On 7 August 2004, CMA CGM launched an Europe service named North China Express (NCX) at Yantian with an inaugural vessel of "CMA CGM Puccini". Up to now, there are 18 Europe services calling at Yantian.
Following the new Europe service AE7 on 22 July 2004 at Yantian, Maersk Sealand launched another new Europe service AE6 three days later. On 25 July, YICT received the inaugural vessel "Maersk Darwin".
On 23 July 2004, seaport customs reform, the top priority of Shenzhen Customs this year, was officially launched in Yantian Port, after the port was chosen for experiments in the second round of customs reform.
On 22 July 2004, Maersk Sealand launched a new Europe service AE7 at Yantian with an inaugural vessel "Kund Maersk".
On 20 July 2004, "MSC ANS" made its inaugural visit to Yantian to commence a new Asia-America service named Golden Gate Pendulum (GGP). The service is operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.(MSC).
On 12 July 2004, "CSCL Asia", the largest vessel of the China Shipping (CSCL) container fleet at 8,468 TEU, made a maiden call at Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT).
On 12 July 2004, Yantian International Container Terminals commenced use of a brand new 29-lane gatehouse, part of the extensive Phase III Development Project.
With the ever-increasing marketing requirements, CP Ships enhanced its Asia-Australia and Asia-America services to increase shipping capacities.
On 30 June 2004, the Ministry of Communications (MOC) organised various port and ship security exercises at Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) to practice the application of the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
On 1 June 2004, "Dagmar Maersk" made an inaugural call to YICT, commencing Maersk Sealand's new America service TP8.
With the introduction of a new system designed to save time and labour costs, ocean shipments at Yantian will soon be allowed to undergo electronic application and inspection even before they arrive at the port.
On 27 May 2004, a new Europe service named Lion Service,operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), made an inaugural call at Yantian.
Every year on YICT’s Open Day, many local students are invited to visit the terminal. On 25 May 2004, YICT warmly received 90 students from Shenzhen University.
On 13 May 2004, Guangdong Provincial Government approved the Port Facilities Security Assessment and Port Facilities Security Plan of YICT.
Since Yantian Port was chosen for the second round of customs reform in February 2004, Shenzhen Customs has paid much attention to the progress of reform.