🏆The country's largest automated twin-trolley quay cranes and future-ready berths, delivered in December last year and January this year respectively, are designed to handle container vessels up to 33% larger than the world's largest vessels currently in service.
🏆The world's first rail-mounted gantry cranes capable of seamlessly switching between laden and empty container operations have increased yard productivity by 30%.
🏆The country's largest cross-terminal F5G all-optical port network enables the remote coordination of hundreds of pieces of equipment.
👉Visionary planning and cutting-edge technology enhance intelligence, efficiency and safety while laying a solid digital foundation for integrated terminal development.

Along the shores of the South China Sea, on the banks of Mirs Bay, government authorities and enterprises are joining forces to bring to life a next-generation smart mega-port—a showcase of Intelligent Manufacturing in China. With the completion of Phase I construction acceptance and the installation of state-of-the-art automated equipment, the Phase I project of the YANTIAN East Port Area (hereinafter referred to as the East Port) is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world. It is set to present a distinctive Chinese calling card of smart ports during APEC China 2026.

Built for the Vessels of Tomorrow: Future-Ready Design Creates a National Landmark

As a key infrastructure project under China's 14th Five-Year Plan and the development of the Greater Bay Area, the East Port spans 1.2 million square metres and features 1,470 metres of berth length, including three fully automated 200,000-tonne container berths. Upon full operation, the terminal will offer an annual handling capacity of 3 million TEUs.

As China's first port to establish a "50 years without major overhaul" construction standard, YANTIAN has consistently maintained world-class construction quality and operational performance since its inception. This unwavering commitment to excellence has earned widespread industry and social recognition. To date, the Central Port (Phases II, III, and the Expansion Project) and West Port have collectively received six Luban Prizes, the Tien-yow Jeme Civil Engineering Prizes, and the National Quality Engineering Awards, setting a new record nationwide.

A philosophy of "strategic investment ahead of demand" has guided YANTIAN's development for decades, shaping every stage of the port's growth. Reflecting this vision, the East Port has been designed to accommodate ultra-large container vessels of up to 32,000 TEUs, approximately 33% larger than the largest container vessels currently in service worldwide. This design not only places the project at the forefront of China's port development, but also establishes a new global benchmark, once again demonstrating YANTIAN's long-term commitment to staying ahead of industry evolution.

Intelligent Manufacturing in China Sets New Port Benchmarks: Homegrown Technologies Power a World-Class Terminal

Visionary design requires equally advanced infrastructure and equipment to bring it to life. The new East Port is equipped with globally leading infrastructure and a suite of breakthrough intelligent technologies. The terminal and revetment works were completed in December last year and the country's largest automated twin-trolley quay cranes were delivered in January this year. Behind every milestone lies the collective commitment of industry partners to excellence in engineering and construction quality.

• Future-ready berths built for 32,000-TEU mega vessels: Designed to accommodate ultra-large container vessels of up to 32,000 TEUs, the berths are among the few high-specification marine structures worldwide capable of handling vessels of this scale. Guided by YANTIAN's "50 years without major overhaul" quality philosophy, CCCC4 delivered the project to the highest engineering standards, creating a durable, high-level foundation for future development.

• China's largest automated twin-trolley quay cranes: Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, these next-generation quay cranes feature a lifting height of 55 metres and an outreach of 75 metres. Capable of serving container vessels up to 32,000 TEUs—approximately 33% larger than the world's largest container vessels currently in service—they provide solid support for future evolution of global shipping.

• A world first in intelligent yard operations: Manufactured by SANY, the rail-mounted gantry cranes are the first in the world to seamlessly switch between laden and empty container handling operations, boosting operating efficiency by 30% compared with conventional systems. Supporting remote multi-crane operation by a single operator, while incorporating high-precision positioning and comprehensive anti-collision safeguards, the system delivers benchmarks in both productivity and operational safety.

• China's largest cross-terminal F5G all-optical port network: Powered by Huawei's industry-leading F5G all-optical networking technology, the network provides highly reliable connectivity for remote operations, production systems and office applications across the East Port. It is among the first large-scale deployments in China to enable ultra-long-distance remote control of cargo-handling equipment across multiple operational areas, establishing a benchmark for all-optical smart ports and supporting the integrated operation of Central, West and East Ports.

• Optimised hybrid manned + autonomous driving model: To further enhance horizontal transportation efficiency within the automated terminal, YANTIAN has introduced electric autonomous tractors developed by Westwell and refined an innovative hybrid operating model that integrates both manned and autonomous driving. By balancing safety, operational efficiency and real-time scheduling flexibility, the solution unlocks a new level of intelligent terminal logistics.

•  Engineering precision down to the millimetre: To meet the exacting requirements of fully automated terminal operations, CCCC3 exercised rigorous control over every critical construction parameter. The container yard achieved millimetre-level elevation tolerances for container corner foundations, while rail installation was completed with near-zero deviation, establishing a robust engineering foundation for quality and automated terminal operations.

From the driving of the terminal's first steel pipe pile to the emergence of a fully connected automated mega-port, every key element of the project, from infrastructure and intelligent equipment to the F5G all-optical network and 5G communications systems, showcases the strength of Intelligent Manufacturing in China. More than a huge breakthrough in port construction, the East Port represents a new benchmark for smart-port development to boost new quality productive forces.

As a natural deep-water port and one of the world's preferred port-of-call for mega vessels, YANTIAN has long played a vital role in global shipping industry. The completion of the East Port further strengthens its position as one of the world's largest single container terminals and provides critical support for the Greater Bay Area's ambition to become a world-class international shipping hub.

Looking ahead, YANTIAN will leverage the East Port as a catalyst for the continued smart and green transformation of its Central and West Ports. A planned connecting bridge will further integrate the East, Central and West Ports into a unified terminal network, enabling coordinated operations, resource sharing and greater efficiency, providing strong support for the high-quality development of foreign trade in Shenzhen and even the country.

YANTIAN will continue to embrace new quality productivity forces, advancing the digitalisation, intelligence and green transformation of its terminal operations. Working closely with port supervisory authorities, railway operators and government agencies, it will continue to provide stable, efficient and low-carbon logistics solutions that strengthen the real economy and support the high-quality development of foreign trade in Shenzhen and beyond. As China welcomes the APEC China Year, YANTIAN is proud to present a distinctive Chinese calling card of smart port development.