An important scientific and technological innovation conference is held in Qingdao. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]

The Scientific and Technological Innovation Conference was held on Jan 7 – in Qingdao city, in East China's Shandong province – ushering in a new chapter in the story of the high-speed sci-tech development of Shandong Port Group, or SPG and the acceleration of the giant ports operator's construction of world-class ports.

Since its establishment in 2019, SPG has built upon close cooperation with leading high-tech giants like tech giant Huawei, SAP and Ali Cloud – the cloud subsidiary of Alibaba Group – to jointly achieve a series of positive commercial outcomes.

These have, among other things, included the world's first intelligent air rail collection and distribution system, side-loading and parallel-layout fully automated container terminal.

The Smart Port Sci-Tech Demonstration Project designed by SPG – which placed great importance on the upgrade of its ports through science and technology – has paved the way for further headway to be made in port-related industries in Shandong.

As a result, SPG published its special plan for scientific and technological innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) and arranged for the development of the key work system for smart port construction in 2022.

The Jan 7 sci-tech conference showcased the status and importance of technological innovation in SPG's development, revealing the company's resolve to build smart and green ports.