With its rich marine resources, strong research capabilities, and strategic port, Qingdao solidifies its key role in China's marine economy. [Photo/Guanhai News]

With its rich marine resources, strong research capabilities, and strategic port, Qingdao has solidified its key role in China's marine economy. The city has established a comprehensive governance framework and introduced forward-looking policies like the Qingdao 2035 Marine Development Vision, driving systematic efforts to build a leading modern marine city.

At the heart of this initiative is a robust marine industrial system. Qingdao is upgrading traditional sectors with 150,000-metric-ton intelligent aquaculture vessels and 21 national marine ranches, while also advancing emerging fields. Major projects, such as the Haikui-1 offshore platform, highlight its shift toward high-end, intelligent, and green marine industries.

Qingdao strives to become a model city in maritime development. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Breakthroughs in marine biopharma and artificial intelligence models underscore its push into future-oriented sectors. The recent establishment of Qingdao Marine Development Group aims to further integrate and expand marine industries.

The city leverages exceptional research assets, including national laboratories and leading academic institutions, which account for 40 percent of China's high-end marine research and development platforms. Currently, Qingdao is strengthening the industry-academia-research nexus, supporting 795 high-tech marine enterprises and 74 specialized little giant firms.

As a global shipping hub, Qingdao Port handled 710 million tons of cargo and 30.87 million TEUs in 2024. It is evolving into a smarter, greener port with expanding global connectivity. Supported by the three-year action plan for an international shipping center, the city is attracting maritime law, insurance, and classification services, as exemplified by the arrival of the Phoenix Register Asia headquarters and the PICC Marine Insurance Center. Qingdao now ranks 13th in the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index, rising two spots compared to last year.

Looking ahead, Qingdao will continue to innovate in marine industry, technology, and governance, striving to become a model city in maritime development.

Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group is one of the world's top ports. [Photo/Guanhai News]