Busan Launches Nation’s First Harbor Drone Delivery Service

Busan, South Korea —  To position the city as a leader in maritime logistics, Busan has launched South Korea's first-ever harbor drone delivery service. A live demonstration of the service, which leverages cutting-edge drone technology and the K-Drone Delivery Standard, will take place on November 26, 2024, at the Korea Maritime University Drone Delivery Hub.

This innovative service sets a new benchmark for logistics, aiming to address logistical challenges in marine areas while enhancing the efficiency and convenience of deliveries for both commercial and recreational users.

Busan’s pioneering harbor drone delivery system was developed as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s 2024 Drone Demonstration City Project. The city was the only one selected nationwide to implement this ambitious program. The initiative has been spearheaded through collaborations with leading organizations, including Busan Techno Park, P&U Drone, and the Busan International Ship Supply Distribution Cooperative, in addition to support from Korea Maritime University.

Mayor Park Heong-joon highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “This pioneering drone delivery service will improve logistics efficiency, address underserved areas, and enhance leisure experiences. We aim to establish Busan as a leader in maritime drone logistics, both domestically and globally.”

The harbor drone delivery service is set to transform marine logistics by targeting 17 strategic delivery locations across Busan. These include 11 anchorage zones at Busan Port, 4 fishing piers, and 2 points at the Jodo Breakwater. Customers can conveniently place orders through the NARAON App, selecting from a diverse range of items such as ship supplies, fishing gear, electronics, food, and convenience store products.

Deliveries are available daily between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM, with service fees starting at KRW 3,000 for marine leisure areas and KRW 100,000 for anchorage zones. Pricing is adjusted based on the distance and the type of cargo being delivered. This streamlined service promises to significantly enhance accessibility and convenience for both recreational and professional users in marine areas.

The official launch event, to be held at the Korea Maritime University Drone Delivery Hub, will feature a live demonstration of the service. A drone will transport convenience store items from the hub to the Jodo Breakwater, showcasing the efficiency and accuracy of the system. Representatives from Busan Techno Park, P&U Drone, and other partners will provide insights into the operational model and its benefits.

The harbor drone delivery service is a key component of Busan’s long-term logistics strategy. Plans are already underway to expand the system, with additional hubs and delivery zones being developed across the city. The city also envisions exporting this model to other major ports, such as Yeosu and Gwangyang, as well as global shipping hubs like Singapore, Rotterdam, and Suez.

The service is also poised for innovation, with the development of drones capable of carrying heavy cargo. This will broaden the scope of goods that can be delivered, further enhancing the service’s utility and appeal.

By standardizing the K-Drone Delivery system, Busan aims to lead South Korea’s efforts in drone logistics while fostering the global competitiveness of local drone companies. This initiative is expected to not only revolutionize maritime logistics but also serve as a model for smart city development and sustainable innovation.

As Mayor Park emphasized, “Through the Harbor Drone Delivery Service, we aim to solve logistical challenges and unlock new opportunities in marine areas, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and promoting Busan as a global innovation hub.”