Loading operations are carried out at the terminal of Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Since the issuance of the national smart port pilot notification in 2023 and through the joint efforts of all parties, Xiamen in Fujian province has built a "Xiamen model" for smart port construction. 

Xiamen Port, as a typical example of smart port construction, recently once again shared its innovative experience with major ports nationwide. The "Xiamen model" of smart port construction has once again received praise and promotion from the National Office of Port Administration.

Xiamen Port Digitization to Increase Intelligence of Business Environment

In order to improve the level of trade facilitation, enhance the port business environment, and reduce costs and increase efficiency for enterprises, the "Xiamen Digital Port Platform" was officially launched on Jan 23 this year. 

The platform aims to maximize the aggregation of data from various links in port customs clearance and logistics, build a unified, efficient, and intelligent digital port platform, and achieve the integrated fusion of customs, ports, shipping, and trade. 

A total of 211 application services related to air transport, sea transport, and bonded areas can now be accessed with one click, including 20 initiatives which are the first of their kind in the country.

The further enhancement of Xiamen Port's digital capabilities is expected to help enterprises improve efficiency by 50 percent and save them 150 million yuan ($20.7 million) in costs annually.

Upgrading Smart Services to Accelerate Port Trade Facilitation 

From the full launch of the "China (Xiamen) International Trade Single Window" on April 10, 2023 until April of this year, Xiamen Port has issued a total of 128,497 export inspection and quarantine certificates, including health certificates and quality certificates, benefiting various export products such as food, animal and plant products.

Over the years, Xiamen has utilized data as the foundation to optimize the digital service capabilities at the port, enhance the level of digital operations, and facilitate services such as shipping logistics, financing, insurance, and payment settlements. 

The first batch of cross-border e-commerce tax guarantee electronic reforms has been launched in Xiamen, along with the creation of a "QR code + customs clearance service" model and the introduction of online booking for goods inspection. 

These initiatives represent the rich digital service models at Xiamen Port, symbolizing a scenario where data does the heavy lifting for enterprises, reducing the need for physical errands.

This year, Xiamen Customs has formulated and introduced 35 measures to promote cross-border facilitation under the framework of "Seven Enhancements, Seven Services". 

Raising Level of Digital Port Supervision to Enhance Port Service Capabilities 

Leveraging the smart port construction, Xiamen is establishing a digitalized collaborative supervision system for ports, promoting intelligent customs clearance, smart machine inspections, and remote verification in trade processes.

This year, Xiamen Customs has been actively promoting a multimodal transport direct transit model for import and export goods. 

Goods benefit from the convenient "one consignment, one payment, and one-stop service" policy. The average time for enterprises from booking to ship release has been reduced by 15 percent, with the fastest transportation time being just eight days. 

In recent years, the influence of Xiamen Port has been improved by leveraging the "Xiamen Single Window" and the container sea-rail intermodal public information platform. 

This optimization of cargo transfer processes has facilitated the smooth flow of goods between key regional ports, seamless customs clearance, and seamless connections.

It has also promoted the digital transformation of business models such as water-water transfer, sea-rail intermodal transport, China-Europe freight trains, and air-air transfer.