Original Korean article: 경인일보
Incheon's offshore wind support pier project has been included in the port's basic development plan, but securing business viability through private development alone has proven difficult, raising the need for Incheon Port Authority's participation.
The support pier is a facility designed to store and assemble large equipment such as turbines and blades. However, there are concerns about declining utilization rates after 2-3 years of intensive use during the concentrated construction phase of offshore wind projects.
The Incheon Port Authority has taken a cautious stance regarding direct participation, citing the fact that the facility would function as a dedicated facility for specific companies. This raises questions about alignment with the port authority's core mandate and public interest.
Industry experts argue that the support pier requires stable demand from multiple developers to ensure financial sustainability. Without participation from the public sector or a commitment from multiple private developers, the project's long-term economic viability remains uncertain, making the role of Incheon Port Authority increasingly critical to the project's success.