Shandong Port Group's (SPG) cargo throughput and container volume for this year had surpassed 1.7 billion metric tons and 40 million TEUs as of Dec 27. This means that SPG has the highest port capacity in the world.

SPG has taken steps to prioritize the integrated development of container business and formulated action plans to advance container integration this year. This has resulted in the opening of 32 container services that have boosted its container throughput growth rate. Efforts have also been made to expand its foothold in the onshore market.

SPG has set up nine inland ports and launched 10 intermodal train services this year. Intermodal transportation volume has increased 20 percent year-on-year.

The volume of key cargo like crude oil and coal have increased over 10 percent compared with the same period last year. SPG's bauxite volume has also significantly increased, while the year-on-year throughput growth of commercial vehicle has surpassed 20 percent.

SPG has created a port-centered supply chain service system and unveiled a supply chain service center to quicken its transformation from a single port operator to an integrated supply chain service provider. Meanwhile, it has strengthened ties with provincial and municipal departments of commerce to conduct "commerce + port" collaboration as part of efforts to ensure the steady and high-quality growth of foreign trade of Shandong province.

Due to the support of port-related institutions, SPG has implemented tax refund policy for ports of shipment. Qingdao clinched the top spot with the highest overall score in the 2023 port business environment evaluation. It was the only city to achieve a 4.5-star rating.

On top of that, SPG has held a wide range of promotion meetings and made new achievements in areas including shipping and cargo agency, insurance, bunker fuel supply, overseas warehouse and centralized procurement of bulk commodity. This has led to the building of a prosperous and harmonious port ecosystem.

Going forward, SPG plans to further expand its role as a strategic hub and core node and become a significant engine that galvanizes regional economic growth.

[Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]