Recently, Siasun held a grand ceremony at Singapore Port to commemorate the delivery of its 101st port mobile robot and the world’s first empty container stacking robot. This milestone marks a significant achievement, with Siasun surpassing 100 cumulative overseas deliveries of its port mobile robots.
Since initiating collaboration with PSA International in 2017, Siasun has deepened its partnership with the Singapore-based port operator. The journey began with one prototype, followed by the deployment of two mobile robots. By 2023, this expanded to a large delivery of 54 units, with an additional 45 units delivered this year, bringing the total to 101.
In recent years, Chinese autonomous driving companies have increasingly ventured into international markets, contributing to the development of smart ports worldwide. These efforts have enabled the implementation of autonomous driving technologies in several ports globally and facilitated the export of China’s expertise in smart port operations to developed nations in Europe and North America. Many landmark cases have emerged, exemplifying the large-scale deployment of Chinese autonomous equipment in international ports.
Chancay Port, Peru: Over 50 Autonomous Vehicles Deployed
On November 15, 2023, Chancay Port in Peru officially commenced operations. As a flagship Belt and Road project between China and Peru, Chancay Port is South America’s first smart port. Phase 1 of the project, initiated in 2021, includes multipurpose terminals, container terminals, and related infrastructure, with an annual capacity projected at 1 million TEUs, 6 million tons of bulk cargo, and 160,000 vehicles.
This project is expected to strengthen economic ties between Peru and China while creating local jobs and driving economic growth. Furthermore, Chancay Port is set to become a key logistical hub connecting South America to Asia, particularly through direct shipping routes to China.
The development of Chancay Port has been supported by two Chinese autonomous driving companies—Westwell and SAIC’s UTOPILOT. Notably, UTOPILOT deployed 40 autonomous container trucks for its first overseas project, while Westwell introduced its ETruck vehicles to the port earlier this year. Westwell’s previous innovations, including its QTruck, have already achieved commercial success in ports such as Laem Chabang in Thailand and Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
Singapore: Over 150 AGVs Deployed in WorldClass Port
Singapore Port, one of the largest container hubs globally, has also benefited from the involvement of Chinese companies such as ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries). Founded in 1992, ZPMC is a leading manufacturer of heavy equipment and a pioneer in automated port technologies.
Since 2013, ZPMC has delivered automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to PSA International, Singapore’s port operator. The deployment began with two AGVs, with additional units delivered in subsequent years, including 46 AGVs for the Tuas Mega Port project in 2023. Tuas Port, expected to become the world’s largest fully automated container terminal by 2040, highlights the growing influence of Chinese technology in global port automation.
Felixstowe Port, UK: Largest Commercial Fleet of Autonomous Electric Trucks
Felixstowe, the UK’s busiest container port, achieved a significant milestone by introducing 100 Westwell QTruck autonomous electric trucks under a 2023 agreement. These vehicles form the largest known deployment of autonomous commercial trucks in a single port, with 12 units already in operation and the remainder set for phased delivery.
Pioneering Achievements in Global Ports
Laem Chabang Port, Thailand: The world’s first mixed mode terminal combining autonomous and manually operated vehicles. Westwell’s QTrucks have been in operation since 2020.
Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi: The first Middle Eastern port to deploy autonomous trucks, with operations beginning in 2021.
Port Klang, Malaysia: Both QTruck and ETruck models by Westwell have achieved commercial operations.
Port of Veracruz, Mexico: Deployment of Westwell’s autonomous vehicles to support one of Mexico’s largest ports.
A New Era for China’s Autonomous Driving Firms
From port automation to autonomous mining and urban logistics, Chinese firms have achieved significant breakthroughs in global markets. Recent years have seen these companies establish overseas headquarters, build factories, and execute large-scale international projects.
Globalization offers both opportunities and challenges. To sustain international expansion, firms must align with global financial systems, navigate local cultures, and develop high quality, export ready industrial chains. While the road ahead is complex, the ongoing achievements of Chinese firms underscore their growing competitive advantage on the global stage.
