Qingdao in Shandong province released a new mid-to-long-term strategy for its shipping industry development last month, which outlines a strategic roadmap to establish Qingdao as a globally significant shipping hub, and by 2028, the core framework of the hub is expected to take shape, with full completion targeted for 2035.

Once fully operational, the shipping hub will provide streamlined international trade services not only to the Yellow River Basin but also to member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, significantly reducing logistics costs across Shandong and northern China. It will reinforce Qingdao's role as an international integrated transport hub and a key gateway for opening up in northern China.

The plan emphasizes a "twin-hub" strategy — developing both a world-class international shipping hub and an international aviation hub focused on connectivity with Japan, South Korea, and SCO nations. Improvements to the port's infrastructure, flight networks, and multimodal transport links are central to this effort.

The city will also promote clustered development of shipping and logistics elements across five key zones, forming a cohesive spatial layout for the shipping center.

At a recent government briefing, Lu Yujun, director of the Qingdao Municipal Transport Bureau, highlighted the city's progress: Qingdao rose to 13th in the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index, surpassing Tokyo and Busan for the first time, after being in 15th place for the past five years.

This ascent underscores Qingdao's growing influence and steady advances in global maritime logistics.

Qingdao releases a new mid-to-long-term plan outlining the development path for its international shipping hub, with phased objectives set through 2035. [Photo/Guanhai News]