On the eastern shore of Jiaozhou Bay, a modern cruise homeport is rising, carrying the dual mission of national strategy and urban revitalization. From its colonial origins during German and Japanese occupation to its industrial transformation post-1949, and from being Qingdao's coastal shipping hub to its current evolution into a cultural-tourism gateway, the century-long journey of Qingdao Port's No. 2 Wharf mirrors China's modern port development while preserving over a century of the city's unique historical memory.
As a key project under Qingdao's 14th Five-Year Plan for water transport and the construction of an international shipping center, the No. 2 Wharf and supporting facilities—developed by China Construction Harbor—involve reinforcement and renovation of Berths 13-16 (including approximately 32.5 meters of Berth 12) along the northern shoreline, spanning a total of 661.5 meters. Construction began in February 2025, with Berth 16's main structure already completed, while progress on Berths 13-15 advances steadily. Piling and superstructure work are accelerating.
**A Century of Legacy** Since its 1901 inception, No. 2 Wharf has been intertwined with Qingdao's fate. Surviving colonial turmoil, wartime upheaval, and industrialization, the wharf now embraces a new era of heritage preservation and urban renewal. Its original wooden pile structure—comprising reinforced concrete front sheet piles, timber piles, and concrete platforms—once stood resilient against storms. However, decayed piles and cracked sheet piles now pose safety risks, compounded by its inability to accommodate modern mega-vessels. The reinforcement project not only optimizes land use but also signifies Qingdao Port's transformation and urban-port integration.
**Balancing History and Innovation** The challenge lies in upgrading while preserving historical integrity. Aging piles, confined workspaces, complex geology, and tidal constraints demand technical finesse. The team adopted a "soft touch" approach: installing single-anchor panels behind timber piles as "invisible supports" to enhance load-bearing without altering the wharf’s silhouette. Soil compaction in rear areas further fortified the foundation. Delicate techniques like manual pneumatic breakers and wire saws ensured precise, vibration-free demolition of old structures.
**Sustainable Revitalization** The project integrates green and smart construction. BIM technology streamlined planning, saving 25 days in scheduling, while IoT-enabled "smart unmanned management" cut annual carbon emissions by 80 tons. Reusable formworks minimized waste, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
**Community and Culture** The project’s Party branch fosters synergy through skill competitions, safety campaigns, and community outreach, including elderly care initiatives and cultural performances. These efforts underscore the wharf’s role as a bridge between Qingdao’s past and its future as a global cruise tourism destination.
As construction enters its peak phase, the revitalized No. 2 Wharf is poised to redefine Qingdao’s waterfront, blending historical resonance with 21st-century vitality.
