Tianjin Port terminal in the automation trial phase

Qu Dongsheng, an engineer at Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal, was excited when he recalled changes to the terminal over the past decade.

"In the past, workers needed to stay on operation areas 46 meters above the ground for tasks like loading and offloading. They used to bow and face downwards through the whole process. Despite the safety rope, it is still an unpleasant experience," Qu said. "But now they only need to stay in an office room and operate remotely, thanks to automatic operations that the company is promoting."

Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal is stepping up efforts to develop and apply automatic operations to create a better working environment, as well as a more efficient operation. Its Party secretary Chen Tao said the company is still in the trial phase, but going forward there will be more efforts for the automation of port operations.

Founded in 2006 with an investment of 5.6 billion yuan ($808.98 million), Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal covers businesses including container loading and offloading, and storage along the 2,300-meter coastal areas of Bohai Sea.