An Innovative 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 land 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. In this investigation, an innovative container loading/unloading system using smart lifter was suggested to solve the technical problems on operation of train-ferry system between Korea and China. Moreover, the new system consists of smart lifter and battery operated self-driven wheels which make possible for an unmanned operation. In this investigation, the conceptual design, operation logic, and detailed function description of new container loading/unloading system will be introduced and discussed with a scale model system. In summary, the proposed an innovative 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. The transportation cost reduction is possible by no movement of freight cars between two countries with employment of the new system. If annual freight cars needed are 200,000, the cost is reduced by approximately 0.12 billion dollars. The cost is also reduced on maintenance expenses of freight cars. The total cost is reduced over 400,000 dollars if non-withdrawal freight cars from other country are utilized.