The world’s top 30 container ports recorded a collective 7% increase in throughput in 2024, boosted by a surge in traffic in China, the US and the Indian sub-continent.
Only 2 individual ports registered a decline in volumes over the year – Hong Kong and Xiamen.
Meanwhile, a series of ports declared records, fuelled by consumer anxiety in the US over the potential impact of labour strikes, war-related disruption and future tariffs. Among those recording new highs during 2024 were Shanghai, Singapore, Long Beach and Tanjung Pelepas.
Global number one Shanghai did not extend its lead over nearest competitor Singapore during the year, with the two ports currently locked in a difference of about 10 Mteu.
Ningbo-Zhoushan is now clearly established as the world’s number three port, but Shenzhen managed to retain its fourth spot after being temporarily overtaken by Qingdao in the middle of the year. As a result, there were no changes in the rankings in the top-10.
Source: Alphaliner