Carl Decaluwe, governor of Belgium’s West Flanders Province, led a delegation to Dalian, Liaoning Province on June 8, visiting Liaoning Port Group, Hengli Petrochemical Industrial Park, and Hengli Heavy Industry Industrial Park.

At the intelligent operation hub of Dalian Container Terminal Co., Ltd, the governor observed 5G remote-controlled quay cranes, unmanned container trucks, and AI scheduling algorithm for collaborative operation. Vessel loading and unloading proceeded with precision, resembling perfectly stacked blocks. He called the scene “incredible”, noting that intelligentization has greatly boosted efficiency and eased workers’ physical workload.

At Hengli Heavy Industry Industrial Park, he praised the eco-friendly shipbuilding practices. During the visit to Hengli Petrochemical Park, he learned that the factory employs world-class process packages, achieves full reclaimed water reuse, and has earned national-level green factory certification. He commended Hengli Group’s commitment to the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” highlighting China’s increasing leading role in sustainable development around the globe.

As Belgium’s only coastal province, West Flanders has an edge in the blue economy. The governor expressed his willingness to bolster university-enterprise partnerships and industry-academia-research integration with Liaoning in sectors such as sustainable energy transition.