UN/LOCODE: KRSCP📍 South Korea
Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon (UN/LOCODE KRSCP)
❖ Coordinates: 34.9200°N, 128.0700°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Seoul
❖ UN/LOCODE: KRSCP
## About the Port
Samcheonpo‑Sacheon (UN/LOCODE: **KRSCP**) is a strategically positioned deep‑water harbor on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, in the city of **Sacheon**, Gyeongsangnam‑do (Kyongsangnam‑do), South Korea. Situated at **34.92° N, 128.07° E** and operating on **Asia/Seoul (UTC+9)** time, the port provides direct access to the East China Sea and the broader Pacific maritime corridor.
The facility serves both commercial and industrial functions, handling containerized cargo, bulk commodities, petrochemicals, and offshore support vessels. Its proximity to major shipyards—most notably the world‑leading **Samsung Heavy Industries** and **Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering**—makes Samcheonpo‑Sacheon a pivotal node for the nation's shipbuilding and offshore‑energy sectors.
Key attributes that define the port’s operational profile include:
- **Natural deep‑water basin:** Minimum draft of 13.5 m, permitting Panamax and post‑Panamax vessels.
- **Multi‑modal connectivity:** Links to national expressways (Expressway 25), the Gyeongbu railway line, and nearby logistics parks.
- **Integrated customs and free‑zone services:** Facilitated by the Korea Customs Service, enabling streamlined export‑import processing.
These attributes combine to give Samcheonpo‑Sacheon a competitive edge in East Asian maritime logistics, attracting liner services, bulk carriers, and specialized offshore support fleets.
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## History
### Early Development (1970s‑1990s)
The origins of Samcheonpo‑Sacheon trace back to the early 1970s, when the South Korean government embarked on a coastal‑development program aimed at stimulating industrial growth in the southeastern region. Initial infrastructure comprised a modest pier and a small cargo terminal, primarily serving local fisheries and bulk coal shipments for nearby thermal power plants.
### Shipbuilding Surge (1990s‑2000s)
The 1990s marked a turning point with the rise of the **Korean shipbuilding boom**. Major shipyards established in the Sacheon basin required deeper drafts and larger berths, prompting a series of government‑funded expansion projects. By 2003, the port had installed a 14‑meter deep‑water quay, enabling the accommodation of 180‑meter‑long container ships and the first generation of ultra‑large offshore vessels.
### Modernization and Internationalization (2010‑Present)
In response to global supply‑chain shifts and the need for higher efficiency, the port underwent a digital transformation in the 2010s. Advanced **Port Community System (PCS)** platforms were deployed, integrating customs, logistics, and vessel traffic management into a single data hub. A 2018 expansion added a 400‑meter container terminal equipped with automated gantry cranes, raising the annual TEU handling capacity to **≈1.2 million**.
The port’s evolution reflects South Korea’s broader maritime strategy: leveraging geographic advantage, fostering high‑value shipbuilding, and integrating smart‑port technologies to remain competitive in the Asia‑Pacific logistics network.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Quays
| Type | Length (m) | Depth (m) | Main Users |
|------|------------|-----------|------------|
| General Cargo | 350 | 13.5 | Bulk carriers, tankers |
| Container | 400 | 14.0 | LCL/Full‑container loads, Ro‑Ro |
| Offshore Support | 220 | 13.0 | Wind‑farm installation vessels, FPSOs |
| Shipyard Service | 180 | 12.5 | Yard vessels, repair docks |
The **container terminal** comprises 6 super‑post‑panamax berths, each fitted with **RTG (Rubber‑Tired Gantry) cranes** and **ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes** delivering a crane productivity of 45 moves per hour.
### Storage and Handling
- **Open yard:** 70 ha for bulk and project cargo, equipped with heavy‑lift cranes (up to 250 t).
- **Covered warehouses:** 15 ha with climate control for high‑value goods.
- **Cold storage:** 3 ha, supporting perishable imports such as seafood and agricultural products.
### Logistics and Support
- **Rail‑to‑port interface:** A 1.2 km spur connects the port to the national rail network, allowing 150 t freight trains to unload directly at the container yard.
- **Road access:** Direct links to **Expressway 25** and **National Route 3**, facilitating 24‑hour truck movements.
- **Customs and free‑zone facilities:** On‑site customs office, bonded warehouses, and a **Free Economic Zone (FEZ)** designation that grants duty‑free status for certain imports/exports.
### Digital and Environmental Systems
The port incorporates a **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)**, AIS coverage, and an automated **Terminal Operating System (TOS)** for real‑time slot planning. Environmentally, it operates a **ballast water treatment plant** in compliance with the IMO’s **Ballast Water Management Convention**, and it has an on‑site **waste‑to‑energy** facility handling organic waste generated by port operations.
> For further technical specifications, see the Korea Port Authority’s data portal: <https://www.kpa.go.kr/eng/PortInfo.aspx>
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Contribution
Samcheonpo‑Sacheon is the **third‑largest port** in Gyeongsangnam‑do, accounting for roughly **12 %** of the province’s maritime cargo throughput. The port supports an estimated **¥ 3.5 billion** in annual economic output, directly employing over **4,800** personnel across stevedoring, logistics, and ancillary services.
### Role in the Shipbuilding Value Chain
The port’s deep‑draft facilities and proximity to **shipyards** enable the efficient transport of raw steel plates, propulsion units, and modular sections. Approximately **45 %** of outbound cargo comprises completed hulls, sub‑assemblies, and spare parts destined for global customers in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
### Trade Facilitation
The **Free Economic Zone** status accelerates time‑to‑market for high‑tech components, notably **offshore wind turbine parts** and **marine renewable‑energy equipment**. In 2022, the port handled **≈ 220 k TEUs** of containerized electronics and automotive parts, underscoring its role as a multimodal gateway for South Korean export‑oriented manufacturing.
### Strategic Significance
From a national security perspective, Samcheonpo‑Sacheon serves as a **logistical hub for the Republic of Korea Navy** and the **Korea Coast Guard**, providing docking, resupply, and maintenance capabilities for patrol vessels and training ships. The port’s capacity to host large‑scale offshore support vessels also aligns with South Korea’s ambition to become a leader in **floating offshore wind (FOW)** and **subsea infrastructure**.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Lanes
| Destination Region | Main Vessel Types | Frequency (per month) |
|--------------------|-------------------|-----------------------|
| East Asia (China, Japan) | Feeder, Container | 30+ |
| Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand) | Feeder, Ro‑Ro | 18+ |
| North America (West Coast) | Box ship, Post‑Panamax | 8–10 |
| Europe (Mediterranean) | Container, Ro‑Ro | 6–8 |
| Middle East (Gulf) | Tanker, Bulk carrier | 4–5 |
The port’s connectivity is reinforced by regular services from major liner alliances such as **Ocean Alliance** and **2M**, as well as dedicated bulk carriers operating on contracts with Korean steel producers and energy firms.
### Cargo Profile
- **Containers (TEU):** Electronics, automotive parts, machinery, consumer goods.
- **Bulk Commodities:** Iron ore, coal, limestone, and cement for domestic construction and shipbuilding.
- **Petrochemicals:** LPG, naphtha, and specialty chemicals for the nearby petrochemical complex in Sacheon.
- **Project Cargo:** Heavy machinery, modular plant components, and wind turbine blades (up to 80 t per piece).
- **Offshore Support:** Pipe sections, subsea equipment, and crew transfer vessels servicing offshore wind farms in the East China Sea.
The **offshore wind segment** has shown a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of **≈ 12 %** since 2019, driven by South Korea’s 2028 target of **12 GW** installed offshore wind capacity. Samcheonpo‑Sacheon’s deep‑water berths and on‑shore heavy‑lift infrastructure make it an optimal logistics hub for this emerging market.
### Emerging Trends
Recent data indicate a shift toward **green logistics**, with the port piloting **electrified gantry cranes** and **shore‑side power** for docked vessels to reduce emissions. Moreover, the adoption of **blockchain‑based trade documentation** is being trialed in partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), aiming to cut cargo clearance times by up to **20 %**.
> International maritime statistics for KRSCP can be accessed through the UN/LOCODE registry: <https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/locode.htm>
---
*Samcheonpo‑Sacheon exemplifies the convergence of traditional bulk handling, high‑value container logistics, and cutting‑edge offshore support services. Its continued investment in deep‑water infrastructure, digital platforms, and environmental sustainability positions it as a cornerstone of South Korea’s maritime economy and a critical gateway for East Asian trade.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
KRSCP
Country
South Korea
Province / Region
Gyeongsangnamdo [Kyongsangnam-do]
Latitude
34.920000
Longitude
128.070000
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon is KRSCP.
Where is Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon located?
The Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon is located in South Korea, Gyeongsangnamdo [Kyongsangnam-do]. Its coordinates are 34.9200°N, 128.0700°E.
What time zone is Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon in?
Port of Samcheonpo/Sacheon operates in the Asia/Seoul time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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