CPC delegate story: World-record breaker crane driver

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May 17, 2007 -- a big day for Shanghai's Yangshan port located in east China. But underneath the surface, the crew was preparing for battle.

The world's biggest container ship was approaching.

They spent a total of seven and a half hours to unload 5,182 containers, a speed that broke the world record. The star employee of the day -- crane driver and a member of the Communist Party of China, Zhang Yan.

"World record... I never thought that I would be associated with that phrase. I was dumbfounded," Zhang said.

Yangshan port in Shanghai is the place where he works, one of the busiest container terminals on earth. After rounds of expansions over the years, it can now handle over 20 million containers annually. How many is that? If we join them together, they can circle the earth two and a half times over.

Yangshan port is one of the busiest container terminals on earth. /CGTN Photo

Such heavy workloads bring immense challenge for crane drivers like Zhang.

In a tiny operation booth more than 40 meters above ground, he keeps a tilting posture for hours almost every work day.

"I believe no matter what you do, what position you are in, you need full dedication. You learn from your peers, take notes, and make progress," said Zhang.

Unloading containers is by no means a one-man job. It requires seamless teamwork. Zhang summarized his methodology in a book for his colleagues, and by learning together, the group of port workers have made a formidable team.

The team broke the world record seven times in four years.

"As Communist Party members, we act as role models and inspire those around us to work more efficiently. I always have my party emblem pinned on my shirt, which is a reminder of our values," said Zhang.

Zhang Yan’s record certificate. /CGTN Photo

Zhang was elected local delegate for the 19th CPC National Congress in Beijing.

"It's my honor to attend. I will learn all about the Congress report and do my best to promote and explain the new leadership's policy directions to my peers," said Zhang.

However, being a party delegate means more than that. Zhang attended local government seminars to learn how to better fulfill his duties.

"I will voice the interests and concerns of my peers. For example, we are striving to build the world's biggest automated port and we want to better utilize the Belt and Road Initiative. These are the issues I'd like to talk about," he said.

He always pins his party emblem on his shirt. /CGTN Photo

Outside of work, he is a caring husband and a good father. He said his dedication to his ideals made him a hero in his daughter's eyes. "She's so proud of me and she would sometimes wear my medals and walk around the house. I hope I can be a good father."

Zhang Yan and his daughter. /CGTN Photo

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