This domestically developed technological innovation allows large vessels to be secured in a record time of under 30 seconds, eliminating dangerous manual processes and optimizing operational efficiency.

On January 1, 2026, the 366-meter-long container ship “MSC Saudi Arabia” became the first to use this technology. As it approached the automated terminal’s berth, the system identified the vessel and precisely positioned its suction units, achieving a secure mooring in a matter of seconds using powerful suction cups.

Power and technological precision
The system consists of 13 mooring units installed along the berth. Key technical specifications include:

Suction capacity: Generates an absorption force of up to 2,600 kilonewtons, sufficient to secure the world’s largest container ships.

Intelligent control: Utilizes a three-tiered management architecture (remote central control, mobile terminals, and local operation) and intelligent decision-making algorithms based on the fusion of multiple sensors.

Real-time monitoring: The system actively tracks ship movement and environmental factors such as wind, waves, and currents to adjust pressure and maintain stability.

Impact on safety and economics
Implementing this technology represents a paradigm shift in port operations:

Reduced times: The mooring and unmooring process, which traditionally takes between 20 and 30 minutes, has been reduced to less than 30 seconds.

Workplace safety: Eliminates the need for personnel to work in the critical cable break zone, one of the most dangerous areas of the dock.

Increased operational capacity: The system is estimated to save over 200 berthing hours per year, equivalent to adding the operational capacity of 10 additional vessels per berth annually.

With this advancement, the Port of Qingdao consolidates its position as a global leader in automation. Having developed China’s first fully autonomous container terminal and its own intelligent operating system (A-TOS), the port continues to transform logistics toward a more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly model, reaffirming the transition of Chinese port technology from “following the trend” to “leading the industry.”