China’s home-grown technological innovations – like the DeepSeek large language model that has taken the artificial intelligence (AI) industry by storm – are enabling the world’s second-largest economy to empower industries and critical infrastructure to carry out their core functions with fewer concerns over data security.
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Just over a month since the January launch of the latest model from the AI start-up that shares its name, three major ports in China have already implemented or are planning to adopt the tool for greater efficiency and service quality.
Hubei Port Group researcher Yu Jiaxiang said the use of domestic technology is “vital” to ensure data security in port operations, facility layout and cargo information.
“It also involves the stability and security of the supply chain,” Yu said.
The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port – the world’s third-largest container port by throughput in 2024 according to shipping news service Lloyd’s List – has begun integrating the DeepSeek model into its intelligent gate and customer service system.
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The new gate system can recognise over 80 per cent of containers’ unique seal numbers, significantly reducing the time needed for manual verification. Container inspections that previously required four staff members can now be handled by a single person, according to the port’s owners.