On the western coastline of the southern tech hub, CMG’s port unit has turned Mawan, a terminal that used to handle break bulk cargo of grains and sandstone, into a showcase that features remote-controlled quay cranes, autonomous-driving container trucks and a digitally managed flow of goods.
Operating the quay cranes and rubber-tyred gantry cranes used to be the most complicated part for workers at the Mawan terminal, according to She Zhenwu, director of overseas business development at CMG’s port unit.
“Now they can operate it all remotely, while sitting in a cosy control room,” She told reporters at a briefing on Thursday in Shenzhen.
CMG’s upgraded Mawan operation is the latest example of China’s ambition to quickly modernise its vast infrastructure and traditional industries using the latest technologies, including 5G, digital-automation systems and artificial intelligence (AI).