Shanghai Port Sets Record with Over 50 Million TEUs

On December 22, Shanghai Port achieved a historic milestone as it surpassed 50 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in container throughput, becoming the first port in the world to reach this record. This remarkable achievement was marked by the successful loading of a container onto an ocean vessel docked at the Yangshan Port.

Global Shipping Hub

The continuous growth in container throughput highlights Shanghai Port's status as a world-class shipping hub. Currently, Shanghai Port operates nearly 350 international shipping routes, connecting over 700 ports across more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. This extensive network strengthens its ability to allocate global shipping resources effectively and enhances its capabilities in shipping finance, insurance, and international maritime arbitration.

Key Factors Behind the Growth

According to Yang Yanbin, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai International Port Group's Production Business Department, this year's growth in container throughput is primarily driven by the steady rise in full-container exports, international transshipments, and water-to-water transfers. Collaborative efforts between Shanghai Port, the Yangtze River Delta, and other ports along the Yangtze River Economic Belt have further streamlined logistics channels, leveraged regional advantages, and enhanced the collective functionality of port clusters.

"In 2024, Shanghai Port's water-to-water transfer ratio is expected to reach 60%, setting a new record and further solidifying its role as a global shipping hub," Yang noted.

Smart and Green Development

Innovation in smart and green technology remains a cornerstone of Shanghai Port's success. The Yangshan Phase IV automated terminal has significantly contributed to container throughput growth while providing a "Chinese solution" for smart port development worldwide. Huang Heng, General Manager of SIPG Nezha Technology, highlighted that the "Yangshan Phase IV Ultra-Large Automated Container Terminal Key Technology Research and Application" project has been replicated across 14 terminals both domestically and internationally.

On the green development front, Shanghai Port has normalized LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) refueling operations and successfully completed "ship-to-ship" green methanol fuel refueling for large container vessels, setting a benchmark for sustainable shipping practices.