The global shipping industry is hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and Shandong Port Group (SPG), the world's largest port conglomerate in terms of cargo capacity, is operating as usual to guarantee the smooth flow of goods along the industrial and supply chains in the country.

According to official data, SPG's cargo and container throughput in the first quarter of the year grew by 6.3 percent and 7.6 percent year-on-year, both of which were higher than the overall growth rate of the country's coastal ports. The outstanding achievements were made thanks to the group's continuous efforts to ensure normal operation and guarantee the stability of the industrial chain and supply chain.

Since its establishment in 2019, the group has expanded its main businesses into 12 segments, including supply chains, finance, and modern logistics. In recent years, SPG has rolled out a slew of supportive measures to deepen the integration of its businesses, and the integration of its businesses has promoted the high-quality development of the group.

The group built a container operation center, and piloted a new model for the integrated operation of its container business, which has greatly improved the market competitiveness of its ports. Additionally, a batch of new shipping routes connecting its ports in cities such as Rizhao, Yantai, Qingdao and Weifang were opened, helping improve transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs and provide benefits to its customers.

Efforts have also been made to streamline the administrative process for obtaining a permit to ensure the smooth collection and distribution in its major port areas. Eight new global shipping routes to the United States, Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia were opened in the first three months of the year, which has helped boost the international shipping industry.

SPG, the world's largest port conglomerate in terms of cargo capacity, maintains robust growth in the first three months of 2022. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]