List of Busiest Container Ports in the World

The world of container ports is a complex and fascinating one. Shanghai Port in China is the busiest container port in the world, handling over 43 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2020.

Shanghai Port's massive size and strategic location on the Yangtze River make it an ideal hub for international trade. It's a key player in China's economy, accounting for a significant portion of the country's exports and imports.

In fact, Shanghai Port's container handling capacity is more than 13 million TEUs per year, making it a logistical powerhouse.

The world's busiest container ports are truly massive, handling a significant portion of global trade. Nine of the top 10 container ports in the world are located in Asia, with seven in China.

China's dominant role in global manufacturing and trade is reflected in its extensive production networks and significant investments in port infrastructure and technology. The country has four of the top five largest ports in the world, and seven of the top ten ports in the world.

Collectively, the top 10 container ports handled over a quarter billion (273M) TEUs in 2023, representing 42% of total container volumes handled by the world's 100 busiest ports. The remaining 11th to 100th busiest ports collectively handled 372M TEUs over the same time period.

The Port of Shanghai, China is the largest container port in the world, handling 47.3 million TEU in 2022. The Yangshan Deep Water Port, part of the Shanghai Port, is the largest automated container port in the world.

The Port of Qingdao, China is another major container port, handling 25.7 million TEU in 2022. It has a world-first suspended monorail system for transporting containers, which saves energy and is better for the environment than transporting short distances by truck.

The world's busiest container ports are truly massive, handling a staggering number of containers every year.

Collectively, the top 10 container ports handled over a quarter billion (273M) TEUs in 2023. This represents 42% of total container volumes handled by the world's 100 busiest ports.

Nine of the top 10 container ports in the world are located in Asia, with seven in China. This reflects the region's dominant role in global manufacturing and trade, driven by its extensive production networks and significant investments in port infrastructure and technology.

The Port of Shanghai is the largest port in the world, handling 47.3 million TEU in 2022. The Port of Singapore and the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan are the second and third largest ports, respectively, accounting for 117.95 million TEU in 2022.

Here are the top 10 container ports by annual TEU throughput, according to the Lloyd's List 2023 One Hundred Ports Analysis:

Asian container ports are a major player in the global shipping industry. China dominates the list, with four of the top five largest ports in the world, including the Port of Shanghai, which has maintained its position as the world's busiest container port since 2011.

Shanghai's strategic location and continuous investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure have contributed to its dominance. The port handles a staggering 47,303,000 TEU in 2023, making it a critical component of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Other notable Asian container ports include the Port of Shenzhen, which was built in 1980 and has grown to become the collective name for the ports of Yantian, Chiwan, Dachan Bay, and Shekou, stretching along 260 km of China's coastline. The Port of Singapore, founded in 1819, was the largest port in the world until 2010, when the Port of Shanghai overtook it.

Here are some key statistics for these ports:

Shanghai is the world's busiest container port, handling a staggering 47,303,000 TEU in 2023. It has maintained this position since 2011, when it took the top spot from Singapore.

Shanghai's strategic location at the mouth of the Yangtze River provides access to one of China's most populous and economically dynamic regions. This makes it a natural hub for both imports and exports.

The Port of Shanghai is a critical component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, linking it with ports across Asia, Europe, and Africa. This integration has further solidified its role as a global shipping powerhouse.

The Port of Shanghai has 200 berths, and in 2022, 47.3 million TEU passed through them. This is a testament to its capacity and efficiency.

The Yangshan Deep Water Port, part of the larger Shanghai Port, is the largest automated container port in the world. It handled 9.14 million TEU in 2022.

Shanghai's port continues to expand its capacity to accommodate increasing volumes, thanks to state-of-the-art technology and a strategic location. This has made it the linchpin of global trade.

The Port of Hong Kong is a vital hub in the Asian container port scene. It handled 16.58 million TEUs, making it a significant player in global trade.

Located in Victoria Harbour, the port has an extensive drydock and slipway system for ship repair and maintenance. This is a testament to its importance in the region.

Hong Kong's port has been a global shipping beacon for centuries, and it remains a vital hub despite facing fierce competition. Its efficiency, strategic location, and deep-water harbour make it an attractive option for traders.

The port imports manufactured goods and articles, chemicals, and mineral fuels, while mainly exporting machinery, electronics, jewelry, and clothing. This is reflected in its diverse cargo mix.

Here are some of the key exports from the Port of Hong Kong:

The port's continued expansion and adaptation to new technologies underscore its critical role in shaping the future of international logistics and trade.

Ningbo-Zhoushan is a significant player in the Asian container port scene. Located at the Yangtze River's mouth on the eastern shores of China, it has more than 400 berths.

Its strategic location allows it to face the Port of Shanghai across the bay. Ningbo Port was established in 738 during the Tang dynasty, and in 2006, it merged with Zhoushan Port.

In 2022, a total volume of 33.35 million TEU went through this port. It is a publicly listed port, but 76.31% is owned by the state-owned Ningboy Zhoushan Port Group Co, Ltd.

The port's largest import is Crude Oil, worth over 150 billion Yuan annually. Its exports include Electric cars, Manufactured goods, and Textiles.

Here are some key statistics about Ningbo-Zhoushan:

Rotterdam, Netherlands is Europe's largest port, handling a massive 14,455,000 TEU, making it the tenth busiest port globally.

This incredible volume of cargo makes Rotterdam a critical gateway for goods entering and leaving Europe, particularly for trade with Asia.

Rotterdam, Netherlands is one of Europe's busiest container ports, handling over 13 million TEUs in 2020.

Located on the Maas River, Rotterdam's strategic position enables it to efficiently serve the European market.

The port's container terminals, such as the ECT and Rotterdam World Gateway, offer state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology to ensure smooth operations.

Rotterdam's container volume has been steadily increasing over the years, with a growth rate of 4% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

The port's proximity to the North Sea and its extensive network of inland waterways make it an ideal hub for container shipping.

Rotterdam's container port is also a major hub for the automotive industry, with many car manufacturers and suppliers having operations in the surrounding area.

The Port of Rotterdam is a vital economic hub for Europe, handling a significant portion of the continent's trade with Asia. It's one of the largest ports in the world, and it's been a major seaport since 1360.

Located in the Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam has a rich history dating back to 1283 when it was founded as a fishing village. Today, it's a bustling hub of activity, with four fully automated terminals and the ability to accept shipping vessels 24 hours a day.

The port is a critical gateway for goods entering and leaving Europe, and it's a major player in the global trade market. In 2022, it handled just under 15 million TEU, making it the first port outside of Asia to make it into the top 10.

Some of the key cargo types handled by the Port of Rotterdam include refined petroleum, computer and photo lab equipment, and agricultural cargo.

Here are some of the key cargo types handled by the Port of Rotterdam:

The Port of Antwerp, located in Belgium, is Europe's second largest port after Rotterdam. It handled 12.02 million TEUs in 2021.

The port is highly connected to the rest of Europe through rail networks, roads, and canals, making cargo transport easy. This is a major advantage for shippers and traders.

Major exports through the port include cars, refined petroleum, and packaged medical supplies.

The Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach is North America's premier maritime gateway, with a throughput of 19.04 million TEUs, making it crucial for trans-Pacific trade.

This port complex is a vital link between the American economy and Asia. The Port of New York & New Jersey is the largest on the east coast of the United States and the third-busiest in the U.S.

It handled 7,585,819 TEU in 2020, with an operating capacity of about 9 million TEU. The Port of New York & New Jersey serves all of the world's major ocean carriers and global alliances.

It consists of 386 km of shipping channels, anchorages, and port facilities. The Port has six container terminals, which can handle nine 14,000TEU vessels at the same time.