The Immersed Tube Tunnel Branch of China Highway Construction Association Technical Exchange Conference & 2026 9th International Symposium on Traffic Transportation and Civil Architecture (ITT CHCA TEC & ISTTCA 2026) was held in Dalian, China, from April 10 to 12, 2026. The event was co-hosted by China Highway Construction Association, Shipping Management Committee of China Institute of Navigation, and Tianjin Water Transport Engineering Society, and CCCC First Harbor Engineering Company (CCCC-FHEC) participated as one of the organizers, with attendance of Yin Tianjun - General Manager, Pan Wei - Deputy General Manager & Chief Engineer, Yao Jin - Deputy General Manager of CCCC-FHEC, and senior officials and experts from relevant sectors.

Yang Yi, Deputy Secretary-General of China Highway Construction Association, said that China's immersed tube tunnel sector has achieved breakthroughs over the past four decades and worked out Chinese solutions and standards for global cross-sea links. Yang emphasized that as a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerates, the Immersed Tube Tunnel Branch serves to drive high-quality industry development, enhance self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and speed up steadfast and dedicated progress.

Zhao Hongzhi, Deputy Director of Dalian Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, said that Dalian, as an important coastal central city in northern China, has been deeply engaged in technological innovation in marine engineering and immersed tube tunnels. Pioneering enterprises, represented by CCCC First Harbor Engineering Company, have made joint efforts with local research institutions to achieve a series of key technological breakthroughs in immersed tube tunnels and cross-sea link projects. Dalian will continue to optimize its innovation ecosystem, strengthen policy support and resource guarantees, and deepen collaboration among government, industry, academia, research institutions and users to contribute Dalian Wisdom and Dalian Strength to the innovative development of China's transportation infrastructure.

Yin Tianjun, General Manager of CCCC-FHEC, comprehensively reviewed the Immersed Tube Tunnel Branch's achievements since its establishment. He said the branch has consistently adhered to its mission of research, consultation, service and exchange, delivering tangible results in key areas, including joint R&D with enterprises, universities, and research institutes, accelerated development of full-process group and industry standards, platform building for efficient technical exchange and application, as well as talent cultivation. The branch will endeavor with the entire industry to deepen collaborative innovation and drive China's immersed tunnel technology to be more intelligent and efficiently applied in deeper waters, more complex environments.

Over 270 participants from universities, research institutes and enterprises attended the event.