Shandong Ports Group (SPG), which is headquartered in the coastal city of Qingdao, now operates over 370 container routes and more than 80 general cargo routes, connecting more than 700 ports in over 180 countries and regions worldwide, according to official statistics.

In the first quarter, cargo throughput grew 4.1 percent year-on-year and container throughput increased 8.7 percent.

Over the past two years, SPG has implemented a series of landmark infrastructure projects, including Qingdao's second 400,000 metric-ton ore terminal and Rizhao's open-side fully automated container terminal, creating China's largest and most capable cluster of modern deep-water berths.

Meanwhile, the port group has expanded its route network to more than 370 total routes, including over 270 foreign trade routes, the most extensive coverage in northern China.

The expanded network has greatly facilitated the export of "Made in China" goods. Yantai Port of SPG, China's top gateway for trade with Africa, now serves more than 20 African countries with regular shipping services, reducing maritime costs by 5 percent to 10 percent for mining equipment exports and achieving a monthly average of over 30 two-way sailings.

SPG has consistently ranked first globally in cargo throughput for several consecutive years, rising from 1.8 billion tons in 2024 to 1.96 billion tons in 2025, with container throughput growing from 44.77 million TEUs to 48.53 million TEUs, exceeding the group's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) targets.

Qingdao, Rizhao, and Yantai ports now rank fourth, sixth, and 10th, respectively, among global coastal ports by cargo throughput.

Qingdao accelerates the development of its international shipping center, with Qingdao Port now operating about 240 foreign trade routes. [Photo/Guanhai News]