Green and smart Tianjin Port strives for first league ports globally

In 2021, the container throughput of North China’s Tianjin Port set a new annual record by surpassing 20 million TEUs.

Its new terminal, operated by smart technologies and powered by solar and wind, is a breakthrough for first league ports globally.

By coordinating all factors in the area in real-time based on AI technology, the terminal's “brain” can automatically create optimized loading and unloading plans.

Guided by the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System from a base station set up at the terminal, driverless trucks know which destinations and routes to use when loading and unloading containers.

The terminal also has AI-controlled robot workers with sensors acting as its eyes and ears, doing dangerous and arduous work that humans do at traditional container terminals. The port has rolled out 168 5G base stations to support dynamic, high-precision operations.

The terminal is powered by wind and solar energy, achieving zero-carbon emissions for energy consumption and production.

The unmanned terminal has increased operation efficiency by 15 percent and saved 20 percent in energy costs for every container.

"It is the world's first smart and 'zero-carbon' terminal - an example for the intelligent upgrading and low-carbon development of ports all over the world," said Chu Bin, Party chief and president of the Tianjin Port Group.

Yang Zhe, head of the Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration, said Tianjin has introduced a series of measures to promote the upgrading of green port construction. In the past three years, water safety has continued to stabilize and improve.

Li Jiashu, head of the Tianjin General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, said the station has made efforts to ensure safety at the port. Preventive measures are put in place to detect risks and hidden dangers.

The port is now connected to more than 800 ports in more than 200 countries and regions around the world.

Wang Libing, head of Tianjin Customs, said steps have been taken to reduce logistics costs for import and export enterprises, and customs clearance time has been significantly shortened. 

As a major port in North China, improvements in the port’s transportation capabilities are expected to further support the country’s logistics circulation and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei’s regional economy.