An aerial view of the Dapukou Container Terminal in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsqdxq]

The Dapukou Container Terminal in the Jintang port area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, East China's Zhejiang province, recently reached a production milestone. 

In August, the terminal handled 389,700 twenty-foot equivalent units, up 56 percent year-on-year. From January to August, throughput reached 2.439 million TEUs, rising 49.43 percent compared to the same period last year, providing strong momentum for the port's overall growth.

Efficiency enhancements have been the key driver. This year, Yongzhou Container Terminal initiated targeted efficiency campaigns on major routes by optimizing work plans, adopting modular loading methods, and enhancing ship control management. Seven high-volume routes were prioritized. For example, the CSCL Africa, a Hong Kong-registered vessel, saw berth efficiency rise 20 to 30 percent compared to last year.

The terminal's busy operations have become routine, with five berths often occupied simultaneously and 22 quay cranes operating at full capacity, handling up to 12 vessels per day.

Through smart facilities and coordinated management, the terminal has also secured additional "extra call" services, contributing about 100,000 TEUs in August alone. Automation plays a growing role, with unmanned container trucks now handling one-third of the total volume, significantly boosting efficiency and throughput growth.