#China #Ningbo #Sustainable Development #Maritime Silk Road #Ningbo Port

The Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum 2025

The 2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum unfolded on May 30 in Ningbo, a key coastal city in the Zhejiang province of China. This significant event gathered port executives, industry experts, and scholars from over 40 countries and regions to discuss vital topics surrounding the future of port cooperation and maritime logistics.

A Call for Sustainable Practices

Under the slogan "Be Eco-Friendly, Be Smart," the forum aimed to explore pathways toward low-carbon development through green technologies. Participants shared insights on enhancing supply chain resilience via digital connectivity and strengthening international cooperation to tackle various global challenges.

He Jianzhong, President of the China Navigation Institute, emphasized in his keynote address that the port and shipping industry must adopt sustainable practices to promote development. He advocated for digital innovation and smarter operations as essential drivers for transitioning and modernizing the industry.

Leveraging Data and Technology

Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, Operations Director for Maersk in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted how the Danish shipping giant has leveraged big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct real-time analytics on massive datasets. This approach has yielded reductions in costs and energy consumption, improved on-time delivery, and increased overall supply chain efficiency.

In a notable discussion about China's initiatives, Tao Chengbo, President of Zhejiang Seaport Group, elaborated on the Ningbo Zhoushan Port's plans. Recognized as the world’s largest in terms of annual cargo volume and third in container throughput, the port is embarking on a transformation journey centered around three key systems: achieving net-zero emissions, utilizing digital intelligence in operations, and offering comprehensive logistics services to uplift the global maritime industry.

Importance of International Collaboration

Jens Meier, President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and CEO of the Port of Hamburg, underscored the critical role of global cooperation facilitated by platforms like this forum. Such collaborative efforts empower stakeholders worldwide to address common challenges in the maritime sector.

The event culminated in the release of several consensus documents and reports. Moreover, formal agreements were established during the forum between Ningbo Zhoushan Port and other significant ports, including Hamburg in Germany, Wilhelmshaven in Russia, and Valencia in Spain. Notably, parallel events featured six thematic forums focused on various sub-sectors such as comprehensive logistics, smart shipping, port-city integration, and navigation safety.

Conclusion

The Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum 2025 has set a robust agenda aimed at fostering a sustainable port industry through innovation and collaboration. By focusing on green development, stakeholders are paving the way for a smarter, more resilient maritime future. This forum not only illuminates the potential for eco-friendly initiatives but also showcases the power of international partnerships in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.