Qingdao Port takes lead in automation

Handling capacity expected to reach 1.7 million TEUs per year with zero carbon dioxide emissions

A new automated container terminal employing hydrogen energy and 5G technology in Qingdao, Shandong province, represents the future trend of port operation with highly efficient and environmentally friendly features, industry insiders said recently.

The second project of the fully automated container terminal at Qingdao Port was officially put into use on Nov 28 and its handling capacity is expected to reach 1.7 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) per year, according to port operators.

"Along the 660-meter shoreline, the terminal owns two berths and has high-end automated facilities including nine ship-to-shore cranes, 38 automatic high-speed tract cranes and 45 automatic guided vehicles," said Yang Jiemin, executive deputy general-manager of Qingdao Port Automated Container Terminal Co.