On June 22, the World Economic Forum announced 16 new additions to the Global Lighthouse Network. China Merchants Heavy Industry (Haimen), a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, was recognized with Distinction in Productivity for its digital and intelligent transformation in the construction of high-end green vessels, earning the designation of a WEF "Lighthouse" and becoming the first shipyard to join the Global Lighthouse Network.

Initiated by the World Economic Forum, the Global Lighthouse Network recognizes best-in-class operational sites and value chains that have achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability, and talent. Selection is determined by an independent expert panel, and the sites represent leading practices in the digital and intelligent transformation of manufacturing and supply chains.

Facing challenges including surging demand for green vessels, increasing construction complexity, and compressed delivery timelines, China Merchants Heavy Industry (Haimen) has leveraged its in-house laser center, upgraded intelligent production lines, and systematically advanced a deep smart-manufacturing upgrade. The site has deployed over 25 digital solutions covering key scenarios such as AI-driven planning, digital twin assembly, and just-in-time logistics, enabling end-to-end integration between production planning and shop-floor execution.

The results of this intelligent transformation have been substantial. Throughput increased 2.6-fold, dock time fell by 52%, and first-pass assembly yield improved by 25%. The World Economic Forum states that the new cohort of Lighthouses offers a window into how top manufacturers are hardwiring intelligence into operations — delivering speedier response while unlocking unprecedented gains in sustainability.