Port Logistics Enter Quantum Age: Chinese and Dutch Researchers Collaborate on Quantum Route Optimization
June 12, 2019
Bridging the Gap Between Quantum Research and Global Logistics
Port logistics is a pillar of global trade, but with increasing congestion, environmental pressures, and demand for speed, conventional systems struggle to keep up. In June 2019, a new initiative by researchers from Tsinghua University (Beijing) and TU Delft (Netherlands) signaled a major step forward in applying quantum technologies to tackle these logistical bottlenecks.
Backed by support from China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the project focuses on optimizing intermodal container transfers across Europe and Asia using quantum-inspired and near-term quantum computing algorithms. The key challenge: finding optimal routes and docking sequences among exponentially growing combinations.
Key Areas of Focus: Routing, Scheduling, Emissions
The initiative targets three key issues faced by modern ports:
Container Routing Efficiency: Finding the most efficient intermodal route (sea, rail, truck) for millions of containers annually.
Dock and Crane Scheduling: Optimizing berths and crane operations to reduce idle time.
Emissions Optimization: Using quantum algorithms to model and minimize emissions during idle periods and route choices.
Each of these problems represents an NP-hard optimization problem—an ideal testbed for quantum-enhanced computing.
Quantum Algorithms in Action
The collaboration centers on adapting quantum annealing techniques—specifically Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO)—to logistics simulations. Using D-Wave's hybrid solvers, TU Delft demonstrated that quantum-inspired models could outperform classical solvers in identifying optimal crane allocation schemes across simulated days at Rotterdam Port.
Meanwhile, Tsinghua’s team tested IBM Qiskit-based quantum algorithms for vehicle routing simulations in port-city integration zones, where delays can ripple into broader supply chain breakdowns. These quantum circuits were executed on IBM Q hardware via cloud access, supported by China’s National Supercomputing Center.
Early Results: Hybrid Quantum-Classical Advantage
While hardware limitations remain, the research teams found early indications of a quantum advantage in:
Scalability: Better handling of multi-modal systems with dozens of constraints.
Speed: 8–12% reduction in computational time versus traditional solvers on mixed-integer programming problems.
Flexibility: Quantum-inspired models could dynamically incorporate live data from port management systems.
The hybrid approach—combining classical compute with quantum-inspired optimization—was especially effective in running simulations for real-time dock scheduling under congestion scenarios.
A Global Impact Beyond Ports
The implications of this work stretch far beyond Rotterdam or Shanghai. The research has attracted the interest of:
Port of Singapore Authority (PSA): Exploring similar trials for its Tuas mega-port expansion.
Maersk and CMA CGM: Monitoring quantum developments for fleet route planning.
EU Horizon 2020 Projects: Quantum logistics integration is under review in grant proposals for smart trade corridors.
By proving the near-term benefits of quantum optimization in port systems, the Tsinghua–TU Delft project could act as a blueprint for smart logistics integration in other infrastructure hubs.
Industry and Government Backing
This effort is not purely academic. The Chinese and Dutch governments have each pledged over $5 million in joint funding over three years, while private partners—like COSCO Shipping and Portbase (Dutch port community system)—have committed data and simulation environments.
Moreover, the Quantum Delta NL program is monitoring the study as part of its broader roadmap to integrate quantum technologies across national infrastructure.
Conclusion
The June 2019 quantum logistics collaboration between Tsinghua and TU Delft is an inflection point in global trade innovation. By applying quantum-inspired algorithms to optimize container routing, dock scheduling, and emissions reduction, the project demonstrates that the future of logistics is not just automated or digital—it is quantum-powered. As ports face mounting pressures to improve throughput and sustainability, this pioneering research could unlock a new era of hyper-optimized, intelligent infrastructure networks on a global scale.