Yantai Port of Shandong Port Group holds the launch event for smart pipeline system on Jan 8.  [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Port of Yantai in Yantai city in East China's Shandong province -- operated by Shandong Port Group – on Jan 8 held a launch event for a smart pipeline system for transporting crude oil, according to SPG officials.

During the event, officials from Shanghai's Tongji University and Yantai Port gave a briefing on the smart system's performance compared with conventional systems and the results of its trial operations at the port.

The launch marked the official start of the new smart oil pipeline system, which officials said was a highlight in SPG's construction of internationally advanced smart and green ports.

The smart pipeline system was jointly developed by SPG and Tongji University, with Yantai Port's oil storage and transport system as the pilot unit, aiming to provide a solution for the full range of oil products.

Officials said the system enables Yantai Port to track the real-time status of the pipeline and that of related facilities. This will ensure optimal sustainability, stability and safety during operations.

In terms of oil transport, it can calculate customers' demands and make alterations to achieve the best outcomes, in the process improving the quality and efficiency of the system's performance. In terms of port operations, it will secure the best allocation of equipment and workers -- as well as ensuring a continuous, coordinated and balanced operational process. Officials said the result would be a reduction in risks, significant gains in productivity and increased profits.

Moving forwards, Yantai Port will follow SPG's lead in developing internationally advanced smart and green ports, in an effort to promote the integrated development of modern information technology and whole-process logistics services.

Relying on the cutting-edge advantages of the smart oil pipeline system, officials said the port will fully meet customer demands, realizing a seamless connection for loading, storage and transportation of crude. In this context, officials said it will contribute to SPG's construction of world-class seaports.