On February 21, China's pioneering smart-navigation container vessel, the Zhi Fei, completed its maiden commercial voyage by docking flawlessly at Qingdao Port's automated terminal in Shandong Province, operating entirely in unmanned autonomous mode. This milestone achievement signifies China's first successful implementation of a fully unmanned workflow spanning the entire container ship operation cycle—from navigation and berthing to cargo handling.

Upon arrival, the Zhi Fei employed a cutting-edge vacuum-based automatic mooring system. This technology utilizes powerful suction mechanisms to securely attach to the quay wall, rendering manual mooring operations obsolete. The entire mooring process was completed in under 30 seconds, showcasing remarkable efficiency.

Following secure berthing, the terminal's fully automated cargo handling systems sprang into action. The port's self-developed intelligent Terminal Operation System (A-TOS) worked in seamless coordination with the Equipment Control System (A-ECS). This synergy enabled millisecond-precision orchestration of automated quay cranes, driverless transfer vehicles, and other handling equipment, ensuring swift and accurate container loading and unloading operations.

The Zhi Fei represents a technological breakthrough as China's first domestically designed intelligent cargo vessel built specifically for commercial use. The ship features an independently developed intelligent navigation core system and offers three operational modes: manual control, remote supervision, and fully autonomous navigation, providing unparalleled flexibility in maritime operations.