A fully-automated terminal at Qingdao Port is busy dealing with containers on Sunday. [Photo by Zhang Jingang/Chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong Port Group reported considerable increases in both cargo and containers from January to March this year, despite the coronavirus epidemic.

During the first quarter, cargo throughput was 340 million metric tons, an increase of 5.1 percent from the same period last year, while container throughput reached 7.14 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 4 percent increase.

The port group attributed the progress to its integration efforts since 2019.

In August the group integrated major facilities within Shandong province, including ports at Qingdao, Yantai, Rizhao and the Bohai Bay, aiming to optimize resources and reduce unnecessary competition.

The group has launched five new international container routes heading to Japan and Southeast Asia, in an effort to accelerate the creation of a worldwide logistics network.

Moreover, the group enhanced its connection with inland cities, including Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and Lanzhou, Gansu province, and with cities such as Jinan and Zaozhuang.