The Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo 2023, hosted in Tianjin Municipality of North China, marked a significant step forward for the global shipping and marine economy. Tianjin Port, a symbol of China’s shipping industry, stands out for its innovative approach and efficiency, boosting global industrial networks and economic expansion. This port is renowned for being the site of the world’s first intelligent zero-carbon terminal and a zone for autonomous driving demonstrations.
Linking with more than 500 ports across over 180 countries, Tianjin Port’s cargo and container throughput ranks within the world’s top 10. The expo, with over 3,000 industry experts and professionals, revolved around trends in navigation, shipping, and the maritime sector. Its theme, ‘Shipping throughout the world, leading the future, encompassed various exhibition zones, including areas dedicated to smart green ports and port machinery.
Baltic Asia’s head, Jin Yu Cheong, underlined China’s maritime advancements through a video link. Cheng Weidong, a longtime trailer driver at Tianjin Port, noted the profound changes brought about by AI and smart port technologies, significantly enhancing shipping efficiency.
The report from Xinhua-Baltic on International Shipping Center Development shows a shift in shipping dominance to the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Qingdao are now pivotal international shipping hubs, stabilizing global supply chains. Shanghai Port maintains its lead in container throughput, and Ningbo Zhoushan Port has a broad network of international shipping routes.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao emphasized the country’s role in sustaining global trade, backed by its leading ports’ throughput performance. China’s shipping sector extends its influence through worldwide port collaborations, shipbuilding, and ship leasing.
China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, a global shipping giant, operates an expansive fleet and covers numerous ports in multiple countries. The company’s impact is notably visible in Greece, where its management of the Piraeus port has significantly benefited the local economy and culture.
George Xiradakis from the Hellenic Shipping Finance Association acknowledged China’s impact on Greek shipping, with a considerable number of Greek vessels built in China. Liang Feng, an associate professor at Nankai University, pointed out China’s contribution to smoothing global trade logistics and fostering foreign trade development, thus bolstering the world economy.
DON’T MISS IT : India Steps Up Probe into Adani Group Over Coal Import Valuation Claims
