Chinese Ports Adopt DeepSeek AI To Enhance Efficiency

China’s ports are increasingly adopting the domestically developed DeepSeek AI model to streamline operations, as first reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Just weeks after its latest iteration launched in January, several major ports have already integrated or are planning to implement the technology, as reported by SCMP.

Hubei Port Group researcher Yu Jiaxiang emphasized the importance of domestic AI in securing port operations, cargo tracking, and supply chain stability. SCMP reports Yu saying that using domestic technology is vital to ensure data security in port operations, facility layout, and cargo information.

One of the first adopters is Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world’s third-largest container port by throughput. The port has begun using DeepSeek AI in its intelligent gate and customer service system.

The new gate technology can recognize over 80% of containers’ unique seal numbers, significantly cutting down on manual verification time, as reported by SCMP.

Container inspections that previously required four staff members can now be conducted by a single worker, according to the port’s owner.

The AI model has also improved fault alert response times, reducing them to within 30 minutes. The DeepSeek-powered gate system has been deployed at multiple terminals, processing around 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) daily, according to SCMP.

Meanwhile, Zhoushan Port is testing the AI for its 24-hour customer service system, which currently relies on Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen model.

SCMP says that the DeepSeek-enhanced system is scheduled for rollout in the first half of the year, with plans to expand its use to cargo handling, gantry cranes, and security operations.

Guangzhou Port, located in Guangdong province, has already implemented DeepSeek AI in its equipment management and billing systems, enabling quicker responses to malfunctions and improving data input accuracy, as noted by SCMP.

Hubei Port Group is also building a logistics management platform powered by AI models, including DeepSeek. The group is exploring AI applications for its new multimodal terminals at Yangluo Port in Wuhan on the Yangtze River, as reported by SCMP.

However, concerns have arisen regarding the security of AI models like DeepSeek. A recent study found significant vulnerabilities in the DeepSeek-R1 model, which could potentially compromise its deployment in critical operations.

The model was susceptible to jailbreak attempts, prompt injection attacks, and the generation of harmful or factually incorrect content. With a risk score of 8.3 out of 10, experts caution organizations to assess security risks thoroughly before integrating AI models.

The rapid adoption of DeepSeek AI in China’s ports comes amid increasing tensions over technological competition between China and the United States. In October, the Biden administration finalized rules restricting U.S. investments in Chinese AI, semiconductor, and quantum technology industries.

These regulations aim to prevent U.S. expertise from aiding China’s advancements in high-tech sectors, particularly those with potential military applications.

At the same time, advancements in robotics continue to shape China’s industrial landscape. The World Robot Conference 2024 in Beijing showcased the growing integration of AI-driven automation in logistics, manufacturing, and customer service industries.

As AI adoption spreads across China’s ports, industry experts highlight the need for comprehensive workforce training. From management to on-site staff, employees must develop AI-related skills to maximize the benefits of automation and data-driven decision-making.