China is training a new artificial intelligence tool for its port industry using what officials call the world’s largest port operations data set. The National Development and Reform Commission says the system draws on the most comprehensive range of port scenarios and will support research in port logistics and autonomous driving.
It aggregates data from hundreds of AI firms and port operators, lowering development barriers across the sector.
China dominates global shipping, with six of the world’s ten busiest container ports, including Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan.
https://t.co/4E4pNC9x5F via @WSJ
— Martin Ford (@MFordFuture) November 25, 2025
Robots and #AI Are Already Remaking the Chinese Economy
"At one of China’s biggest ports, shipping containers whiz about on self-driving trucks with virtually no workers in sight, while the port’s scheduling is run by AI."#RiseoftheRobots
The latter just surpassed 40 million TEUs in annual throughput and has begun integrating the domestic AI model DeepSeek into its gate and customer service systems.
Authorities say DeepSeek reduces inspection staff needs, speeds container checks, and cuts response times for system alerts.
Beijing is also expanding AI adoption at other major ports amid rising geopolitical scrutiny of Chinese-linked port investments abroad.
Also read:
TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
Project Syndicate
