1. Port of Shanghai – China
The Port of Shanghai has been the world’s busiest container port for over a decade and continued this dominance through 2025 with record throughput. In 2025 it handled 55.06 million TEUs, marking its 16th consecutive year as #1 globally. Shanghai’s success lies in its vast network of terminals, deepwater access, and strategic position at the mouth of the Yangtze River, connecting China’s industrial heartland to global markets.
Shanghai’s terminals manage both international transshipment and vast domestic exports, making it a critical nexus in East–West trade flows. The port’s efficiency gains and infrastructure upgrades have attracted the world’s largest carriers, ensuring frequent calls from mega-ships. Because of its sheer volume and connectivity, Shanghai influences global shipping patterns and pricing.
Beyond containers, the port also handles bulk and liquid cargo, giving it unparalleled versatility. In addition, ongoing automation and digitisation initiatives — including AI-driven yard management systems — are pushing productivity even higher. Analysts expect Shanghai will remain at the apex of global port activity for years to come.
2. Port of Singapore – Singapore
Strategically positioned on the Strait of Malacca, the Port of Singapore sits at one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints. In 2025 it moved 44.66 million TEUs, maintaining its role as the world’s second-busiest container port. Singapore’s port isn’t just large — it’s also indispensable as a transshipment hub, linking major shipping routes between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Singapore’s competitiveness stems from a combination of deep-water berths, highly automated terminals, and one of the world’s most efficient customs and logistics frameworks. The port also boasts vast bunkering (fuel supply) infrastructure, serving hundreds of vessels weekly. Its location and reputation for reliability make it a preferred stop for global carriers.
Operators at PSA International continuously invest in capacity and sustainability projects, ensuring Singapore adapts to growing vessel sizes and global trade shifts. The port’s integration with regional supply chains makes it more than a cargo gateway — it’s a cornerstone of Southeast Asian economic connectivity.
3. Ningbo‑Zhoushan Port – China
The Port of Ningbo‑Zhoushan is a remarkable case of scale: in 2025 it became the world’s largest port by total cargo volume, handling more than 1.4 billion tonnes of cargo and ranking third in container throughput with roughly 43 million TEUs. Located south of Shanghai near the East China Sea, it serves as a major gateway for raw materials like coal, iron ore, and crude oil alongside consumer goods.
Unlike some ports focused primarily on containers, Ningbo‑Zhoushan excels in bulk shipments and multimodal logistics, connecting sea traffic with inland rivers and rail corridors. Its geographic position makes it critical for China’s industrial westward supply chains. Over the past decade, continual expansion has included deep-water berths and advanced logistics parks that draw both domestic and international investment.
The port’s growth in recent years reflects China’s broader export strength and manufacturing output. It also highlights how cargo diversity — bulk commodities, containers, and heavy goods — can propel a port to global prominence.
4. Port of Shenzhen – China
The Port of Shenzhen consistently ranks among the top global ports due to its enormous container throughput. As of 2025–2026 data, it handled around 33–34 million TEUs, serving as the major export hub for southern China’s manufacturing sector.
Shenzhen’s network of terminals — including Yantian and Chiwan — supports rapid handling and quick turnarounds, which are crucial for electronics, textiles, and machinery exports. The port’s proximity to the Pearl River Delta gives it direct access to some of China’s most dynamic industrial clusters. Connectivity with high-speed rail and inland logistics zones also boosts its competitiveness.
A distinguishing feature of Shenzhen is the high integration between port operations and local supply chains, allowing quick, efficient flow of goods. This tight integration supports industries from smartphones to automotive parts. Sustainability initiatives also underpin growth, with investments in electric yard equipment and cleaner fuels for marine vessels.
5. Port of Qingdao – China
The Port of Qingdao is another heavyweight in global logistics, handling an estimated 30+ million TEUs by 2026. Qingdao’s port complex is renowned for its advanced automation and deep-water capacity, allowing it to welcome large container ships and manage heavy traffic efficiently.
Situated in Shandong Province on China’s Yellow Sea coast, Qingdao has cultivated strong links with Northeast Asia and European trade routes. The port also supports large volumes of bulk cargo — including coal and grain — further diversifying its operational profile. Through strategic expansion and investments, Qingdao has been growing its transshipment market, making it not just a domestic gateway but a key part of global shipping networks.
Freight forwarders often use Qingdao as a hub for routing goods between China and destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Alongside its cargo prowess, Qingdao fosters strong hinterland links through rail and highway networks that serve inland manufacturing regions.
6. Port of Guangzhou – China
The Port of Guangzhou — often referred to as Guangzhou Nansha Port in international rankings — is a major southern Chinese hub handling roughly 26+ million TEUs annually. Its location near the Pearl River Delta positions it close to vibrant manufacturing centers like Dongguan and Foshan.
Guangzhou has expanded rapidly over the past decade due to massive infrastructure spending, including large container terminals and bonded logistics parks. The port’s integration with river transport networks enhances its ability to bring inland goods to the global marketplace efficiently. It also serves as an important node on major East–West and North–South shipping routes.
In addition to container handling, Guangzhou handles significant bulk and liquid cargo volumes. This blend of cargo types and improved rail links to western China makes it a competitively diversified port.
7. Port of Busan – South Korea
The Port of Busan is the busiest port in South Korea and one of Asia’s key transshipment centers, handling about 24+ million TEUs by 2026. Located at the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan serves as the primary gateway for South Korea’s global trade, connecting East Asia with Europe and the Americas.
Busan’s terminals are known for their high standards of automation and efficient cargo handling. The port also acts as a major transshipment hub where cargo is redistributed across regional feeder routes. Its proximity to Japan and China makes it a competitive alternative to direct stops at Chinese ports for certain Asian trade lanes.
The port also supports significant cruise and ferry activity, contributing to local tourism and economic diversification. Continuous infrastructure improvements aim to attract more ultra-large container vessels and expand rail connectivity to northern China and Russia.
8. Port of Tianjin – China
The Port of Tianjin plays a central role as Northern China’s maritime gateway, linking Beijing and the vast inland regions to global trade lanes. Ranked among the world’s top ten container ports by throughput, Tianjin handles over 23+ million TEUs annually.
Tianjin’s broad cargo portfolio includes containers, automotive imports, and large quantities of bulk goods. Its extensive logistical reach extends into northern and western China via rail and highway networks, making it vital for national distribution. The port’s strategic development has focused on deep-water berths, green logistics solutions, and digitisation to secure international freight flows.
Tianjin also benefits economically from its role in special economic zones around the Bohai Bay region. These zones attract foreign investment and promote value-added manufacturing exports, which feed into the port’s volumes.
9. Port of Jebel Ali – United Arab Emirates
Located in Dubai, the Port of Jebel Ali is the Middle East’s largest and one of the world’s busiest container hubs, historically in the top-10 by TEUs (e.g., ~15.5 million). Unlike many other ports on this list, Jebel Ali’s growth is fueled by its transshipment role and free zone, attracting cargo bound for Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
Jebel Ali’s infrastructure has been heavily modernised, with deep berths, automated cranes, and extensive logistics parks. It also serves as the main maritime hub for DP World, one of the world’s biggest port operators. The port’s open-ended policies and economic incentives boost regional trade flows and attract international shipping alliances.
Beyond containers, Jebel Ali handles significant amounts of bulk cargo and project freight, supporting regional energy and construction sectors. Its position on the Persian Gulf gives unique access to intra-regional markets as well.
10. Port Klang – Malaysia
Rounding out the top 10 is Port Klang in Malaysia, which has consistently appeared among the world’s busiest with around 14–15 million TEUs. Located near Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang serves as the nation’s primary sea gateway and a significant transshipment hub for Southeast Asia.
Port Klang’s competitive advantage comes from its deep-water terminals, modern container handling systems, and proximity to major industrial zones. The port provides critical linkages to regional feeder services and direct long-haul routes. Malaysia’s economic growth and expanding manufacturing exports have bolstered the port’s volumes in recent years.
Efforts to improve hinterland connectivity including rail links to Thailand and Singapore aim to broaden Port Klang’s role in intra-ASEAN trade. Its strategic location makes it an important alternative to Singapore for certain cargo flows.
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