"Weihai Port, Dongying Port, Weifang Port, Binzhou Port, and other ports are developing in a coordinated manner. Such development pattern laid solid foundation to build a world-class port cluster."

Shandong province formed the Shandong Port Group in 2019, uniting the province's major ports, including Qingdao Port, Yantai Port, and Rizhao Port, reports London's Port Technology.

The Group reported a cargo handling capacity of more than 1.6 billion metric tonnes in 2022. According to official figures, its container handling capacity exceeds 37 million TEU.

The Shandong province administration released a three-year action plan to construct a world-class port cluster at the end of July.

According to the action plan, the cargo handling capacity of the Shandong Port Group is expected to reach 2 billion tonnes and its container handling capacity will exceed 40 million TEU.

"The transformation into a world-class port cluster will not only optimise the operational dynamics and spatial layout of all ports across the province, but will also amplify their service capacity and global connectivity," the governor added.

"The total added economic value produced and triggered by the Shandong Port cluster is expected to reach CNY1.3 trillion (US$180 billion) by 2025," said Huo Gaoyuan, chairman of the Shandong Port Group.