SPG's automated gantry crane operates at Guangli Port's general wharf. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]

The automated gantry crane self-developed by Shandong Port Group (SPG) successfully captured 12 tons of bauxite from the ship Tianfeng 509 at SPG's Guangli Port general wharf, located in the city of Dongying, East China's Shandong province, on June 8.

It is the world's first automated gantry crane to be used for dry bulk cargo operations. A launch ceremony was held on-site before it was first put into use.

Li Fengli, chairman of SPG, and other group officials attended the ceremony and witnessed its first use.

Compared with conventional manually-operated gantry cranes, automatic ones are safer, more efficient, more comfortable, and more economical.

Since the equipment's trial operation in April 2021, its operational efficiency has been basically equal to the average operational efficiency of manual cranes.

Zhang Jun, professor at Wuhan University and deputy secretary general of the Chinese Association of Automation, said he believes that the successful development of SPG's automated gantry crane created a precedent in the port industry both at home and abroad.

SPG, currently the world's largest port operator, has been focusing on building a world-leading smart and green port since its establishment in 2019.

To date, the group has achieved several breakthroughs in the automation of port equipment, including container quay cranes, ore ship unloaders, and stacker-reclaimers.