Ships at Yantai Port work efficiently. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

The ports in Yantai handled 485 million metric tons of cargo in 2023, a 4.8 percent increase year-on-year, successfully entering the top 10 among global coastal ports, according to the Global Port Development Report 2023 recently issued by the Shanghai International Shipping Institute.

This feat showcases the success of Shandong Port Group's (SPG) port integration reform. Against the backdrop of port reform, Yantai Port has integrated internal resources and gained new growth momentum. It has added 42 shipping services, launched 14 inland ports and established trade ties with over 150 ports worldwide, thus contributing to Yantai's efforts to build a national logistics hub.

Yantai Port's annual bauxite volume exceeded 120 million tons, making it the top importer of bauxite globally. Its container volume has experienced double-digit growth for three consecutive years, bringing the port closer to achieving its goal of becoming a domestic trade container hub for the Bohai Rim region. The port has initiated China's first Breakbulk Cargo Multimodal Development Alliance and launched 23 breakbulk services, leading the Chinese ports in terms of transport volume. In addition, backed by the China-Africa two-way logistics corridor which connects over 20 African countries and regions, Yantai Port remains the largest trading port to Africa.

Yantai Port has also fostered new quality productive forces and advanced a smart and green port to enhance port service. Over the years, Yantai Port has been dedicated to building three smart and green demonstration ports focusing on liquid bulk, dry bulk and commercial vehicles, along with two platforms supporting digitalization control and integrated supply chain services. It has delivered many industry-leading results such as building the world's first automated dry bulk terminal, a crude oil "smart brain" and an intelligent and safe storage system. 

For Yantai Port, entering the global top 10 marks a new starting point. Moving forward, Yantai Port will make all-out efforts to become a world-class port and make even greater achievements on the journey ahead.