Shanghai Port, the world's busiest container hub for the past 15 years, is embarking on an ambitious project to construct its largest automated container terminal in the north area of Xiaoyangshan Island in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area.

This key project, outlined in China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), is set to redefine maritime infrastructure with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

With a shoreline spanning 6,100 meters, the terminal will feature seven 70,000-metric-ton-class and 15 20,000-ton-class berths. With a designed annual throughput capacity of 11.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), it aims to bolster Shanghai Port's global leadership.

To shield the terminal from the huge waves from the open sea area, a 7,500-meter-long breakwater is being constructed parallel to the dockyard.

Construction site of Xiaoyangshan north area. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

To facilitate the massive undertaking, the operational zone of the Xiaoyangshan north area has been divided into four sections from west to east to ensure continuous construction and phased operation. The first section is slated for completion by the end of 2026, with an initial throughput capacity of 1.5 million TEUs, marking a significant milestone in Shanghai's journey towards a digital, intelligent, and sustainable shipping future.