Tianjin Port Group has announced its plans to collaborate with Huawei, a leading provider of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, to upgrade the Port of Tianjin. The digital transformation of the port will include the construction of new automated terminals, updating existing terminals, and the creation of a digital twin of the port. The digital twin of the port will allow for more efficient and effective management of operations, resulting in improved performance and customer satisfaction.
The Section C Terminal at the Port of Tianjin’s Beijiang Port Area has already set an example as the world’s first smart, zero-carbon port terminal. It began large-scale commercial operations in October 2021 and has been running smoothly ever since. The terminal uses cutting-edge 5G and L4 autonomous driving technology to ensure safety and efficiency. These upgrades will now be expanded to other areas of the port.
The Chief Technology Officer of Huawei’s Smart Road, Waterway & Port Business Unit, Yue Kun, noted that the planned upgrades will assist a variety of sectors. By combining next-generation digital technologies such as 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the port will address industrial challenges, support digital industry transformation and upgrading, and provide social value. The Port of Tianjin, which handles over 21 million TEUs in 2022, is one of the busiest ports in the world with 300,000-ton-class terminals and a channel depth of 22 meters. It contains 213 different types of berths.
The new solution at the Section C Terminal has integrated 5G and L4 autonomous driving technology, creating a new model for updating traditional container ports worldwide. Container cranes at the terminal operate automatically, and intelligent robots of the horizontal transportation system frequently come and go. These robots are guided by the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and are directed to automatic locking/unlocking stations to unlock containers and then to the container yard along optimal driving routes calculated in real-time.
The Port of Tianjin has long been at the forefront of technological innovation in the shipping industry. The use of cutting-edge technology, such as 5G and AI, has already demonstrated significant benefits at the Section C Terminal, and these upgrades will expand the reach of these benefits throughout the entire port. This collaboration between Tianjin Port Group and Huawei will provide a solution that will be a benchmark for the entire shipping industry.
In conclusion, the digital transformation of the Port of Tianjin, facilitated by Huawei and Tianjin Port Group, will bring many benefits to the shipping industry. From improved efficiency and safety to increased customer satisfaction, the collaboration will result in a more modern and effective port that will continue to lead the way in the shipping industry. The expansion of the digital solution at the Section C Terminal to other areas of the port is just the beginning of a new era in shipping, where technology and innovation will play a critical role in driving the industry forward.
