Shanghai Port Becomes World’s First Port To Handle Over 50 Million TEUs Annually

Shanghai Port, which is also one of the world’s busiest container ports has set a historic record by becoming the first port in the world to handle over 50 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in a single year.

This was accomplished on December 22, 2024, when the 50 millionth container was unloaded at the Yangshan Phase IV automated terminal.

The Shanghai International Port (Group), which manages the port, confirmed that this record-breaking achievement further solidifies its position as the world’s busiest container port.

Shanghai Port has held the top spot in terms of container throughput for 15 consecutive years.

The port began container transportation in 1978 and has seen extraordinary growth over the decades. In 1994, it handled 1 million TEUs, which increased to 10 million in 2003 and 40 million in 2017.

Yang Yanbin, deputy general manager of SIPG’s production and business department, said that the growth is not just due to increasing export volumes but also because of the rising number of international transfer containers and ship-to-ship operations.

He added that ship-to-ship transfers are expected to make up 60% of the port’s total throughput in 2024.

One of the reasons behind the success of Shanghai Port is its use of advanced technology. The Yangshan Phase IV automated terminal, operational since 2017, has played an important role in the port’s growth.

This terminal, which reduces the workforce by 70% while increasing efficiency by 30% has handled over 35 million TEUs since its launch.

The port’s intelligent control system, developed independently in China, has also enhanced operational efficiency. According to SIPG, this system has helped Shanghai break the foreign monopoly on port software technology, with its innovations being adopted at 14 terminals worldwide.

Shanghai Port currently operates nearly 350 international shipping routes, connecting to more than 700 ports across 200 countries and regions.

This extensive network positions Shanghai as an essential link in global trade. The daily import and export value of goods handled by the port averages 29.8 billion yuan ($4 billion).

In recent years, the port has also focused on becoming more eco-friendly. It has partnered with ports in Los Angeles and Hamburg to develop green shipping corridors and completed its first ship-to-ship green methanol fueling operation in April 2024.

Luo Wenbin, general manager of SIPG Energy, revealed ambitious plans to turn the port into a “green energy fueling centre” by 2030.

The port aims to achieve one million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling capacity and one million tonnes of green methanol and biofuel fueling capacity.

In 2024, Shanghai ranked third in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index, following Singapore and London.

Despite global economic uncertainties and challenges in international trade, Shanghai Port continues to be resilient and adaptive to evolving changes in the maritime industry.

References: China Daily, English.shanghai.gov.cn

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