This achievement not only underscores China's global leadership in port automation and intelligence but also marks the beginning of a new era for its port operations.

At the recent "Achievements of High-Quality Economic Development in China" press conference organized by the State Council Information Office, Deputy Minister of Transport Li Yang shared exciting news: the container throughput of Shanghai Port has historically surpassed 50 million TEUs. This milestone is a testament to the comprehensive strength of Shanghai Port and Chinese ports overall, signaling unprecedented progress in port development.

In recent years, China's port industry has demonstrated remarkable achievements and distinctive features:

1. Leading in Operational Efficiency and Service Quality

China's major ports excel in operational efficiency within international container shipping. The average port stay is only 1.42 days, with berth times reduced to 0.87 days, positioning them among the best globally. These achievements reflect China's relentless efforts to enhance logistics efficiency and optimize service experiences.

2. Sustained High Investment in Port Construction

Despite global economic uncertainties in 2024, China's port construction investment maintained strong growth. From January to November, total investment reached RMB 122.3 billion, a 6.9% year-on-year increase. Key projects, such as the accelerated development of the Xiaoyangshan North Container Terminal, the completion of the largest ro-ro terminal in Taicang Port, and the expansion of inland waterway berths in Chongqing and Anhui, have laid a solid foundation for sustained growth in port economies.

3. Strengthening Hub Functions

China is building a more comprehensive international shipping service network and promoting rapid development in containerized rail-water intermodal transport. From January to November, the container rail-water intermodal volume grew by approximately 15% to 10.63 million TEUs, enhancing logistics efficiency and cementing China’s central role in the global supply chain.

4. Accelerated Green and Intelligent Transformation

China’s ports have made significant strides in green development. Over 60% of new energy vehicles are used in the 11 international hub ports, and 85% of bulk cargo, such as coal and ore, is transported through green logistics. Ports like Shanghai, Dalian, and Ningbo Zhoushan are advancing capabilities for green fuel refueling, setting global benchmarks for sustainability.

China's automated terminals lead the world in scale, efficiency, and technological sophistication, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Transport will continue to pursue the goal of building world-class ports by enhancing hub functions, accelerating green and smart upgrades, and improving port development quality and efficiency. These efforts will further propel China's port industry toward a brighter future, contributing to high-quality economic growth both domestically and globally.