Smart Beibu Gulf terminal in Guangxi drives global trade

Breezes circulate across the Beibu Gulf, signifying continuous development. At the Qinzhou Automated Container Terminal in Guangxi's Beibu Gulf Port, autonomous guided vehicles operate smoothly, transporting containers like "steel blocks" to designated areas, depicting a dynamic scene of operational efficiency.

A control room a kilometer away features operators manipulating joysticks to operate rail-mounted gantry cranes in the world's first U-shaped yard, efficiently managing 10 metric ton containers for quick loading and unloading. This smooth remote control removes the need for outdoor tasks, representing a significant advance in terminal operations.

As the central hub of the new western land-sea corridor and China's primary gateway to ASEAN, the port handles over 1,200 cargo types through rail-sea intermodal trains, linking western China's interior with ASEAN markets. With AI, big data, and automation solutions, it has reduced container transfer time from three hours to 1.5 hours.

Its integrated operations — spanning information, customs, and scheduling — enable "train-to-ship" transfers. For goods from Sichuan, Chongqing, and other regions, this intelligent hub speeds up global trade, strengthening Guangxi's position in regional and international markets.