting operations.

Another significant aspiration for the Incheon community, according to Chairman Lee, is the establishment of a specialized maritime court in Incheon. He urged the regional society to unite in advocating for this, recognizing its importance for the port and the broader maritime industry. Finally, he underscored the necessity of developing robust tourism infrastructure to encourage cruise passengers arriving in Incheon to spend more time and contribute to the local economy. This could include enhanced shore excursion options, improved transportation links to city attractions, and the promotion of local cultural experiences.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Chairman Lee plans to focus more on his health while continuing to champion the rights and interests of Korean ship captains. "At my age, health management is paramount," he stated. "However, as the current representative of the Korea Ship Captains Forum, I intend to continue working to ensure that the voices of ship captains are heard within the maritime industry."

The Incheon Port Development Council stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in the region's maritime sector. Its diverse membership includes major shipping lines such as HMM (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine), Sinokor Merchant Marine, and Korea Line Corporation, as well as key cargo owners like SK Incheon Petrochemical and Doosan Infracore. Harbor stevedoring companies, port labor unions, and various port-related associations and organizations are also integral members. The council plays a vital role in proposing policy recommendations to the central government and advocating for their implementation in partnership with the broader Incheon community, all with the shared goal of fostering the continued growth and success of Incheon Port.

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