China’s first indigenously developed automated container terminal in Qingdao, Shandong province, has started operations, marking a significant advancement for the country in the ports sector. The terminal achieved complete localization of systems and equipment, with its infrastructure powered by 28,000 homegrown components. The core of the automated terminal is a fully self-developed container intelligent control system, which has millisecond-level data refresh rates and high processing efficiency. The previous system required weekly maintenance and upgrades, causing economic losses. However, with the new system, upgrades can be performed at any time without disrupting operations. The fully automated terminal has reduced the need for manual intervention by nearly eliminating the operation of machinery through a mouse-click control system. By achieving significant breakthroughs in domestically developed technologies and prioritizing replication and scalability, the terminal’s achievements can be integrated into diverse port environments, fostering an interconnected national port infrastructure. The terminal also offers a more intelligent, greener, safer, and economically viable approach to the construction of automated ports worldwide. China is the world’s largest trading nation for goods, with over 90% of its import and export cargo volumes transported by sea. Chinese ports have consistently ranked at the top in global cargo and container throughput. The advancements in Chinese ports have enhanced operational efficiency and solidified the country’s position in international trade.
