North Gyeongsang Province to develop Yeongil Bay port as strategic materials and clean energy hub ahead of Arctic route era

North Gyeongsang Province plans to develop Pohang's Yeongil Bay port into a specialized hub for strategic materials and clean energy in preparation for the opening of Arctic shipping routes.

The provincial government held interim and final briefings Monday at its eastern branch office on two research projects: "Development of a Specialized Arctic Route Port at Yeongil Bay" and "AI-Based Polar Marine Technology Development and Industrial Ecosystem Building." Officials used the sessions to discuss medium- and long-term development strategies.

About 30 industry, academic, port and research experts attended, including Korea University emeritus professor Kim In-hyeon, Korea Ocean Business Corporation center director Jeong Yeong-du and Eco Logistics director Park Jeong-ho.

The Yeongil Bay port specialization study is being led by Yeungnam University professor Lee Hee-yong. The interim report outlined a long-term plan to link Yeongil Bay port with Pohang New Port to create an import hub for energy and strategic minerals.

The project will proceed in four phases through 2040, covering infrastructure development, commercial entry, functional specialization and logistics network construction.

Under the plan, Yeongil Bay port would be designated for materials, containers and northern-route connectivity, while Pohang New Port would focus on raw materials, steel and low-carbon demonstration activities.

The final report also laid out a strategy for building an industrial ecosystem to secure polar data needed for Arctic route navigation, develop AI-based marine technology and localize exploration equipment.

A key proposal calls for investing 150 billion won ($110 million) from 2027 to 2036 to establish four institutions — an AI polar marine research center, a demonstration center, a business support center and a workforce training center — along with an AI data center.

The strategy envisions combining Postech's AI and big data capabilities, Posco's advanced materials technology and Yeongil Bay port's logistics infrastructure to create a polar marine technology innovation cluster spanning research, demonstration and commercialization.

North Gyeongsang Province has submitted the project to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the National Assembly as a proposed new nationally funded initiative for 2027.

The port specialization plan is set to be finalized in May next year, with the province aiming to have it incorporated into the ministry's regional port development strategy and the Fifth Basic Port Plan.

"We will develop Yeongil Bay port into a specialized hub for strategic materials and position Pohang as a forward base for AI-based polar marine technology, delivering tangible results in the era of Arctic shipping routes," said Choi Yeong-suk, head of North Gyeongsang Province's East Sea Regional Headquarters.