AI Revolutionizes Berthing Operations at Qingdao Port
A bulk carrier laden with iron ore recently docked at Qingdao Port in Shandong province, marking a significant milestone in maritime operations. This routine arrival was notable not for the cargo it carried, but for the advanced technology that facilitated its berthing. The entire process was managed by an AI system, which streamlined operations by eliminating the need for last-minute recalculations and paper schedules. Qingdao Port, a subsidiary of Shandong Port Group, is recognized as one of the busiest maritime hubs globally.
The newly developed Berth Planning Agent, powered by artificial intelligence, analyzes various factors such as vessel schedules, tidal data, and operational constraints in real-time. Within seconds, it generates an optimal berthing plan and sends synchronized instructions directly to port equipment and terminal systems. Zhao Weili, director of the intelligent automation and control center at Qingdao Port’s Qiangang Co., noted that vessel berthing has historically been one of the most labor-intensive aspects of port operations. Previously, planners had to manually integrate 132 different vessel-related variables, often revising plans multiple times a day. With the AI agent’s implementation in November, the system has evolved by learning from real-world scenarios, refining its decisions with each new vessel. The AI’s berthing accuracy has reached approximately 80%, significantly reducing the workload for planners and enhancing overall port efficiency.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with AI Technology
As one of China’s first national pilot bases for artificial intelligence applications in transportation, Qingdao Port is pioneering solutions to common industry challenges, including congestion, safety risks, and complex cargo flows. In the Dagang Port Area, where operations involve a mix of general cargo and dry bulk goods, safety remains a top priority. Here, AI acts as an additional layer of oversight. Port cameras are now equipped with an AI model that detects safety violations, programmed with 208 rules covering major and general port regulations. This system monitors 99 critical, high-risk scenarios, capturing images and sending alerts the moment a violation occurs. Yu Haibo, deputy director of the safety, environmental protection, and technology department at Dagang Branch, Qingdao Port International Co. Ltd., explained that previously, only a few personnel monitored over 1,500 video feeds simultaneously. The AI system now provides near-total visual coverage across the port’s expansive 9.6 million square meters.
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Automation has also transformed bulk cargo handling. Before conveyor belts begin operation, AI agents automatically review full-process video feeds to identify foreign objects, achieving a remarkable 99.8% detection rate with minimal false alarms. Additionally, stacker-reclaimers utilize both cameras and radar to measure distances accurately, avoid collisions, and handle materials more intelligently. Automation levels in these operations have surged to 94%. Guo Yiyun, director of the safety, environmental protection, and technology department at Qingdao Port, highlighted that the port has established 187 data standards and integrated over 20 data models and applications, providing more than 1,000 data services across its operations. By standardizing and replicating AI solutions, Qingdao Port aims to share its expertise with the broader industry, accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across China’s port sector.
