Korea Ocean Business Corp. launches 220 billion won port logistics infrastructure fund

Korea Ocean Business Corp. is establishing a 220 billion won ($143 million) fund for long-term investment in domestic port and logistics infrastructure. The state-run maritime finance agency held a commitment ceremony for the "Domestic Port and Logistics Infrastructure Blind Fund" at the Westin Josun Busan hotel on Monday.

The fund is the first domestic port and logistics infrastructure-focused blind fund established since the agency's founding. By raising capital before identifying specific investment targets, the structure allows for swift and flexible deployment into promising projects as market conditions evolve.

The agency has until now focused primarily on financing individual projects such as logistics centers and port facilities. The launch of this fund is expected to expand efficient and rapid investment into key domestic logistics infrastructure, including port hinterland complexes, logistics facilities and cargo-handling equipment.

The fund has a total committed size of 223.1 billion won. Korea Ocean Business Corp. serves as the anchor limited partner, with BNK Busan Bank and Shinhan Bank participating as co-investors. Aegis Asset Management and Shinhan Asset Management will jointly manage the fund as co-general partners. The fund has a lifespan of 15 years.

Global supply chain restructuring, the spread of protectionism and rising geopolitical risks have heightened the importance of securing stable national logistics networks and supply chain competitiveness. Against that backdrop, the agency said it intends to act as a catalyst — drawing in private capital through its anchor investment as a policy finance institution.

"We expect this fund to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic port logistics infrastructure on the back of a long-term, stable capital supply structure, and to help revitalize a sluggish private investment market," an agency official said.