Zhoushan Customs and the Yongzhou Container Terminal of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang province launched a smart inspection system for empty containers on Sept 8, marking a shift from manual checks to data-driven supervision.

At the terminal, backscatter imaging devices scanned containers non-intrusively, allowing those without anomalies to pass inspection within minutes. A four-legged robot was also deployed to open and examine containers flagged with irregular density readings.

Previously, inspection relied heavily on opening containers manually, and a full ship of empty containers could take up to two days to clear. The new system integrates backscatter technology with intelligent algorithms to detect suspicious areas, while robots equipped with positioning and recognition systems conduct precise on-site checks.

Officials said the approach improves safety by eliminating the need for staff to enter hazardous containers or perform nighttime checks. All images, videos, and algorithm results are transmitted in real time to the customs big data platform, enabling data collection, analysis, and early warning. Routine containers can now be cleared in as little as 10 minutes from unloading to release.

From January to August, the terminal handled 701,000 empty containers under supervision, up 63.1 percent year-on-year. The system is expected to significantly raise efficiency and help the port accommodate surging container volumes while boosting competitiveness.