A Study on Measure to Improve Berthing Safety of Passenger Ferries at Jeju Port

This study aims to propose measures to enhance the berthing safety of coastal passenger ferries operating at Jeju Port, which handles approximately two million passengers and significant cargo volumes annually. Although Jeju Port is a crucial maritime gateway linking Jeju Island with the mainland, concerns about berthing safety have intensified due to several recent accidents involving passenger ferries, such as collisions and contacts. The research analyzes maritime accident data related to ferries using Jeju Port and examines the suitability of port design standards, including fairway widths and turning basin sizes, in comparison to actual berthing conditions. Furthermore, through interviews with vessel operators, this study identifies environmental and operational challenges specific to Jeju Port, such as narrow harbor spaces, strong winds, and insufficient maneuvering areas relative to the increasing size of passenger ferries. Based on these findings, the study proposes improvements such as incorporating berthing safety evaluations into ferry route approval processes, expanding the scope of maritime traffic safety assessments to include new ferry routes, and developing berth-specific guidelines to aid safe berthing operations. These recommendations are expected to contribute significantly to enhancing the safety management system for coastal passenger ferries, not only at Jeju Port but also at other ports facing similar challenges.