The HMM Algeciras container ship made its maiden voyage in Qingdao Port on April 26, 2020. File Photo

In the era of “ultra large ships”, Qingdao is becoming a hub port increasingly favored by global shipping companies. According to the latest statistics, the number of 400m-level container vessels that arrived at Qingdao Port reached 400, increasing by 8.11 percent than 2019 and setting up a record high. Despite the fact that international trade and supply chains are impacted severely by the COVID-19, such “annual performance” has reflected the continual optimization of Qingdao port’s business environment and dramatically enhance the influence and competitiveness of Qingdao as an international shipping trade financial innovation center. 

According to the data provided by Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd., Shandong Port Group, the ultra large container ships that berthed in Qingdao in 2020 mainly belonged to world-famous shipping companies including the MSC, Maersk, Hyundai. After transit in Qingdao, these large ships loaded with goods headed for European countries including Britain, Germany and France. “Usually large ships don’t berth in every port. Ship route planning should take into account economical efficiency and sufficient sources of goods. As new ships are put into operation, the space of the existing shipping lines has increased by 30 percent. Chemical products, electromechanical products and non-staple food made by Shandong province will be exported to the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.” said a responsible person of QQCT, Qingdao Port, Shandong Port Group. 

In addition to favorable port conditions, advanced facilities and a world-class service team, we have learned from Qingdao Maritime Bureau that Qingdao is continuously optimizing inbound and outbound procedures for ships and implementing single-window remote processing online all day and night long,  so as to further increase the customs clearance efficiency.