Top 10 Busiest Ports In The World 2024

The busy hubs of world trade, the ports of the world help to move billions of tons of products yearly. They are the main drivers of economic activity as well as places of transportation.

Over the past two decades, global shipping has been continuously rising; despite the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic, the future looks bright with some projecting worldwide throughput of ports rising to 998 million TEU by 2027. As such, in order to meet demand, the busiest container ports worldwide are growing.

Global goods movement depends heavily on sea transportation, of which ports are absolutely critical. Whether in dry bulk, broken bulk, or containerized cargo, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) claims that over 90% of world trade is conducted by sea. Consequently, the sea goods sector as well as the worldwide economy depend on ocean shipping lanes.

List Of Top 10 Busiest In The World 2024

1. Port Of Shanghai, China

Shanghai has regularly displayed an amazing growth trend since surpassing Singapore in 2010 to rank as the busiest port in the world. Given China’s tremendous economic might, it seems that Chinese ports rank highest worldwide. Actually, not only does China rank highest on this list, but more than half of these ports originate from China also. The Port of Shanghai was the busiest port worldwide in 2019 with more than 43 million TEUs of containers handled. For China’s trade and interaction with the rest of the world, the Port of Shanghai is absolutely vital. Situated in the Yangtze River Delta, the epicenter of China’s economic might, the port boasts 200 berths and modern tools and gear to effectively handle large ships and goods. Thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, the Port of Shanghai keeps becoming more important as a hub of international trade and business.

2. Port Of Singapore, Singapore

Singapore was the busiest port in the world from 2005 until 2010, then the Port of Shanghai took the front stage. With 130,000 boats calling at the port annually, the Port of Singapore today offers access to more than 600 ports spread over six continents. Handling almost 20% of all shipping containers, it is also the busiest transhipment port worldwide. Strategically placed and with more than 200 berths, the port links Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Thanks to its modern logistics and transportation systems as well as outstanding container handling capacity, the Port of Singapore is a hub for international trade and industry.

3. Port Of Shenzhen, China

The second biggest port in China and third biggest port worldwide is Shenzhen Port. This name refers to several nearby ports, including Yantian, Chiwan, Dachan Bay, and Shekou taken together. Technical developments in the area have attracted many tech businesses, including Huawei, Tencent, and SenseTime, to establish a business there. Currently a prominent worldwide technical center, Shenzhen sometimes described as China’s Silicon Valley is The industrial activity and investments made in the city have helped the Port of Shenzhen see increases in container flow and trade. The port passed the nearby Port of Hong Kong to take third place in 2013 due to its continuous climb.

4. Port Of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China

Once two different entities, Ningbo and Zhoushan came together in 2006 to create the fourth-largest port in the world, Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. For regional trade and business, the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is a key access point. It is positioned deliberately on China’s eastern shore at the Yangtze River’s mouth. Renowned for its modern infrastructure, which includes sophisticated terminal equipment and container storage rooms, the port boasts more than 400 berths.

5. Port Of Guangzhou, China

For trade and business in southern China, the Port of Guangzhou, in the province of Guangdong, is absolutely vital. Handling a record-breaking 21.87 million TEUs in 2018, the Port of Guangzhou rose to become the fifth busiest port in the world. This was a 7.4% rise above port handling in 2017.

6. Port Of Busan, South Korea

Turning away from China, the sixth busiest port worldwide is Port of Busan in South Korea. Located on the southeast coast of South Korea, it is a major trading and business hub for the country, connecting it to other Asian countries as well as outside Asia. The third-largest transhipment port in the world is Busan as well. An 11.5% rise from the year before, the port of Busan handled 11.46 million TEUs in transshipments in 2018.

7. Port Of Hong Kong, China

Port of Hong Kong is a vital transhipment port, much as the ports of Singapore and Busan. In the 1900s, one of the most important ports in southern China was Hong Kong. However, the pot of Hong Kong has slid a few spots in the list given China’s increasing importance in world economic commerce during the previous few decades.

8. Port Of Qingdao, China

China’s Port of Qingdao, first opened in 1892, consists of Dagang, Qianwan, Guangdong, and Dongjiakou four port sites. Considered as one of the West Pacific commerce ports of importance is this one.

9. Port Of Tianjin, China

Just 150km from Beijing, the Port of Tianjin is thought of as the marine portal to the Chinese capital. Five key areas make up Tianjin Port: Beijing, Haihe, Nanjiang, Beigang, and Dongjiang.

10. Port Of Jebel Ali, UAE

Originally opened in 1979, Jebel Ali has become a major port in the world marine scene. Apart from being the busiest and greatest man-made harbour worldwide, the port is also the busiest among Middle-east countries.