The Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal, the largest ro-ro port in China, handled a record single-day throughput of 12,065 vehicles last Monday, in the busiest and hottest period of the year.
Berthing four to six ro-ro vessels for the export of domestically built vehicles a day, the port currently handles an average of more than 5,000 vehicles daily.
Drivers operating the large quantity of unshaded vehicles onto ships have to endure the intense weather conditions.
"We cannot open the windows, and the temperatures inside the cabin are very high. The seats are exposed to the sun all day long, so they are really burning to sit on," said Mr. Guan, a driver.
Workers at the terminal are working on rotating shifts to ensure continuous operations, and in extreme peak days, the port would draw supporting hands from other terminals.
The terminal has also taken measures to prevent the workers from heatstroke.
"As it's hot both in the cabins and the yards, we have deployed shuttle pickups to constantly supply salted soda and cold drinks as part of our efforts to prevent heatstroke and keep workers cool. We have adjusted outdoor work schedules to avoid the midday peak heat and flexibly increased hands on shifts in cooler morning and evening hours," said Li Shengyang, the terminal's duty dispatcher.
As China's exports of domestically made vehicles continue to grow, the terminal has sent out more than one million vehicles annually for three consecutive years.
China’s largest ro-ro port handles record throughput
China’s largest ro-ro port handles record throughput
