The 10 largest and most important ports in the world

Ports are the hub of international trade: what are the 10 largest and most important in the world?

The top ten include strategic locations for maritime transport, considered essential for global trade, with over 90% of goods movements taking place by water.

Major economies, corporate giants, and every other sector depend on the frenetic activity of containers and, above all, the vital operations of ports around the world.

From Asia (led by China) to Europe, the US, and the Gulf States: the ten port hubs listed here are the busiest and most geopolitically important (according to shipping company statistics).

1. Port of Shanghai, China

As the busiest port in the world, the Port of Shanghai is a pillar of global trade. Strategically located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this port connects China’s vast industrial regions with international markets.

This port handles over 40 million TEUs of cargo annually, making it the world’s largest container port.

Shanghai is a crucial export hub for manufactured goods, particularly electronics, machinery, and textiles, and integrates advanced automation and logistics technologies to streamline operations and maintain efficiency.

2. Port of Singapore (Singapore)

The Port of Singapore is a major maritime hub in Southeast Asia and serves as a transshipment point for goods transiting between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

From 2005 to 2010, Singapore was the world’s busiest port, before being surpassed by the Port of Shanghai. With 130,000 vessels calling annually, the Port of Singapore now offers connections to over 600 ports in 123 countries across six continents. It is also the world’s busiest transshipment port, handling approximately 20% of all maritime containers.

It handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s annual maritime containers and offers unparalleled connectivity to over 600 ports worldwide. It implements cutting-edge technologies, including automated cranes and AI-based logistics, to optimize operations and reduce delivery times.

The port, which connects Asia, Europe, and the Americas, has over 200 berths and enjoys a strategic location. The Port of Singapore is a hub for international trade and business, thanks to its state-of-the-art logistics and transportation facilities and excellent container handling capacity.

3. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)

Rotterdam is Europe’s largest and most important port, as well as one of the most technologically advanced. Thanks to its strategic location and its ability to handle enormous volumes of cargo, it is a crucial link between Europe and the rest of the world.

Continued innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices keep this port at the top of the global rankings. The hub is crucial for the import of energy resources, including crude oil and LNG. The port is advanced in sustainability, through initiatives such as shore-based power systems and green hydrogen production facilities.

4. Port of Los Angeles (United States)

Often called America’s gateway to the Pacific, the Port of Los Angeles plays a crucial role in connecting the United States to Asian markets.

The hub handles nearly 20% of all US imports, including electronics, apparel, and auto parts, and collaborates with the nearby Port of Long Beach to efficiently handle huge volumes of cargo.

It adopts sustainable practices, such as the electrification of port equipment and emissions reduction initiatives.

The port, located on San Pedro Bay in Southern California, is the busiest in the United States. It is a central hub for international trade, handling over 9 million TEUs of containers annually and serving as a gateway for goods from Asia, Europe, and South America.

With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the Port of Los Angeles is a leader in the development of clean transportation solutions, including electric and hybrid vehicles, and is committed to reducing the impact of its operations on the local community and the environment.

5. Dubai Port (Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates)

Jebel Ali is the world’s largest man-made port and a major trade hub for the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

It serves as a transshipment hub for goods moving between East and West. It has state-of-the-art facilities capable of handling ultra-large container ships (ULCS). It supports Dubai’s role as a global logistics and trade hub.

6. Port of Busan, South Korea

Moving away from China, we discover that the Port of Busan, South Korea, is one of the busiest in the world.

Located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, it is a major gateway for trade and commerce in the region, connecting South Korea to other nations in Asia and beyond. The Port of Busan is also the third largest transshipment port in the world.

7. Port of Hong Kong, China

Like the ports of Singapore and Busan, the Port of Hong Kong is also a key transshipment port.

The Port of Hong Kong was one of the most influential ports in southern China in 1900. However, given China’s growing role in global economic trade over the past two decades, the Port of Hong Kong has slipped in the rankings.

Its proximity to mainland China makes it a key transit point for goods bound for the Chinese market and vice versa.

8. Port of Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is one of Europe’s most important ports and Germany’s main gateway to the world.

This port not only handles a significant volume of cargo but is also a leader in the adoption of green and sustainable technologies.

Hamburg firmly maintains its position in the top ten global ports thanks to its efficiency and capacity for innovation.

9. New York-New Jersey, United States

The Port of New York-New Jersey is the largest and most important in the United States. Strategically located on the East Coast, this port serves as a bridge between America and Europe.

With a growing volume of cargo and continuous infrastructure improvements, New York-New Jersey remains one of the most crucial ports globally, completing the top ten most important commercial ports in the world.

10. Port of Shenzhen, China

The Port of Shenzhen is the second largest port in China and the third largest in the world. Several ports in the area, including Yantian, Chiwan, Dachan Bay, and Shekou, are collectively referred to by this name.

Many technology companies, including Huawei, Tencent, and SenseTime, have opened their factories here thanks to the region’s technological advances. Shenzhen, sometimes known as China’s Silicon Valley, is currently a major global technology hub.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: I 10 porti più grandi e importanti del mondo