ISO launches first-ever subcommittee on port and terminal standardization in China

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched its first-ever subcommittee focused exclusively on port and terminal standardization on Tuesday in China, marking a significant step forward in advancing global port standardization and enhancing the resilience of international logistics networks, according to China's Ministry of Transport.

The subcommittee, approved by the ISO on Jan 18, is established under the ISO Technical Committee for Ships and Marine Technology. Its secretariat is hosted by China, making it the first ISO technical body in the port sector initiated and led by the country.

The subcommittee brings together 23 participating member countries and 27 observing members. It will spearhead efforts to create international standards in port construction, terminal operations, digital technologies and green development. The Chinese Ministry of Transport will oversee its secretariat operations.

China has emerged as a global leader in port development, with eight of the world's top 10 cargo ports and six of the top 10 container ports. It also leads the world in the number of fully automated terminals both built and under construction. Among them, the Shanghai Port is the first in the world to surpass an annual container throughput of 50 million TEUs.

"Standards are the universal language of the world," said Xu Wenqiang, head of the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Transport. He noted that in recent years, China has actively engaged in international standardization, enhancing cooperation under the framework of global transport governance and contributing Chinese wisdom to the development of international rules and technical systems.

Since last year, the ISO has conducted site visits to major Chinese port cities, including Shanghai, Tianjin, and Qingdao of Shandong province, recognizing China's development in port standardization. Backed by strong support from Chinese State-owned enterprises and research institutions, China submitted the proposal to establish the subcommittee in 2024. It was later approved by ISO member states through a formal vote.

The new subcommittee is expected to play a central role in aligning physical infrastructure and operational rules and standards across global ports. It will also lead the development of standards for smart port systems, remote equipment control, digital document exchange, carbon emissions, and green port evaluation, he said.