China has commissioned its first fully automated container terminal featuring a dedicated sea-rail intermodal line designed for direct train-to-ship loading at CSP Xiamen Ocean Gate Terminal, marking a major advancement in integrated logistics and smart port operations.
The newly operational railway line stretches 1,586 meters and is located just 70 meters from the berth edge, extending directly into the terminal’s core operational area. The innovative configuration allows freight trains to load containers directly onto vessels without intermediate yard storage, effectively eliminating the traditional “last mile” bottleneck in sea-rail logistics.
The terminal is expected to significantly improve efficiency while reducing logistics costs. According to the operator, the direct loading system cuts comprehensive logistics costs by more than 15% per container. The seamless integration of automated rail operations with terminal handling enables a 9-minute train-to-ship transfer, reducing overall cargo transit times by two to three days.
The facility also strengthens inland and international connectivity by linking 21 international shipping services serving Europe, the Americas, Australia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia with more than 20 inland rail corridors across China, creating a highly efficient multimodal logistics network.
Designed with an annual handling capacity of 250,000 TEUs and 250,000 tonnes of general cargo, the terminal represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to develop intelligent ports, promote multimodal transportation, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
The commissioning of the automated sea-rail terminal is expected to further improve cargo movement between China’s manufacturing hubs and global markets, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in smart port development and integrated logistics infrastructure.
