The first phase is being constructed on the site of former coal and ore terminals, which were closed in 2017 and 2019. These older terminals were shut down due to their high pollution levels and the limited value they added to the port's operations. The new facility aims to replace these outdated and environmentally harmful operations with a state-of-the-art terminal designed to improve efficiency and sustainability. By using advanced automation technology, the new terminal will enhance operational performance while reducing the environmental footprint that the old terminals left behind. This new phase is designed to handle up to 2.6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year, enhancing Shanghai’s standing as the world's largest container port. Construction began in December 2022, and the terminal now boasts a key infrastructure: one large container berth capable of accommodating vessels up to 100,000 tonnes and four additional berths for smaller ships of 10,000 tonnes each. This development is expected to greatly increase the port’s efficiency and throughput, integrating cutting-edge automation technologies to streamline operations.