Saltian Port Expands APEC Routes, Boosts Shenzhen Logistics Hub Status
Shenzhen's modern logistics industry, a pillar of its economy, is highlighted by Saltian Port's expansion of 14 new APEC shipping routes this year. The port uses AI and 5G for smart operations, and its rail-sea intermodal system links to Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, enhancing supply c
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is set to be held in Shenzhen, China's first special economic zone. From a small fishing village over 40 years ago, Shenzhen has grown into an economic powerhouse ranking third in national GDP. Modern logistics is one of its four pillar industries, accounting for about 10 per cent of the city's total economic output. According to municipal government data, Shenzhen's total freight volume last year exceeded 370 million tonnes, and its port container throughput surpassed 35 million standard units, a growth of over 5 per cent and a record high since the port opened. Shenzhen Port is currently the world's fourth-largest container hub port.
Located in southeastern Shenzhen, Saltian Port began operations in 1994 and now has 20 large deep-water berths. It is one of the world's largest single container terminals, operating nearly 100 international shipping routes per week, 53 of which connect to APEC member economies. Saltian International Container Terminal Managing Director Cen Qicheng said the port continues to expand regional trade links, adding 14 new APEC routes this year. Despite a volatile international situation, he expressed confidence in ensuring supply chain stability.
Moving from traditional labour-intensive logistics to modern smart logistics, Cen said Saltian Port is accelerating the construction of a smart terminal. This includes using artificial intelligence to analyse simultaneous operations of multiple ships and employing 5G networks for more precise control of crane systems. Operators no longer need to work outdoors in driver cabs for long periods but can remotely control large loading and unloading equipment from a control room, greatly improving the efficiency and reliability of transport, loading, unloading and distribution.
Rail-sea intermodal transport is an indispensable element of modern logistics. Cen noted that Saltian Port is the only Shenzhen port where railway trains can enter directly. Goods transported by rail from Chongqing, Chengdu and other inland areas to Saltian Port can then be transferred by barge to Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Container Terminals for export to international markets. This model significantly shortens transport times and boosts the efficiency of exports from China's western regions.
Saltian International is a member of the Hutchison Ports network under the CK Hutchison group. Shenzhen's 15th Five-Year Plan outline emphasises strengthening cooperation between Saltian Port and Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port. Currently, six barges operate daily between Saltian and Hong Kong, completing two-way cargo transport in about six to eight hours. Cen said the two ports are highly complementary and can further develop inland cargo sources, jointly realising the 'Saltian-Kwai Tsing' hub function to support high-quality development of the country's foreign trade.