#China #green technology #Ningbo #Maritime Silk Road

2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum

The 2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum took place on May 30, 2025, in the bustling port city of Ningbo, located in East China's Zhejiang Province. This significant event brought together esteemed leaders from the port industry, scholars, and experts from over 40 countries and regions, making it a vital platform for discussing the future of port operations amidst global challenges.

Under the inspiring theme of “Go Green, Go Intelligent,” the forum focused on exploring pathways for low-carbon development through advanced green technologies. Participants emphasized the necessity for enhancing supply chain resilience through digital connectivity and fostering international cooperation amid a myriad of ongoing global challenges.

In his keynote address, He Jianzhong, President of the China Institute of Navigation, articulated the imperative for the port and shipping industry to embrace sustainable development. He urged industry players to adopt environmentally friendly practices, promote industrial transformation, and leverage digital innovations to modernize operations. The importance of enhancing connectivity for integrated industrial development was also highlighted, underlining the crucial role of advanced technologies in shaping the future of port operations.

A significant contribution came from Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, the Asia-Pacific CEO of Maersk, who remarked on the company's success in utilizing big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations have enabled Maersk to conduct real-time analyses of bulk data, thus reducing costs and energy consumption while improving on-time cargo delivery and overall supply chain efficiency.

The Ningbo Zhoushan Port, known as the world's largest port by annual cargo throughput and the third-largest in container traffic, is currently undertaking initiatives to transform its operations. Tao Chengbo, Chairman of the Zhejiang Seaport Group, shared details on their three-pronged approach focusing on achieving net-zero emissions, integrating digital intelligence, and offering comprehensive logistics services. These efforts are aimed at energizing the global shipping industry and exemplifying leadership in sustainable practices.

Jens Meier, President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, articulated the importance of global collaboration. He remarked that the forum serves as a critical platform for stakeholders worldwide to work together and tackle shared challenges effectively.

During the forum, several key documents were released, and multiple reports were published, reflecting the collective insights gained from discussions. Additionally, formal agreements were signed between the Ningbo Zhoushan Port and several prominent European ports, including Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven, and Valencia, cementing international partnerships aimed at fostering cooperative development.

The event also featured six thematic sub-forums that concentrated on niche areas such as comprehensive logistics solutions, intelligent shipping technologies, integration between ports and cities, and navigation safety. These discussions underscored the commitment of the maritime community to innovate and evolve, ensuring that port operations align with modern demands for sustainability and efficiency.

In conclusion, the 2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum set a new benchmark for vibrant discussions around port development, focusing on greener solutions and smarter technologies. Such initiatives not only respond to environmental imperatives but also enhance operational efficiencies, positioning ports globally to meet future demands effectively.

The exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovation will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the maritime industry, as stakeholders collaboratively work towards a sustainable and intelligent future for global shipping and port operations.