Shanghai has started construction of an artificial intelligence testing base in order to promote the execution of AI in port operations and logistics.
The campaign was announced at the AI + Transportation Shanghai 2026 event at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on 7 November 2026. The initiative is aimed at accelerating the implementation and advancement of AI in various port operations, freight transport, and multimodal logistics, said the Municipal Transportation Commission of Shanghai.
It is well to be noted that the AI pilot testing base for promoting AI in port operations and logistics is being established by Shanghai International Port Group – SIPG in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners. It will provide a test bed for the evaluation of artificial intelligence – AI technologies ahead of their introduction into routine shipping and logistics activities.
The facility will be centered around three major areas –
Port cargo handling – Pilot AI applications in order to facilitate cargo handling and standard terminal operations.
Port collection and distribution – The emergence of smart solutions for the flow of cargo between ports and the transport networks surrounding them.
Multimodal transport – Coming up with AI solutions in order to enhance coordination across different types of transport.
Interestingly, the testing base will include computing facilities, data storage, network access, and security systems, together with industry-specific datasets, AI models, and an AI agent management system, the Commission said.
The fundamental infrastructure of the facility is nearly complete, with 54 business AI agents incorporated into the platform. These applications will enable the testing and development of AI solutions for practical use throughout the shipping and logistics sectors.
Shanghai details a broader AI transport strategy
The announcement is part of the greater efforts by Shanghai to promote the use of AI across its transport network. Also at the same event, the Shanghai AI + Transportation Innovation Application Action Plan was released by authorities, which comprises steps to spur the implementation of AI in ports, aviation, railroads, road transportation, and autonomous vehicles, as well as logistics.
The strategy defines three technology goals – the development of transportation-specific AI models and intelligent agents, high-quality datasets for the sector, and also a standardized infrastructure for computing.
Planned applications range from autonomous collection and distribution operations in ports to digital twins for transportation infrastructure as well as AI-powered public services.
Shanghai also plans to build a reputable setting for sharing transport data and to improve the assessment mechanism for AI applications, the development of technical guidelines, and the protection of algorithm systems.
Collaboration to support smart port development
Besides the initiatives, the event also saw the opening of a regional coordination center located in the Yangtze River Delta for the Transport Large Model Innovation and Industry Alliance.
The Shanghai-based center will promote cooperation between Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, with an emphasis on joint technology development, sharing of data, and the execution of AI applications within the regional transportation networks.
In parallel, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University, as well as Shanghai Maritime University, showcased research results of intelligent vessel navigation, digital twins of ports, and transportation AI models.
The institutions intend to enhance joint efforts in research, technology development, and also professional training in order to promote the widespread implementation of these technologies.
The testing base is designed to close the gap between AI research and operational implementation by enabling technologies to be validated in practical settings prior to widespread use, as stated by the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission.
