On 16 October 2003,  COSCO's container vessel "Lausanne" successfully called at the first berth of the Phase III Project at YICT. This is the first vessel received at the berth since its construction and engineering acceptance. The event marks the official launch of the Project's first berth, laying a solid foundation for YICT's aim to build a world-class container terminal.

With the opening of the new berth, the "Next-Generation System" – nGen has also been put on a pilot. The new nGen system will gradually replace the existing terminal operation control system. nGen has been jointly developed by YICT and Hongkong International Terminals to cope with the increasing demand of terminal operations.

Mr. Kenneth Tse, Director and General Manager of YICT, remarked on this special occasion, "The operation of Phase III's first berth not only increases YICT's handling capacity, but also strengthens Shenzhen Port's role as a world-class container terminal in Southern China. It has also provided a new platform for shipping lines and shippers to gain greater business opportunities. In future, YICT will continue to enhance co-operation with all relevant parties - including governments and port administration departments - to promote reform on port administration and establish a comprehensive port traffic network in Yantian. We shall make greater efforts to better serve our customers!"

In November 2001, in line with the rapid growth of economic development and container throughput in South China, Hutchison Port Holdings, together with Shenzhen Municipal Government and Yantian Port Group, decided to jointly develop the Phase III Project. With a total investment of HK$6.6 billion, the project covers a total area of 90 hectares.

The Phase III Project includes four 100,000-ton-plus container berths with a water-depth of 16 metres. These berths are equipped with the world's most advanced terminal operation equipment, including 18 post-Panamax quay cranes. With a lift height of 42 metres above the rails and an outreach of 65 metres, or 23 rows of containers, each quay crane features twin-lift operation capability. All the 48 rubber-tyred gantry cranes are "one-over-five". The equipment is capable of handling the world's largest container vessels at the fastest speed.

Passing the inspection conducted by the Engineering Construction Examination and Acceptance Committee on 15 October 2003, Phase III's first berth is a prelude to the successful completion of the other berths and yards. It is expected that the second berth and a container yard of 200,000 m² will be completed by the end of 2003, while the remaining two berths are due for completion by the middle and end of 2004. The whole project will be completed by the end of 2005.