Busan council's Arctic route research group visits Panstar Acro vessel

The Arctic Route Future Industries Research Group, a lawmaker research body of the Busan Metropolitan Council, visited the Hanjin Busan Container Terminal on Wednesday to tour the Panstar Acro, the vessel that completed South Korea's first Arctic route trial voyage, and commend its crew, the council announced Thursday.

The visit was part of the group's research into ways to promote Arctic shipping routes and connect them to Busan's maritime logistics industry. Attending were Park Jong-cheol, the group's representative lawmaker from Gijang-gun District 1 and People Power Party floor leader of the Busan Metropolitan Council; Kim Jae-un, steering committee chairman from Busanjin-gu District 3; and Lee Yong-un, a member of the Maritime City Safety Committee from Seo-gu District 2.

The council members joined Panstar Group Chairman Kim Hyeon-gyeom and company executives in meeting Captain Seo Myeong-won and the crew of the Panstar Acro, who successfully completed a 50-day round-trip voyage along the Arctic route. The lawmakers presented bouquets and commemorative gifts to honor their efforts.

At an on-site meeting, Captain Seo briefed the group on the vessel's passage through ice-floe zones in polar waters and the progress of safe navigation. Participants then exchanged views with Panstar Group officials on securing the economic viability, safety and schedule reliability of Arctic route operations, as well as the need for policy support.

"This round-trip trial voyage along the Arctic route is a meaningful achievement that turned a vague possibility into proven experience and data," Park said. "Based on the results of this voyage, we will do our utmost in policy support and research activities so that Busan can emerge as a global hub city for Arctic shipping routes."