On October 27, Qingdao Port marked a milestone as its second 400,000-ton ore terminal commenced operations. The terminal welcomed the "Gemini," a 300,000-ton vessel carrying iron ore from Brazil’s Vale, at Berth D31 of Dongjiakou Port’s ore terminal. Remote operators initiated the first automated unloading using intelligent systems, solidifying Qingdao Port’s position as China’s first port with a fully digitalized 400,000-ton dry bulk terminal and the first in northern China to operate dual 400,000-ton ore terminals.

This achievement represents a leap forward for Qingdao’s international shipping hub ambitions and sets a new standard for China’s ultra-large dry bulk terminal construction and operations. As the world’s fourth-largest port and China’s second-largest foreign trade hub, Qingdao Port has leveraged Shandong Province’s integrated port reforms to enhance infrastructure, expand Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) routes, and strengthen its role in global trade.

**Dual 400,000-ton Terminals: Powering Efficiency** Port infrastructure is the backbone of international shipping, driving efficiency and supply chain expansion. With the maritime industry increasingly dominated by mega-container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers, deep-water berths are critical to accommodate these vessels. Qingdao Port’s first 400,000-ton terminal, operational since 2015, has handled over 460 ultra-large vessels, leading China’s coastal ports in dry bulk operations.

The new terminal, located in Dongjiakou’s Langya Taiwan operation zone, adds 16 million tons of annual throughput capacity and 10 million tons of storage capacity. Combined with the existing terminal, the dual-berth cluster will exceed 56 million tons annually, ensuring a seamless, high-capacity iron ore supply chain for China’s steel industry.

**Pioneering Smart Operations** The terminal is China’s first smart-enabled 400,000-ton dry bulk facility, integrating 5G, AI, and cloud computing. Its proprietary intelligent dry bulk terminal operating system (iGTOS) enables real-time monitoring, automated decision-making, and digitalized logistics management. Advanced equipment supports fully automated unloading, loading, blending, and portside material supply, setting a new benchmark for smart port transformation.

**Expanding Global Connectivity** Qingdao Port’s shipping network now spans over 180 countries and 700 ports, with 230+ container routes and 86 rail-sea intermodal lines. Recent expansions include 15 new container routes and three rail-sea corridors targeting BRI markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

A notable example is the "Chuanwei Lina," which recently docked at Qingdao’s Xilian pulp terminal with Brazilian pulp before returning to Belgium with Chinese exports. This bidirectional logistics model ensures efficient import-export flows, supporting global supply chains.

**Strong Performance Amid Growth** Transport Ministry data shows Qingdao Port handled 498 million tons of cargo (up 2.4% YoY) and 22.05 million TEUs (up 7.4% YoY) in the first eight months of 2025. With cutting-edge infrastructure and a global route network, Qingdao Port continues to elevate its role in national and international trade.