The past year was a significant year for the industry, especially in China.
The total container throughput for all Chinese ports was 295.9 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units), which was a 4.7 percent increase from the throughput that was achieved in 2021 – per Port Technology.
Here we detail the top ten ports in China in 2022.
#1: Port of Shanghai
As the biggest container port in the world, handled a hefty 47,300,000 TEUS in 2022 – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.6 percent.
Furthermore, the port has started operations for an empty container transportation center. As Port Technology details, the new center would be able to handle three million TEU every year.
This would be an added benefit as it would help increase the port’s capacity for handling cargo.
#2: Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
As the second-busiest port in China last year, the port handled a total of 33,350,000 TEUs – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.3 percent.
The port continues to operate on a steady basis, even amidst a temporary shutdown of highway exits and service areas.
#3: Port of Shenzhen
The port handled 30,040,000 TEUs – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 4.4 percent.
One reason for the port to drop to the third spot instead of being second (like it was in 2021), was the spike in COVID cases in the beginning of 2022 which led Maersk to temporarily close its warehouse in Shenzhen.
The port handles cargoes and builds and operates port facilities. The port also – according to the World Port Source – operates a container repair business, an entrepot trading business, and technologies that facilitate the import and export of cargo.
#4: Port of Qingdao
The port handled 25,670,000 TEUs in 2022 – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 8.3 percent.
One of China’s fastest growing ports, which has been incorporating several cutting edge technological initiatives in an effort to boost commerce and commercial transparency.
The port trades with over 450 ports in 130 countries and regions – is a major hub for international trade.
The port offers a wide range of services including loading, unloading, storage, and logistics for containers and other cargoes such as coal, iron ore, crude oil, grain, and a variety of bulk cargoes.
#5: Port of Guangzhou
The port handled 24,600,000 TEU in 2022 – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.8 percent.
Like other ports in China, the COVID lockdowns caused an impact to import and export shipping volumes.
The port is South China’s biggest comprehensive hub port. It contains 49 berths, 23 anchorages, and 13 buoys.
#6: Port of Tianjin
The port, which is the largest port in northern China, handled 20,120,000 TEUs in 2022 – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.7 percent.
The port is a complete full-service port that handles all types of cargoes including containers, liquid and dry bulk, general cargo, and vehicles. The port also serves passengers.
#7: Port of Xiamen
The port, a crucial deep-water port for the Chinese economy, handled 12,430,000 million TEUs – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.2 percent.
The port is a crucial part of China’s transportation system and an important stop for container ships traveling to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
#8: Beibuwan Port
Coming up at number 8, the Beibuwan port, which handled 7,020,000 TEUs – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 16.8 percent, which is pretty significant for the port.
#9: Port of Rizhao
The port, a deep-water seaport, handled 5,800,000 TEUs – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.1 percent.
The port is open to shipping with more than 100 countries and regions, has opened 38 domestic trade container routes and 11 foreign trade container routes.
#10: Port of Lianyungang
The port handled a total of 5,570,000 TEU last year – reflecting a year-on-year increase of 10.7 percent.
The port is at the crossing point of China’s major railways and roads, and is located centrally to ports in Japan, South Korea, and within a 500-mile radius of the port.
Looking Ahead
Overall, these ports in China saw year-on-year increases compared to 2021. It certainly will be interesting to see what the top ten looks like next year and if Shanghai will continue to reign at the top spot.
Should you have any questions regarding this and how it could impact your shipments, please reach out to our team today.
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