The latest outbreak of COVID-19 has brought great challenges to ports and transportation industries since March, and Shandong Port Group (SPG), the world's largest port conglomerate in terms of cargo capacity, has adopted more scientific and precise measures to strike a balance between epidemic control and the port's normal operations.

The group has released an array of measures such as optimizing the process for obtaining a transport pass, and offering online services, which have enabled the smooth transportation on the main highways in its ports. Efforts have also been made to promote the sea-rail combined transport services to safeguard smooth operation.

A cargo ship docks at Qingdao Port in East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Meanwhile, it also launched eight new international sea routes to countries and regions including the United States, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia this year, which has helped boost the international shipping industry.

SPG has used new technologies to increase work efficiency in light of the severe domestic and international circumstances this year, which has helped to mitigate the impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

SPG's subsidiaries also made contributions to the group's COVID-19 fight. Qingdao Port launched a smart operation system, and extended non-physical-contact services. Rizhao Port, which is blessed with a strong railway system, has ensured smooth freight transportation for its customers, and official data show that in the first quarter of the year, the port witnessed steady growth in handling iron ore and coal.

Efforts have also been made to accelerate the deep integration of its ports, with a number of new inland port routes opening in the first three months of this year, and the group's logistics company launching two special trains for delivering agricultural products. 

SPG adopts more scientific and precise measures to strike a balance between epidemic control and the port's normal operations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]