On December 8, Qingdao Port achieved a cumulative cargo throughput exceeding 700 million tons for the year, surpassing the 2024 milestone by 15 days. This milestone was marked by the completion of loading and unloading operations for the "MSC Eva," a vessel carrying 10,612 TEUs, at Qianwan Port Area.
Throughout the year, Qingdao Port has expanded its logistics network, adding 20 new container routes, bringing the total to nearly 240 routes. These routes connect over 700 ports across more than 180 countries and regions, with over 60% serving Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and RCEP member nations. The port has become a "golden channel" for trade between China and emerging markets, facilitating the export of high-value goods such as advanced equipment, precision instruments, and the "new three" products (referring to high-tech exports like electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar panels).
Leveraging inland connectivity, Qingdao Port has established 54 inland ports and launched 86 sea-rail intermodal routes. From January to November, the port handled 2.625 million TEUs via sea-rail intermodal transport, an 11% year-on-year increase, maintaining its leading position among China's coastal ports.
To enhance capacity, Qingdao Port initiated 15 major projects this year, adding 16 million tons of terminal throughput capacity, 1.46 million square meters of storage yard space, and 132,000 cubic meters of liquefied hydrocarbon storage. Notably, the second 400,000-ton ore terminal commenced operations, forming a dual-capacity structure for ultra-large ore carriers.
Building on its fully autonomous automated terminal—the first of its kind in China—Qingdao Port has accelerated smart port upgrades, advancing AI application pilot projects. The port's self-developed A-TOS (Automated Terminal Operating System) has been optimized and widely adopted, setting 13 world records for automated terminal efficiency. Traditional terminals have also undergone automation upgrades, achieving full-scenario, full-process automation across various cargo types, including containers, pulp, iron ore, and grain, with multiple efficiency breakthroughs.
The port introduced the "Cloud Port Connect" digital service platform, enabling smart customs inspections and deploying the world's first port service AI model, Ark TaaS, to improve operational decision-making and service efficiency.
Efficiency gains at the smart port have been supported by upgraded customs supervision. Qingdao Customs has leveraged the port's BRI-linked land-sea advantages, implementing automated processes such as "pre-arrival inspection," "direct loading upon arrival," and "shipside pickup." By integrating smart rail systems and container weight verification technologies, customs oversight has been seamlessly embedded into port operations, creating a green and efficient logistics pathway for international trade.
