China's Ports Maintain Global Leadership in Cargo and Container Throughput

China's Ports Dominate Global Rankings in 2024

China’s ports have reinforced their No.1 global position in both cargo and container throughput for 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Transport on March 29. The latest data reveals:

• Total cargo throughput: 17.6 billion tons (+3.2% YoY)

• Container throughput: 330 million TEUs (+4.7% YoY)

• Global top 10 rankings: 8 Chinese ports in cargo throughput, 6 in container throughput.

The achievements were highlighted at the “World-Class Ports for a Vibrant China” campaign launch in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, showcasing China’s three major port clusters (Bohai Rim, Yangtze River Delta, Greater Bay Area) and infrastructure scale that remains the world’s largest.

Key Developments

1. Automation Leadership: China leads in automated terminal construction, with the most built and planned projects globally.

2. Green Transition: Accelerated development of near-zero-carbon ports, with rising adoption of clean energy and green transport modes.

3. Infrastructure Upgrades: Expanded deep-water berths and optimized cargo systems for bulk, container, and LNG shipments.

Policy Roadmap

The Ministry outlined three priorities for world-class port development:

1. Integrated Growth: Enhance multimodal transport (e.g., rail-water intermodal) and regional port coordination.

2. Tech-Driven Innovation: Deepen AI and blockchain integration, scale renewable energy use.

3. Safety Resilience: Strengthen risk prevention and emergency response systems.

Official Statement:
“These milestones reflect not just China’s port prowess but their role as a key engine of modernization,” said a Ministry policy representative.