CONTAINTER LIFTING SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE OPERATION OF TRAIN FERRY SYSTEM BETWEEN KOREA AND CHINA

초록

The freight volume between Korea and China has gradually increased, and especially the bulk cargo demand between two countries would be increased. The trade quantity was 76.6 mil ton in 2010, which was approximately increased by 33 % compared to 2009. Due to the increasing demand, the effective logistics transport system is required through marine transportation route between Korea and China not via North Korea. Recently, due to the increases in container traffic between Korea and China, the concerns on train-ferry operation between Korea and China through the Yellow Sea have been increased. As compared with the land transportation between Korea and China through the North Korea, the train-ferry system between Korea and China provides effective ways in terms of cheap transportation costs, mass transit, etc., with the combined advantages of maritime transportation and railway transportation. However, in order to initiate the operation of train-ferry between Korea and China, several substantial problems have to be considered including the improvement of existing ports facility, design stability of ferry for stable operation, the management of freight cars between borders, the design of floating ramp to overcome tidal range in Korean side, etc. In this investigation, an innovative container loading/unloading system using smart lift was suggested to solve the technical problems on train-ferry system between Korea and China. Moreover, the new system consists of smart lifts and battery operated self-driven wheels. In this investigation, the conceptual design, operation logic, and detailed function description of new container loading/unloading system will be introduced and discussed. In summary, the suggested train-ferry system could vitalize the transportation system between Korea and China with commercialization of train ferry. Annual freight is expected to reach 2.4 mil ton and 270,000 TEU in 2025. Transportation cost reduction is possible by no movement of freight cars. If annual freight cars are 200,000, the cost is reduced by approximately 0.12 billion dollars. Cost is also reduced on maintenance expenses of Freight car. The total cost is reduced over 400,000 dollars if non-withdrawal freight cars are utilized.