On January 21, 2025, in the presence of key government officials and industry leaders, the ceremonial reception of the first batch of equipment for the YANTIAN East Port Phase I was successfully held. This milestone marks a significant step forward in YANTIAN's journey toward becoming a world-class, intelligent, and green port.
# 01 A defining moment in YANTIAN's growth
The event welcomed over a hundred distinguished guests, including representatives from the Shenzhen Transport Bureau, Yantian District Government, port supervisory authorities, Shenzhen Pilot Station, as well as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, SANY, shipping companies, and Shenzhen Port Group. Their presence underscored the strategic significance of this milestone in YANTIAN's continued growth.
Zhang Xionghan, Deputy Governor of Yantian District, emphasised that the Phase I Project is a cornerstone project in advancing high-quality maritime economic development. Designed to be one of the world's most automated, intelligent, and greenest container terminal, the project will inject new momentum into China's vision of becoming a global maritime and transportation powerhouse. It will be a premier "name card" of China's international trade and shipping infrastructure.
# 02 China Smart Manufacturing" propelling the future of port development
At the event, Zhang Jian, Vice President of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, emphasised that the newly delivered equipment represents a breakthrough in China's smart manufacturing. Among the deliveries are five of the nation’s largest automated dual-trolley quay cranes, boasting an impressive lifting height of 55 metres and an outreach of 75 metres. These cranes are designed to seamlessly accommodate 32,000 TEU-class vessels, 33% larger than the world's current largest container vessel, ensuring efficiency and operational support for ultra-large vessels.
Chen Jing, General Manager of SANY, said that these 8 fully automated rail-mounted RTGCs—a world-first innovation capable of handling both laden and empty containers with unprecedented compatibility—significantly enhance terminal yard efficiency, enabling a single operator to manage multiple cranes while achieving 30% faster operations compared to traditional RTGCs. Additionally, these RTGCs feature precision positioning, advanced anti-collision systems, and cutting-edge automation, setting a new global benchmark in port logistics and accelerating the intelligent transformation of ports worldwide.
Jason Chan, Engineering & Port Development Director of YANTIAN, highlighted that the East Port, as a landmark national infrastructure project under China's 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area initiative, spans 1.2 million square metres with a 1,470-metre berth length. The terminal is designed for an annual throughput capacity of 3 million TEUs. Since the first steel pipe pile was driven in June 2023, the project has achieved a major milestone, completing the installation of 1,888 steel piles in just one year. Built with exceptionally high standards, the terminal is engineered for a 50-year lifespan without overhaul. With unwavering confidence, YANTIAN remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of port engineering and construction excellence. In collaboration with our partners, we aim to set new industry records and compete for our seventh Luban Prize or Tien-Yow Jeme Prize.
# 03 Accelerating integrated operations across Central, West, and East ports for seamless logistics services
At the event, Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Yantian East International Container Terminals Limited, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders. He emphasized that as one of the world's busiest container ports, YANTIAN remains committed to driving regional economic growth and facilitating global trade. The successful reception of the first batch of equipment marks a significant step forward in YANTIAN's transformation into a world-class, intelligent, and green port. Looking ahead, YANTIAN will leverage the development of the East Port to accelerate the smart and green transformation of the Central and West Ports, fostering greater synergy across all three zones. By advancing integrated operations and resource sharing, YANTIAN aims to enhance efficiency and deliver even more seamless, high-performance logistics services.
During the event, two newly commissioned tugboats at YANTIAN performed a "Water Salute"—the highest-level maritime tribute—to mark the arrival of the new equipment. These robust tugboats will provide comprehensive towing support for incoming vessels, reinforcing the port’s operational capabilities. Additionally, over the past year, YANTIAN has further strengthened our terminal capacity and yard efficiency with the addition of 12 new remote-controlled RTGCs, the heightening of 4 quay cranes, and the modification of 17 RTGCs—all of which contribute to greater handling efficiency and enhanced service quality.
YANTIAN will continue to drive digitalisation, intelligence, and sustainability across our terminal operations, embracing new-quality productive forces to establish a world-class international shipping hub. With a steadfast commitment to building a greener port and preserving clear waters and blue skies, YANTIAN remains at the forefront of sustainable maritime development, making a lasting and meaningful impact on the industry.