Every day, hundreds of cargo ships pass through, millions of containers are handled, and tens of thousands of people work here. The largest ports in the world are a remarkable blend of precise logistics, modern technology, and impressive architecture. Join us in exploring these bustling hubs of global trade and discover the gateways through which a significant portion of goods from around the world reach us.
Port of Shanghai, China
When people think of the world’s largest port, many immediately picture the famous Rotterdam or New York. However, the reality is quite different—today’s largest ports in the world are dominated by Asian cities. Shanghai holds an unshakable position as the world’s number one, boasting a staggering capacity of over 47 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. That’s more than four times the capacity of Rotterdam.
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this port serves as a key hub for maritime trade between Asia and the rest of the world. Its modern infrastructure features multiple container terminals, including the renowned Yangshan Terminal, considered one of the most advanced in the world.
Port of Singapore, Singapore
The Port of Singapore is currently the world’s second-largest shipping port, handling 37.5 million TEU in 2022. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes between Asia, Europe, and America makes it a key transshipment hub for global maritime trade. The port utilizes a fleet of autonomous vehicles for container transport and operates AI-controlled cranes.
Ningbo-Zhoushan, China
The third busiest port in the world is the Chinese port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. Located in Zhejiang Province, it serves as a major hub for cargo transportation along China’s eastern coast. The port boasts modern infrastructure and advanced technologies that enable efficient cargo handling. It processes around 31 million TEU annually.
Shenzhen Port, China
We’ll stay in China a little longer, as Shenzhen Port is also located here. Situated in the Pearl River Delta, it handled 25.7 million TEU in 2019. The port includes several terminals and is home to more than 40 shipping companies. Its infrastructure features 140 berths and covers a coastline of 260 km (162 miles). There are also plans to connect it with six other ports, including Hong Kong, which will certainly strengthen its position in international shipping.
Port of Busan, South Korea
Busan is the largest port in South Korea and serves as a major gateway between Eurasian countries and the Pacific Ocean. In terms of cargo volume, it handles approximately 21.9 million TEU annually. The port is located 325 km (202 miles) from the capital city, Seoul, and is visited by around 130 vessels daily. It processes nearly 40% of South Korea’s maritime cargo each year.
Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands
Europe also holds its own among the busiest ports in the world. The port of Rotterdam, due to its strategic location by the North Sea, is one of the most important logistics hubs in the world. The port covers an area of over 12,600 hectares (31,135 acres), and its terminals handle vast volumes of container, oil, and bulk traffic. Each year, Rotterdam processes more than 15 million TEU.
Port of Los Angeles, USA
The Port of Los Angeles, often referred to as “America’s Port,” is the largest container port in the United States. Situated on the West Coast of California, it combines with the nearby Port of Long Beach to create the largest port complex in North America. Approximately 10 million TEU pass through here each year, making it a significant hub for the automotive industry and oil transportation.
| Harbor | Millions of TEUs transported annually |
| Shanghai | 47 |
| Singapore | 37.5 |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | 31 |
| Shenzhen | 25.7 |
| Busan | 21.9 |
| Rotterdam | 15 |
| Los Angeles | 10 |
Tip: Here you can read more about one of the most remarkable waterways in the world—the Suez Canal.
The Future of Maritime Logistics
The development of the world’s largest shipping ports continues unabated. Automation, robotics, and digitalization are transforming how they operate. For example, Antwerp is implementing a digital twin system virtual replicas of the port infrastructure that allow for the prediction and optimization of all operations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is experimenting with floating solar power plants to supply energy to port facilities.
Maritime transport remains the backbone of global trade, and the largest ports in the world are its arteries. With increasing demands for speed and efficiency in transportation, these giants continue to evolve and implement cutting-edge technologies to keep pace with the requirements of the global economy.
From Shanghai to Rotterdam: Discover the World’s Largest Ports
Every day, hundreds of cargo ships pass through, millions of containers are handled, and tens of thousands of people work here. The largest ports in the world are a remarkable blend of precise logistics, modern technology, and impressive architecture. Join us in exploring these bustling hubs of global trade and discover the gateways through which a significant portion of goods from around the world reach us.
Port of Shanghai, China
When people think of the world’s largest port, many immediately picture the famous Rotterdam or New York. However, the reality is quite different—today’s largest ports in the world are dominated by Asian cities. Shanghai holds an unshakable position as the world’s number one, boasting a staggering capacity of over 47 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. That’s more than four times the capacity of Rotterdam.
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this port serves as a key hub for maritime trade between Asia and the rest of the world. Its modern infrastructure features multiple container terminals, including the renowned Yangshan Terminal, considered one of the most advanced in the world.
Port of Singapore, Singapore
The Port of Singapore is currently the world’s second-largest shipping port, handling 37.5 million TEU in 2022. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes between Asia, Europe, and America makes it a key transshipment hub for global maritime trade. The port utilizes a fleet of autonomous vehicles for container transport and operates AI-controlled cranes.
Ningbo-Zhoushan, China
The third busiest port in the world is the Chinese port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. Located in Zhejiang Province, it serves as a major hub for cargo transportation along China’s eastern coast. The port boasts modern infrastructure and advanced technologies that enable efficient cargo handling. It processes around 31 million TEU annually.
Shenzhen Port, China
We’ll stay in China a little longer, as Shenzhen Port is also located here. Situated in the Pearl River Delta, it handled 25.7 million TEU in 2019. The port includes several terminals and is home to more than 40 shipping companies. Its infrastructure features 140 berths and covers a coastline of 260 km (162 miles). There are also plans to connect it with six other ports, including Hong Kong, which will certainly strengthen its position in international shipping.
Port of Busan, South Korea
Busan is the largest port in South Korea and serves as a major gateway between Eurasian countries and the Pacific Ocean. In terms of cargo volume, it handles approximately 21.9 million TEU annually. The port is located 325 km (202 miles) from the capital city, Seoul, and is visited by around 130 vessels daily. It processes nearly 40% of South Korea’s maritime cargo each year.
Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands
Europe also holds its own among the busiest ports in the world. The port of Rotterdam, due to its strategic location by the North Sea, is one of the most important logistics hubs in the world. The port covers an area of over 12,600 hectares (31,135 acres), and its terminals handle vast volumes of container, oil, and bulk traffic. Each year, Rotterdam processes more than 15 million TEU.
Port of Los Angeles, USA
The Port of Los Angeles, often referred to as “America’s Port,” is the largest container port in the United States. Situated on the West Coast of California, it combines with the nearby Port of Long Beach to create the largest port complex in North America. Approximately 10 million TEU pass through here each year, making it a significant hub for the automotive industry and oil transportation.
| Harbor | Millions of TEUs transported annually |
| Shanghai | 47 |
| Singapore | 37.5 |
| Ningbo-Zhoushan | 31 |
| Shenzhen | 25.7 |
| Busan | 21.9 |
| Rotterdam | 15 |
| Los Angeles | 10 |
Tip: Here you can read more about one of the most remarkable waterways in the world—the Suez Canal.
The Future of Maritime Logistics
The development of the world’s largest shipping ports continues unabated. Automation, robotics, and digitalization are transforming how they operate. For example, Antwerp is implementing a digital twin system virtual replicas of the port infrastructure that allow for the prediction and optimization of all operations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is experimenting with floating solar power plants to supply energy to port facilities.
Maritime transport remains the backbone of global trade, and the largest ports in the world are its arteries. With increasing demands for speed and efficiency in transportation, these giants continue to evolve and implement cutting-edge technologies to keep pace with the requirements of the global economy.