The Incheon Port Authority (www.icpa.or.kr, President Lee Kyung-Gyu) announced on the 28th that passenger services have resumed on the Incheon–Dandong international ferry route between Incheon Port and Dandong, China, after a suspension of 5 years and 2 months.

According to IPA, Dandong Ferry Co., Ltd. had suspended passenger operations since January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but officially resumed services on the morning of the 28th between Incheon Port and Dandong, China.

The Oriental Pearl VIII*, operated by Dandong Ferry Co., Ltd., is a 25,000-ton class ferry that now serves the route three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On the day of resumption, the vessel arrived at Incheon Port carrying over 500 passengers and approximately 12 TEUs of cargo.

* Oriental Pearl VIII: Total Tonnage 24,748 tons / Passenger Capacity 1,500 / Cargo Capacity 214 TEUs / Built in 2016

To mark the resumption of passenger service, Incheon Port Authority President Lee Kyung-Gyu and Mr. Lee Yong-guk, Korea Representative of Dandong Ferry Co., Ltd., presented bouquets and commemorative plaques to the first arriving passengers and the ship’s captain in a welcoming ceremony held at the Integrated Hall on the 2nd floor of the Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal.

Currently, there are 10 international ferry routes between Incheon and China. With the resumption of the Dandong route, a total of 7 routes, including Qingdao, Weihai, Shidao, Yantai, Lianyungang, and Dalian, have reinstated passenger services. The remaining 3 routes are still under review by respective ferry operators for possible resumption.

In line with the resumption of the Dandong route, IPA has implemented several measures to enhance Incheon Port’s image and ensure passenger safety, including ▴visual improvements to shuttle buses operating between the terminal and the berth, and ▴joint safety inspections of facilities with private sector experts.

President Lee Kyung-Gyu of Incheon Port Authority stated, “The Dandong route is in high demand due to its proximity to historical Goguryeo heritage sites and other tourist attractions,” adding, “We will do our utmost to ensure smooth terminal operations, thereby revitalizing passenger traffic and maintaining safe and stable passenger transport services.”