The busiest ports in the world are the backbone of global maritime trade operations. Without them, we’ll lose half of the possibility of procuring important trade items we need in time.
Despite massive setbacks from COVID-19-imposed restrictions, the global maritime trade has bounced back by 2.4% in 2023 from its 2022 contractions.
However, problems are always present, with geopolitical tensions and climate change continue hampering many trade operations vital to all busiest ports in the world.
Also Read: Preparing for 2025 Shipping Industry Trends: An Outlook
Busiest Ports in the World in 2024
Nonetheless, maritime trade operations must keep going to meet all business needs. Busiest ports in the world like the following continue fulfilling their roles in supporting the industry’s daily operations.
Port of Shanghai
Despite facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions, particularly from the Red Sea crisis, Shanghai aims to establish itself as a hub for greener fuels.
The port has formed alliances with various ports along the Yangtze River to enhance its operational capabilities and mitigate future supply chain disruptions.
Key Figures
Operator: Shanghai International Port Company Ltd.
Owner: Public
Port type: Deepwater/riverport
TEU: 49.16 million (2023)
Port of Singapore
The port continues to develop its Tuas Megaport, enhancing capacity and efficiency to maintain its competitive edge in global shipping.
Terminal operator PSA International manages most of the port’s container handling, reinforcing Singapore’s strategic position in maritime logistics and reflecting the port’s adaptability amid ongoing challenges.
Key Figures
Operator: PSA International, Jurong Port
Owner: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 39.01 million (2023)
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
The port benefits from its strategic location, aligning with China’s dual-circulation model, and is enhancing its facilities to maintain competitiveness.
Ningbo-Zhoushan’s expansion reflects ongoing efforts to solidify its status in global maritime trade, contributing to a broader network of Chinese ports.
Key Figures
Operator: Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co., Ltd. (NZP)
Owner: Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group Co., Ltd.
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 35.3 million (2023)
Port of Shenzhen
Shenzhen primarily serves as an export hub to Western economies that strongly focus on mainline trades for its volume.
Despite challenges and a 0.5% decrease in TEU figures from last year’s records, the port continues to invest in improving its facilities to sustain its competitive position.
Key Figures
Operator: Shenzhen Yantian Port Holdings, Shenzhen Chiwan Wharf Holdings
Owner: Shenzhen Government
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 29.88 million (2023)
Port of Qingdao
A TEU growth of 12.1% in 2023 since 2022 highlights Qingdao’s role as a northern Chinese logistics hub and its focus on optimizing route density.
The port’s rapid expansion underscores its competitive edge in China’s maritime network, positioning it just behind Shenzhen.
Key Figures
Operator: Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd
Owner: The Qingdao Port Group
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 28.77 million (2023)
Port of Busan
As a key hub, Busan continues to enhance its facilities to support its operational efficiency and meet increasing demands in global shipping.
Busan port reached a throughput of 23.04 million TEU in 2023, which reflects the port’s strong position in South Korea’s export market.
Key Figures
Operator: The Busan Port Authority
Owner: The Busan Port Authority
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 23.04 million (2023)
Port of Tianjin
The COVID-19 pandemic heavily changed the way this port handles its cargo operations. As a result, it benefited from regional development policies for enhancing operational efficiency and integration.
Tianjin continues to define itself as a crucial maritime hub in northern China, focusing on logistics coordination to strengthen its competitive advantage.
Key Figures
Operator: Tianjin Port Development Holdings Limited (TPDH)
Owner: Tianjin State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 22.19 million (2023)
Port of Dubai
Dubai’s port has a strong market presence in Asia, Europe, and Africa, which is important for supporting the Middle East’s economic growth over the decades.
Furthermore, the first phase of the Jafza Logistics Park’s construction enhances the port’s vital warehousing and distribution capabilities.
Key Figures
Operator: DP World
Owner: DP World
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 14.47 million (2023)
Port of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s port recorded a throughput of 14.4 million TEU in 2023 due to global trade disruptions and competitive pressures from other regional ports.
To address the decline of TEU levels from the 2022 levels, the Hong Kong Marine Department is implementing a recovery plan to revitalize the port’s operations and enhance its appeal to shipping lines.
Key Figures
Operator: The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board
Owner: Government of Hong Kong
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 14.4 million (2023)
Port of Port Klang
A TEU growth of 6.4% in 2023 after the previous year reestablishes Port Klang as Malaysia’s primary Deepwater replete with investments and expansions in terminal facilities.
The port aims to enhance its efficiency and service offerings, positioning itself as a significant player in regional trade.
Key Figures
Operator: Westports
Owner: Port Klang Authority
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 14.06 million (2023)
Port of Rotterdam
This port suffered some setbacks in recent years, such as the 7% decline in TEU levels in 2023 due to ongoing impacts from Western sanctions on the Russian economy and reduced European consumption levels.
However, efforts are underway to adapt to the changing market dynamics and restore its position as a leading European shipping hub.
Key Figures
Operator: The Port of Rotterdam Authority
Owner: The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Dutch Government
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 13.45 million (2023)
Port of Xiamen
While the port experienced an early post-COVID recovery, the port struggled to maintain momentum due to weakened export demand.
Even so, the port of Xiamen outperformed nearby export-driven ports, highlighting its resilience in the face of market challenges.
Key Figures
Operator: The Xiamen Port Authority
Owner: The Xiamen Port Authority
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 12.55 million (2023)
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Antwerp-Bruges Port is among the examples of major seaports suffering from geopolitical tensions which prevented cargo ships from entering the port.
Regardless, the port aims to enhance its multi-fuel capabilities by 2025 to position itself for a sustainable future and adapt to evolving market demands.
Key Figures
Operator: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Owner: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 12.5 million (2023)
Port of Tanjung Pelepas
The Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia recorded a throughput of 10.48 million TEU in 2023, down slightly by 0.3% from 10.51 million TEU in 2022.
Despite a second consecutive year of volume decline, the port is expected to benefit from cargo diversions due to ongoing crises in the Red Sea, positioning itself to recover and adapt to changing trade patterns.
Key Figures
Operator: APM Terminals
Owner: MMC Corporation Berhad and APM Terminals
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 10.48 million (2023)
Port of Laem Chabang
The Port of Laem Chabang achieved a throughput of 8.87 million TEU in 2023, making it a 1.5% increase from 2022’s 8.74 million TEU.
Despite slower growth rates in recent months, Laem Chabang continues playing a crucial role in Thailand’s trade infrastructure, which emphasizes its strategic importance in the region.
Key Figures
Operator: Hutchison Ports
Owner: Port Authority of Thailand
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 8.8 million (2023)
Port of Kaohsiung
Kaoshiung Port suffered a 6.9% drop in TEU levels from 2022’s 9.49 million due to weak trade with China and a sluggish global economy that impacted the port’s operational dynamics.
Despite these difficulties, Kaohsiung continues investing in terminal improvements to enhance its market and region competitiveness.
Key Figures
Operator: Port of Kaohsiung Branch, Taiwan International Ports Corporation
Owner: Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 8.8 million (2023)
Port of Los Angeles
Reduced consumer demand and shifting cargo patterns caused the Port of Los Angeles to suffer a 12.9% TEU reduction in 2023 from 2022 levels.
Despite this, the port is undergoing a $2 billion capital improvement program to boost efficiency and future growth while committing to long-term labor agreements.
Key Figures
Operator: Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners
Owner: City of Los Angeles
Port type: Deepwater
TEU: 8.63 million (2023)
Port of Tanger Med
This Moroccan port has shown remarkable growth, achieving a throughput of 8,614,400 TEU in 2023, reflecting a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
Much of the port’s recent successes come from its strategic position as a key hub in North-South and East-West shipping routes that surpassed 8 million TEU four years ahead of projections.
Key Figures
Operator: APM Terminals
Owner: Marsa Maroc
Port type: Container terminal
TEU: 8.6 million (2023)
Port of Taicang
Taicang is a leading river trade feeder port in the Yangtze River Delta region, handling a throughput of 8,039,100 TEU in 2023, marking a slight increase from 2022.
However, growth was limited due to the high volumes previously achieved when many businesses diverted their cargo shipment from Shanghai.
Key Figures
Operator: Modern Terminals
Owner: Taicang Port Investment & Development Co., Ltd.
Port type: Container
TEU: 8.03 million (2023)
Conclusion
The overview above on 2024’s busiest ports in the world can help US businesses become aware of recent trade developments. Using Tradecorp’s shipping containers can become a surefire way to keep your cargo safe during freight to these ports. Contact us via the quote form and experience the top-class protection of our containers!