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Major Global Shipping Ports Overview

Feb 8, 2025

Busiest Shipping Ports in the World

Introduction

  • Importance of International Shipping: Vital for global economy.
  • Key Process in Shipping: Loading and unloading of goods.

Top 15 Busiest Ports

15. Port of Hong Kong

  • One of the world's busiest in terms of movement, cargo, and passengers.
  • Handles 23.9 million containers annually.
  • Operates through ferry terminals, container terminals, and cargo areas.
  • Home to a state-run dockyard.

14. Port of Tianjin

  • Essential Chinese port since 1153.
  • Handles 18.5 million containers per year.
  • Notable for autonomous driving demonstration and zero-carbon terminal.

13. Port of Shenzhen

  • Major Chinese port with 40 shipping companies.
  • Connected to over 300 ports globally.
  • Handles over 26.5 million containers annually.
  • Part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

12. Port of Ningbo, Shuzhan

  • Among the world's busiest, handling over 30 million containers.
  • Located at a crossroads of major waterways.
  • Active since 1738 with recent $1.6 billion handling capacity upgrade.

11. Port of Busan

  • South Korea's key port handling 22 million containers annually.
  • Important for trade with China, Korea, and Japan.
  • Major center for various industries including shipbuilding and electronics.

10. Port of Los Angeles

  • Largest port in North America; major gateway for Asia-Pacific goods.
  • Handles approximately 9.2 million containers per year.
  • Features multiple terminals and advanced security measures.

9. Jebel Ali Port, UAE

  • Opened in 1979; world's largest man-made harbor.
  • Home to 5,000 companies from 120 countries.
  • Ongoing expansion to handle 55 million containers by 2030.

8. Port of Tanjung Pelapas

  • Known for efficiency; handles nearly 10 million containers annually.
  • Strategic location with a quick turnaround time of 45 minutes.
  • Equipped with advanced quayside cranes.

7. Port of Guangzhou

  • Technologically advanced port in China handling over 23 million containers.
  • Located at intersection of major rivers in South China.
  • Transitioning to a 5G intelligent port.

6. Port of New York and New Jersey

  • Largest on the U.S. eastern seaboard, handling over 7.5 million containers.
  • Home to two foreign trade zones for cost-efficient manufacturing.
  • Undergoing expansion to increase capacity.

5. Port of Rotterdam

  • Historically the world's busiest port.
  • Accommodates large ships and has impressive storage capacities.
  • Features a public hospital for seamen.

4. Port of Hamburg

  • Germany's largest port, handling 8.7 million containers annually.
  • Multifunctional with a history dating back to 1189.
  • Experienced decline during WW years but revitalized post-Cold War.

3. Port of Antwerp

  • Developed under Napoleon; home to Europe's leading break-bulk port.
  • Features the world's largest lock and numerous refineries.
  • Handles 14.5 million containers annually.

2. Port of Singapore

  • Largest publicly owned port.
  • Handles 37.2 million containers annually.
  • Developing the world's largest automated terminal by 2040.

1. Port of Shanghai

  • Busiest port in the world, handling 43.6 million containers.
  • Key entry/exit point for Chinese goods.
  • Features both river and deep-sea ports with extensive facilities.

Conclusion

  • These ports are crucial for global trade, each with unique capabilities and strategic advantages.