In 2025, Shandong Port Group's (SPG) Yantai Port reached a historic milestone, with an annual breakbulk throughput exceeding 16 million metric tons — a 35.5 percent year-on-year increase. This growth has propelled the port to the second-highest operational scale of all Chinese ports.

Capitalizing on the global infrastructure boom, Yantai Port expanded its network in 2025 by launching four new shipping routes to Cuba, Vietnam, and Tanzania. As a key Belt and Road Initiative hub, its 30 active routes now span Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, solidifying its status as a global logistics hub.

To manage the complexities of diverse and irregularly shaped breakbulk cargo, the port has integrated high-capacity gantry cranes and a highly skilled workforce. A recent operation on the vessel Zhongyu 28 demonstrated this expertise. The team managed a mix of fragile bulk bags, oversized machinery, and specialized frame cargo. By developing customized technical solutions and implementing rigorous process controls, the team maximized safety while significantly reducing vessel turnaround times.

With its 16-million-ton achievement, Yantai Port has successfully upgraded its strategic positioning and service quality, earning widespread acclaim from international clients and reinforcing its leadership in the global maritime.

Following the departure of the Zhongyu 28, Yantai Port crosses the 16-million-ton threshold for annual breakbulk throughput. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]