On October 27, the 300,000-ton ore carrier "Gemini" from Brazil commenced its first grab operation at Berth D31 of the ore terminal in Dongjiakou Port Area of Qingdao Port, marking the official launch of the port's second 400,000-ton ore terminal. With this, Qingdao Port has become the first in China to operate a 400,000-ton dry bulk smart terminal and the first in northern China to feature a dual 400,000-ton ore terminal configuration.

The second 400,000-ton ore terminal at Qingdao Port began construction in December 2022, featuring a 300,000-ton iron ore berth (designed with a 400,000-ton bulk carrier structure). Upon operation, it adds an annual throughput capacity of 16 million tons and increases storage capacity by 10 million tons, boosting the combined annual throughput of the "dual 400,000-ton berths" to over 56 million tons.

This newly operational terminal is China's first 400,000-ton dry bulk smart terminal, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. It pioneers the application of an intelligent general terminal operating system (iGTOS) and establishes a secure, efficient, and service-oriented logistics management system through platforms like Yungangtong and Yuheng. The terminal enables real-time monitoring, smart decision-making, and digital sensing across the entire production and operation process.

Additionally, the terminal is equipped with the most advanced and intelligent dry bulk handling equipment, enabling fully automated processes for unloading, loading, blending, and portside material supply. It achieves automated control for all machinery, including unloaders, stacker-reclaimers, gantry cranes, and loading towers, filling the gap in smart operations for ultra-large dry bulk terminals in China and transitioning from "traditional operations" to "smart services."

The trend toward larger international vessels has become increasingly evident. In 2015, Dongjiakou Port Area's first 400,000-ton ore terminal handled its inaugural 400,000-ton vessel, ushering in the "era of mega-ships" for China's dry bulk port operations. By September 2025, the terminal had handled over 460 such vessels, totaling 160 million tons. In 2024, the first 400,000-ton terminal exceeded 40 million tons in throughput, with berth utilization reaching 90%, nearing full capacity.

With the second terminal now operational, the combined throughput capacity will surpass 56 million tons, establishing an "all-weather, high-efficiency" iron ore transportation artery for China's steel industry.