Shanghai Port Achieves Record Container Volume
On December 22, Chinese officials announced a significant milestone for the Shanghai Port complex. For the first time, the port surpassed 50 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) in container throughput. This achievement marks the 15th consecutive year that Shanghai Port has maintained its status as the world’s busiest seaport. The rapid growth of the port reflects its vital role in global trade and logistics.
Historical Growth and Infrastructure Development
The journey of Shanghai Port began in 1978, when it handled a mere 7,951 TEU. Over the years, the port has experienced remarkable growth. By 1994, it reached the milestone of 1 million TEU. The expansion continued, with throughput exceeding 10 million TEU in 2003. In 2017, the port achieved another significant milestone by surpassing 40 million TEU. Last year, the port handled 49.16 million TEU, setting the stage for this year’s record-breaking performance.
Officials attribute this growth to a robust network and ongoing infrastructure development. Currently, Shanghai Port operates nearly 350 international routes, connecting to over 700 ports in more than 200 countries. The port collaborates with 22 ports along the Yangtze River, including 16 in the Yangtze River Delta. This extensive network enhances the port’s capacity to facilitate trade and logistics efficiently.
Moreover, the port’s water-to-water transshipment ratio is projected to exceed 60 percent, a record high. This indicates the port’s effectiveness in transferring cargo between vessels. Additionally, Shanghai Port has developed a sea-rail transport network for containers, which began operations in 2019. Currently, 10 routes operate daily, and officials anticipate that the volume for this service will surpass 900,000 TEU in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of about 40 percent.
Automation and Sustainability Initiatives
Automation plays a crucial role in Shanghai Port’s ability to manage its massive container volume. The port has implemented fully automated unmanned guided vehicles to streamline operations. This technological advancement has significantly improved efficiency. In 2017, the port launched the Yangshan Phase IV automated terminal, which has handled 35 million TEU in just seven years. Compared to traditional terminals, personnel requirements have been reduced by 70 percent, while overall efficiency has increased by 30 percent.
In addition to automation, Shanghai Port is committed to sustainability in the shipping industry. The port has completed bonded liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations for 125 international vessels, with a total volume of 730,000 cubic meters. This year, the port expects to handle 450,000 cubic meters of LNG, marking a 70 percent increase. Luo Wenbin, general manager of Shanghai Port Group Energy Company, announced plans to achieve regular green methanol bunkering by 2025. The port is also expanding its infrastructure to support this initiative, including the renovation of storage tank facilities.
Furthermore, since 2023, Shanghai Port has been involved in a joint project with the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Hamburg to create a “green shipping corridor.” This initiative aims to establish the first long-distance international green shipping corridor, promoting environmentally friendly practices in global shipping.
