Top SPG executives visit leading shipping lines in Shanghai in March. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]

Shandong Port Group, or SPG – one of the world's biggest ports operators, based in Qingdao city in East China's Shandong province – recently held its 2021 Port & Shipping Seminar on the High-quality Development of Container Business of SPG in Shanghai, also in East China.

Before the event, two delegations led by SPG Chairman Huo Gaoyuan and General Manager Li Fengli visited leading carriers headquartered in Shanghai, including Maersk, CMA CGM, ZIM and PIL.

The visit aimed to further promote the development of the group's container business through high-level talks and deeper collaboration.

According to industry insiders, a port's cargo volume is what justifies its size and it is its container volume that indicates the commercial success of a port. Recently, SPG has made every effort to turn itself into an international shipping hub in Northeast Asia.

Container growth is considered a crucial factor when it comes to achieving that goal. It is also of paramount importance to port development, regional economic growth, logistics channel construction and the implementation of national maritime industry strategies.

In 2020, SPG handled 1.42 billion tons of cargo, maintaining its top position in that field globally, 4.3 percentage points higher than the average growth of coastal ports in China. Its container volume reached 31.47 million TEUs, ranked third globally, 5 percentage points higher than the average growth of coastal ports in China.

Notably, Qingdao Port alone topped the Port of Singapore in terms of cargo volume and its container volume exceeded the Port of Busan, to emerge as the largest container port in Northeast Asia.

Over the past one and a half years since its establishment, SPG has opened a total of 51 shipping routes, including 31 foreign trade services. The growth rate for newly opened routes is twice that after its integration.

SPG boasts an overarching position in the global port and shipping industry, with its excellent geographical locations and strong development potential being favored by a host of shipping companies.

Moreover, SPG is understood to have visited every carrier, to have open and candid communications.

They have reportedly exchanged views on topics ranging from traditional business, to the launch of routes and premium services, to new business areas – such as the application of green energy and joint ventures in overseas projects.

By doing so, the company has endeavored to become a crucial hub for carriers when it comes to opening new routes in Northeast Asia.