China marked a milestone in maritime logistics on February 21, 2026, as the smart container vessel Zhi Fei completed the world's first full-process unmanned operation. The ship autonomously navigated, berthed, and handled cargo at Qingdao Port in Shandong Province, signaling a leap in smart shipping technology.
Equipped with a domestically developed intelligent navigation system, the Zhi Fei docked using precision sensors and AI algorithms. A vacuum-based mooring system secured the vessel in under 30 seconds, eliminating traditional manual processes. The operation leveraged China's proprietary A-TOS terminal operating system and A-ECS equipment control system, enabling quay cranes and guided vehicles to coordinate container handling with millisecond-level efficiency.
This breakthrough supports three operational modes—manual, remote, and fully autonomous—and positions the Chinese mainland as a leader in next-generation maritime logistics. Analysts predict the technology could reshape global supply chains by 2027.
