A reporter from SZTV News recently visited Yantian Port, capturing the bustling yet orderly operations of this world-class shipping hub. The report highlighted the latest progress in the port's efficient and green operations, with several key operational indicators reaching record highs:
YANTIAN's container throughput exceeded 1.6 million TEUs for the first time in August, setting a new monthly record since the port opened 33 years ago.
YANTIAN's cumulative shore power supplied to vessels reached 23.3 million kWh, the highest level for the same period on record. In August alone, shore power supply reached 3.3 million kWh, setting a new monthly record.
From January to August, YANTIAN's cumulative LNG bunkering volume reached 355,000 cubic metres, up 4% year on year and a record high for the same period. In August, LNG bunkering volume surged 80% year on year, also setting a new monthly record.
Berths at Full Capacity, Frequent Sailings: Handling 10,000+ TEU Vessels Becomes the Norm
According to the SZTV News reporter on site, 23 international vessels called at or departed from YANTIAN on the day of the visit. At around 11 p.m., 14 vessels were still berthed simultaneously. With its berths operating at full capacity and sailings running at high frequency, YANTIAN routinely handles vessels carrying more than 10,000 TEUs. By optimising vessel schedules, allocating equipment and manpower more efficiently, and improving vessel turnaround times, the terminal is working to keep import and export cargo moving swiftly.
Take the Gdansk Express, which berthed that morning, for example. The vessel was scheduled to depart in the early hours of the following day, leaving just over 24 hours for YANTIAN to load more than 10,000 TEUs. Handling vessels at such speed and efficiency has become business as usual at YANTIAN.
Double-Digit Growth in Export Laden Containers Underscores Strong Foreign Trade Momentum
According to customs data, China's total imports and exports of cargoes reached CNY34.78 trillion in the first eight months of this year, maintaining rapid double-digit growth. As a major gateway for Shenzhen's foreign trade, YANTIAN saw its container throughput exceed 1.6 million TEUs for the first time in August, setting a new monthly record since the port commenced operations.
Export laden containers were particularly strong, reaching approximately 670,000 TEUs, up 13.9% year on year and marking double-digit growth. Meanwhile, Dapeng Customs recorded more than 4 million tonnes of import and export cargo under its supervision, with a total value exceeding CNY190 billion. Robust foreign trade activity, together with the port's efficient operations, is providing strong support for Shenzhen's continued growth in foreign trade.
Record Shore Power Supply in August as Green and Low-Carbon Operations Become the Norm
While maintaining efficient port operations, YANTIAN is accelerating its green and low-carbon transformation. According to data from Yantian Maritime Safety Administration, vessels at YANTIAN received a cumulative 23.3 million kWh of shore power from January to August this year, the highest level for the same period on record. This helped reduce vessel carbon emissions by 18,039 tonnes, equivalent to the carbon absorption of approximately one million trees.
In August alone, shore power supply reached 3.3 million kWh, setting a new monthly record. As more vessels calling at YANTIAN adopt shore power, green and low-carbon operations are becoming an increasingly integral part of the port's daily operations.
LNG Bunkering Reaches Monthly Record as Clean Energy Services Expand
As the global shipping industry accelerates its green transformation, demand for clean-energy bunkering, including LNG, continues to grow.
In August, YANTIAN completed approximately 53,000 cubic metres of LNG bunkering, up 80% year on year and setting a new monthly record. From January to August, cumulative LNG bunkering volume reached approximately 355,000 cubic metres, up 4% year on year and marking a record high for the same period. Besides, YANTIAN is committed to pursuing development and security in a coordinated manner.
Advancing Efficiency and Sustainability to Better Serve Global Customers
Going green is a key strength underpinning YANTIAN's continued international recognition. Since 2019, YANTIAN has won the Best Sustainable Container Terminal award (formerly the Best Green Container Terminal award) five times in eight years, making it the only container terminal in the world to have received the honour five times.
As China embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan and APEC China Year gets under way, YANTIAN will continue to respond to evolving customer needs and market trends by enhancing its shipping services, multimodal transport network, smart port capabilities, and low-carbon operations. These efforts will further strengthen the port's integrated service capabilities.
YANTIAN will also work closely with government authorities and port supervisory authorities, shipping lines, railway operators and logistics partners to optimise resource allocation and enhance coordination efficiency. Together, they will deliver logistics solutions that are more stable, efficient, low-carbon, and reliable, supporting the high-quality development of foreign trade and contributing to China's dual-carbon goals. As a critical node in global supply chains, YANTIAN will build on these efforts to support the growth and upgrading of the real economy, and contribute to the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.