AI-Powered Forum on Building a New Smart Port Ecosystem: The Technical Sub-forum of the 7th “Silk Road Maritime” International Cooperation Forum Successfully Held in Xiamen

The 7th “Silk Road Maritime” International Cooperation Forum will be held from September 8 to 9, 2025, in Xiamen, Fujian Province. As an important component of this year’s forum, the technical symposium themed “Empowering AI to Build a New Ecosystem for Smart Ports” was successfully held on the afternoon of September 9.

This forum is jointly hosted by Fujian Port Technology Group, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and the “Silk Road Maritime” Alliance. It aims to establish a global platform for exchanging ideas on smart port technologies, collaboratively explore AI-driven pathways, and jointly draw up a new blueprint for the digital and intelligent development of ports.

The venue of the technical thematic forum on “Empowering AI to Build a New Ecosystem for Smart Ports”

The forum brought together prominent representatives from domestic and international companies in the port, shipping, and technology sectors, focusing on how artificial intelligence technologies are reshaping the port ecosystem and injecting smart momentum into the integration of ports, shipping, and trade. Participants engaged in multi-dimensional and in-depth discussions and shared insights—from the underlying logic of AI technologies to their practical applications in port scenarios, from benchmark experiences within China to a global perspective on international cooperation.

Currently, a new wave of technological revolution—led by AI and 5G—is thriving, driving the deep integration of digital technologies with transportation infrastructure. In his opening remarks, Chen Haiyong, President of Huawei’s Smart Port Initiative Group, pointed out that digitalization, intelligence, low-carbonization, and autonomy have become clear trends in the port and shipping sector, continuously creating new opportunities and spurring fresh momentum for the industry. He emphasized that the development of smart ports is gradually shifting from traditional cargo transshipment hubs toward integrated supply-chain service systems that combine logistics, trade, and finance, marking a crucial leap from localized optimization to holistic advancement. Huawei will remain firmly focused on digital infrastructure, contributing its expertise to the global development of smart ports.

Innovation is the core driving force behind continuous progress, while green and smart approaches are the only path to sustainable development. In his speech, Chen Lezhang, General Manager of Fujian Port Group, stated that the group is accelerating the establishment of an independent innovation system in the port sector, integrating internal resources to form Fujian Port Technology Group, speeding up the construction of a unified provincial port information platform, launching a batch of IT projects, and building a cluster of innovation-driven enterprises.

Discussing New Opportunities for International Cooperation

In his speech, Jabulo Ntshimande, Director of the African Ocean Council, emphasized the urgent need for African countries to develop their marine economies and build modern ports. He stated, The African continent attaches great importance to cooperation with its Chinese partners and looks forward to deepening collaboration in areas such as investment in port development, maritime logistics, and the advancement of shipping infrastructure services. This is of great significance for ensuring the smooth operation of global supply chains.

Technological innovation enhances operational efficiency.

Dr. Liu Jiantao, Deputy General Manager of HIRI FUTURE, focused on the practical applications of large AI models and intelligent agents. He introduced that the company is fully committed to deeply implementing its independently developed "HIRI Port Foundation Large Model." This model will be comprehensively integrated into core scenarios within the port group, including human resources, finance, legal affairs, knowledge management, supply chain, strategic decision-making, and cross-departmental collaboration, thereby significantly enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the enterprise and helping ports make the leap from "automation" to "intelligence," providing technological impetus and a practical blueprint for the development of smart ports.

Dan Lei, Director of the Smart Port Machinery Research Institute at Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., explained how intelligent loading and unloading solutions can enhance port operational efficiency. He proposed a model featuring "predictive simulation with human intervention + decoupling via standard interfaces + simplified and easy maintenance," noting that artificial intelligence technology runs throughout the process, enabling effective identification and troubleshooting of root causes and ensuring the system operates efficiently and stably.

Focusing on the Deep Integration and Practical Application of AI Technologies

Yang Guang, Senior Industry Solutions Manager at Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., shared how Huawei is deeply integrating AI into every stage of port operations. He explained that as a provider of digital ICT infrastructure solutions, Huawei—leveraging cloud technology, big data, and artificial intelligence, combined with software and Ascend AI chips—is collaborating with partners to co-create and implement scenario-specific solutions, thereby driving the development of smart ports.

Zhu Jianguang, General Manager of Shandong Port Technology Group Co., Ltd., shared... The Transformation and Upgrading Strategy and Practices of Shandong Ports. Shandong Ports is committed to transforming itself from a traditional cargo-handling port into a world-class smart, green port, a logistics hub, and a financial and trade port. He highlighted the “Tianhe” all-domain intelligent port solution developed and launched by the company. This solution not only serves inland waterway port construction in multiple regions across China but has also been successfully applied to ports in countries such as Indonesia and Guinea.

Yu Lingjie, Deputy General Manager of Fujian Port Technology Group Doctor Focusing on the theme of “Building a New Maritime Smart and Green Hub through Multi-dimensional Integration,” the presentation introduced Fujian Port’s explorations and practices. Dr. Yu stated that in the future, by fostering multi-dimensional convergence among digitalization, intelligent technologies, and new energy sources, we will build a new maritime smart and green hub and accelerate the development of zero-carbon ports.

In his speech, Lan Peng, Planning and Architecture Manager at Tianjin Port (Group) Co., Ltd., emphasized that next-generation technologies are driving ports to evolve from labor-intensive operations toward digitalization and intelligentization. Integrating data resources, building an industrial ecosystem, and responding swiftly to customer needs will become the core competitive strengths of ports. He revealed that Tianjin Port is actively developing a large-scale port model and building a port intelligent agent to promote the deep integration of AI technology with business scenarios.

Looking ahead

The successful holding of this forum has provided a valuable platform for exchange and innovative ideas for the development of smart ports worldwide. Participants unanimously agreed that artificial intelligence technology, as a key driving force, will continue to empower the digital and intelligent transformation of ports, jointly building a new global port and shipping ecosystem that is efficient, green, smart, and open. Fujian Port Technology Group, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and the Silk Road Maritime Alliance will continue to work closely with industry partners to jointly promote the innovative application and collaborative development of smart port technologies on a global scale.

Editor: Yu Li

Proofreading: Zeng Xiong

Reviewed by: Zhang Weitian