In a significant step toward port modernization, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has taken delivery of 12 automated rubber-tired gantry cranes (AutoRTGs) from Genma, all equipped with Level 4 automation technology. This delivery strengthens the ongoing partnership between Genma and one of the world's busiest ports while highlighting the rapid adoption of smart technologies in global trade infrastructure.
Why This Delivery Matters for Port Automation
The recent delivery of Genma's AutoRTGs represents more than just routine equipment replacement-it's a strategic upgrade that directly addresses modern supply chain demands.
Level 4 automation represents high-level autonomous operation, enabling these RTGs to perform container handling operations with minimal human intervention. This technology goes beyond basic automation to incorporate advanced positioning systems, obstacle detection, and intelligent control systems that allow precise container handling in crowded terminal environments.
For terminal operators at Ningbo-Zhoushan, this means improved operational efficiency through reduced reliance on manual operations and the ability to maintain round-the-clock productivity regardless of weather conditions or shift changes. The automation system also contributes to enhanced safety profiles by minimizing the potential for human error in complex container handling operations.
Ningbo-Zhoushan's Broader Automation Strategy
The arrival of Genma's AutoRTGs fits into Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's comprehensive smart port initiative, which has included multiple equipment upgrades and technology deployments:
In July 2025, the port received two intelligent bucket wheel stackers and reclaimers at Beilun Port Area, integrating Beidou RTK positioning, 3D laser scanning, and real-time modeling technologies
The port has been actively deploying unmanned container trucks that operate 24/7, further automating the container movement process
In 2023, the port's Zhoushan branch took delivery of six fully automated rail-mounted gantry cranes from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, completing the automation of its container terminal
Genma's Growing Presence in Port Automation
Genma has established itself as a significant player in the port automation sector, with recent projects demonstrating their expanding capabilities:
In November 2025, Genma secured another contract with Ningbo Beilun Third Container Company for L4 automation transformation of 13 RTGs and PLC system upgrades for 6 additional RTGs
The brand recently announced 15 new fully automated RTG orders in August 2025, reflecting market confidence in their automation technology
Since 2022, Genma has sold more than 30 fully automated RTGs and completed automation transformations on another 30+ RTGs
Genma's automation solution enables a single operator to manage over five RTGs simultaneously, with the system demonstrating industry-leading success rates for external truck operations. This efficiency directly translates to reduced labor costs and improved throughput for terminal operators.
The Technical Edge of Genma's Automation System
What sets Genma's automation technology apart in a competitive market? The system incorporates several sophisticated components:
Single-machine control system that enables automatic positioning of trolleys and hoists, automatic deviation correction, and automatic container grabbing and releasing
Container area operation protection that prevents container collisions and includes truck positioning identification and anti-lifting features
Yard management system that interfaces with terminal production systems to automatically subscribe, consume, parse, and distribute production instructions to the cranes
Dual-channel redundant communication using both waveguide and 5G systems to ensure stable, real-time signal transmission between cranes and the remote control room
Implications for Global Port Operations
The successful implementation of Genma's automated RTGs at Ningbo-Zhoushan offers a blueprint for other ports worldwide facing similar operational challenges. As global trade volumes continue to grow and labor costs rise, the business case for automation becomes increasingly compelling.
The technology demonstrated at Ningbo-Zhoushan provides valuable insights for ports considering their own automation journeys:
- Phased implementation allows for gradual technology adoption while maintaining operational continuity
- Level 4 automation delivers meaningful productivity gains while still maintaining human oversight for exceptional situations
- Retrofitting existing equipment with automation technology can be a cost-effective alternative to complete equipment replacement
Looking Ahead: The Future of Port Automation
The delivery of Genma's automated RTGs to Ningbo-Zhoushan represents more than a single transaction-it's part of an accelerating trend toward smarter, more connected port operations worldwide. As Genma continues to expand its international presence, including recent projects in South America, the technology refined at Chinese ports is likely to influence global standards for port automation.
For industry observers and potential customers, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port serves as a living laboratory where the benefits of advanced automation technology can be evaluated in real-world conditions. The performance data emerging from this deployment will likely inform equipment procurement decisions at ports worldwide seeking to balance operational efficiency with increasingly complex logistics demands.
As ports globally continue their digital transformation journeys, partnerships between innovative equipment manufacturers like Genma and forward-thinking port operators like Ningbo-Zhoushan will remain crucial in shaping the future of global trade infrastructure.
