China's First 'Smart Port 2.0' Starts Operation

The start of commercial operation of the "Smart Port 2.0" project was jointly announced at Yuanhai Terminal in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, by Dongfeng Motor Corporation, China Mobile Limited and China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited on Dec 21.

Based on high technologies like 5G communications, a satellite navigation system and driverless service, the smart port project is the latest result of high-tech commercial applications, making Yuanhai Terminal the first 5G full-scene application smart port in China to undertake commercialization.

In May 2020, the three enterprises joined hands with their industrial partners and launched the 5G-based smart port full-scene demonstration application at Yuanhai Terminal.

The smart transport equipment used at the terminal was developed by Dongfeng Motor Corporation's Dongfeng Trucks and includes the first driverless container truck in China.

The "Smart Port 2.0" project is built based on the 5G smart port full-scene demonstration application, which is expected to promote systematic upgrading of key technologies such as the 5G networking at all frequencies, mixed operation of driverless container trucks in open scenarios, convergence technology of high-precision BeiDou positioning and multi-sensing fusion systems, and 5G renovation of port machine remote control.

The smart port project will also contribute to development of driverless container truck standards at the port.

According to the test and plan analysis, the "Smart Port 2.0" project will require only a small investment and a short construction period. It is green and low-carbon and can be widely-used in various scenarios.

At the launch ceremony of the smart port project, the three state-owned enterprises reached agreement on joint operation of the port.

They also released a technical requirement handbook for port driverless container vehicles, the first of its kind in China.

The handbook provides a standard and basis for construction of unmanned horizontal transportation in the port area and will contribute to promoting cooperation and innovation in the industry.

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)