Automated guided vehicles are handling cargo at the fully automated terminal of Shandong Port Group"s Qingdao Port, on February 4, 2026. Photo: VCG

　　Leading enterprises in China have achieved a series of new breakthroughs in shipping, energy, space exploration and other sectors, as showcased by key projects and innovations during the nine-day Spring Festival holiday which concluded on Monday.

　　Chinese analysts said that the achievements demonstrate the depth of China"s scientific and technological exploration, bolstered by the country"s manufacturing prowess.

　　It further proves that technological innovations and new quality productive forces are reshaping China"s economic landscape, injecting fresh momentum into the country"s high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

　　Innovation breakthroughs

　　On Saturday, China"s first commercially operated smart container ship, Zhi Fei, slowly approached an automated berth in Qingdao Port in East China"s Shandong Province relying on autonomous navigation. Then, the vessel completed automated operations, seamlessly coordinated with the terminal"s lifting cranes, intelligent guided vehicles, and other fully automated loading and unloading equipment, before completing cargo operations.

　　The operation marks the first time that China has achieved full-process unmanned operations for a container ocean ship, covering navigation, berthing and cargo loading. The milestone marks a new stage in the collaborative development of China"s intelligent shipping and smart ports, Qingdao Port told the Global Times on Tuesday.