The ports play a crucial role in global trade, and some stand out not only for their logistical efficiency but also for their significant contribution to the world economy.
Ports use the measure of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) primarily because of the standardization and practicality that this unit offers in container shipping. Here are some reasons why TEUs are widely used to measure cargo capacity and volume at ports:
Twenty-foot containers are widely used in the maritime transport industry as a standard unit to accommodate a variety of goods. They are easily transportable by ships, trucks, and trains, providing a uniform way to quantify cargo capacity.
Using TEUs allows for easy comparison of cargo capacity among different types of container ships. For example, a ship that can carry 10,000 TEUs has twice the capacity of a ship that can carry 5,000 TEUs. Ports and shipping companies can more efficiently plan storage space and loading and unloading operations using TEUs as a standard measure. This helps in managing space at port terminals and optimizing logistical operations.
The use of TEUs facilitates the registration and control of goods entering and leaving the port. Each TEU can be tracked individually, contributing to transparency and accuracy in import and export records.
Global trade heavily relies on efficient container transport, and TEUs provide a clear and precise metric for measuring the volume of goods moved between different ports and countries.
TEU stands for “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit.” It is a standard measure used to quantify the cargo capacity of container ships and the storage capacity of port terminals.
One TEU corresponds to the cargo capacity of a 20-foot long container (approximately 6.1 meters). Container ships are often classified according to the total number of TEUs they are capable of carrying. For example, a ship may be described as capable of carrying 10,000 TEUs, meaning it can load 10,000 20-foot containers.
This standardized unit facilitates the management and logistics of maritime transport, as it allows for easy comparison of cargo capacity among different ships and the handling capacity of port terminals worldwide.
Below are the five wealthiest ports in the world, whose importance goes beyond the movement of goods:
Shanghai Port
Shanghai Port is the largest port in the world in terms of cargo throughput, being a vital component of both the Chinese and global economies. Located on the east coast of China, it is strategically positioned to serve not only the city of Shanghai itself but also the surrounding Yangtze River Delta region, which is China’s largest economic hub.
In 2022, Shanghai Port recorded an impressive volume of over 47 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), highlighting its massive capacity to handle international trade. This port not only moves a wide variety of goods but also plays a crucial role in global supply chains, connecting China with trading partners around the world.
The strategic location of Shanghai Port is not limited to favorable geography; it also benefits from advanced infrastructure and efficient management, contributing to its operational efficiency. Additionally, the port is integrated into an extensive network of land and sea transportation, facilitating the rapid and efficient transport of goods into China and beyond.
As mentioned, the Yangtze River Delta is one of China’s most dynamic and productive economic regions, concentrating a large part of the country’s advanced industrial production. Shanghai Port plays a crucial role in supporting this intense economic activity, serving as a gateway for exports and imports that drive China’s economic growth.
In summary, Shanghai Port is not only a world-class maritime transport hub but also a symbol of China’s economic power and global connectivity, playing a key role in international trade and the global economy.
Singapore Port
Singapore Port is one of the busiest and strategically located ports in the world, playing a crucial role as a global transshipment hub. Located in the city-state of Singapore in Southeast Asia, this port is known for its operational efficiency, world-class infrastructure, and favorable geographical position.
In 2022, Singapore Port handled more than 37 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), consolidating its position as one of the leading hubs for global maritime trade. One of the main reasons for its prominence is its ability to act as the world’s largest transshipment center. This means that goods from various parts of Asia are unloaded in Singapore from smaller ships and then transferred to larger ships that sail to final destinations such as Europe. This is facilitated by the port’s depth and the efficiency of transshipment operations.
In addition to being a transshipment hub, Singapore Port is also a significant connection point for intra-Asian and transoceanic trade. Its strategic location on the maritime route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean makes it a crucial stopping point for cargo ships traveling between Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
Singapore Port’s infrastructure includes modern terminals equipped with advanced technology for efficient cargo handling, automated port management systems, and state-of-the-art storage facilities. This not only increases cargo handling capacity but also enhances security and reduces waiting times for ships.
In addition to its logistical capabilities, Singapore is known for its efficient governance, favorable business environment, and policies that encourage international trade. These combined factors make Singapore Port not only a leader in cargo handling but also a crucial driver of Singapore’s economy and global trade.
In summary, Singapore Port stands out not only for the impressive quantity of TEUs handled but also for its ability to serve as a strategic and efficient connection point in global maritime trade, significantly contributing to the flow of goods and the global economy.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is the world’s third-largest port in terms of cargo throughput. In 2022, the port handled an impressive 33.35 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), highlighting its significant operational capacity and economic importance.
One of the distinctive features of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is its proximity and strategic connection to Shanghai. When Shanghai faced lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port emerged as a viable alternative for cargo movement, leveraging its robust infrastructure and capacity to absorb part of the trade flow that would normally pass through Shanghai.
In addition to its role as an alternative during crises, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is integrated into a surrounding region that is a major industrial and commercial hub in China. Zhejiang Province is known for its strong manufacturing base and is home to many high-tech and automotive industries, among others. This makes the port not only handle a large number of containers but also directly support the local and regional economy through international trade.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port’s infrastructure includes several modern and efficient terminals capable of handling a variety of cargoes and equipped with advanced technology to optimize port operations. These terminals not only facilitate the rapid movement of containers but also offer additional services such as temporary storage, handling of special cargoes, and value-added services to meet specific customer needs.
As one of the world’s largest ports, Ningbo-Zhoushan plays a crucial role in global trade by connecting China with trading partners worldwide. Its strategic location on China’s east coast facilitates access to the Asian market and beyond, contributes to the efficiency of global supply chains, and promotes economic growth both regionally and nationally.
In summary, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port stands out not only for the impressive volume of TEUs handled but also for its ability to serve as a strategic logistics hub, supporting international trade and driving economic development in its surrounding region in China.
Shenzhen Port
Shenzhen Port is one of China’s and the world’s major ports, located in the Pearl River Delta region, a strategic area for economic development in southern China. The city of Shenzhen has gained global prominence as an innovation and manufacturing center due to its history as China’s first special economic zone, established in 1980 as a pilot area to experiment with economic openness policies.
In 2022, Shenzhen Port handled approximately 30.03 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), demonstrating its impressive ability to handle international trade. This port plays a crucial role as a starting point for Chinese manufactured goods, which are shipped to destinations around the world. Due to its strategic location near Hong Kong and its advanced infrastructure, Shenzhen Port is one of the leading maritime transport hubs in Asia.
The Pearl River Delta region, where Shenzhen Port is located, is known for its concentration of high-tech industries, electronics, and other advanced manufacturing sectors. This places the port at the center of one of China’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economic regions, driving not only international trade but also regional and national economic development.
Shenzhen Port’s infrastructure includes several modern and efficient terminals equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure fast and secure port operations. In addition to container transport, the port offers a variety of logistics services such as warehousing, handling of special cargoes, and multimodal connections to facilitate both land and sea transport of goods.
As one of the world’s major ports, Shenzhen Port plays a key role in supporting global supply chains, facilitating trade between China and the rest of the world. Its contribution to the Chinese economy and international trade is significant, solidifying its position as an essential logistical center in the global landscape.
In summary, Shenzhen Port stands out not only for the substantial volume of TEUs handled but also for its strategic importance as a starting point for Chinese exports and as a catalyst for economic development in the Pearl River Delta region and beyond.
Qingdao Port
Qingdao Port is one of China’s and the world’s major ports, located in the city of Qingdao in Shandong Province. In 2022, the port handled approximately 25.67 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), highlighting its importance as a crucial hub for international trade.
Qingdao is the capital of Shandong Province, which ranks third in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in China. The strategic location of Qingdao Port on the east coast of China makes it a vital entry point for a variety of goods, including coal, iron ore, crude oil, and a wide range of manufactured products in containers. In addition to its significant cargo handling capacity, Qingdao Port stands out for its diverse operations. It not only handles large volumes of containers but also has specialized facilities for bulk cargo such as grains, ores, and energy products. This multifaceted capability enables the port to meet a wide range of maritime transport needs, both for import and export.
The development of Qingdao Port has been driven by substantial investments, including direct investments from countries like Japan and South Korea, which recognize the port’s strategic importance for regional and global trade. These investments not only strengthen the port’s infrastructure but also enhance its ability to compete effectively on the international stage.
Qingdao Port’s infrastructure includes a variety of modern terminals equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient and safe operations. In addition to container and bulk cargo terminals, the port offers additional services such as storage, specialized cargo handling, and integrated logistics facilities to support commercial operations.
In summary, Qingdao Port is a vital component of Shandong Province’s economy and plays a fundamental role in China’s international trade. Its diversified capacity, advanced infrastructure, and global connections position it as one of the world’s leading ports, facilitating efficient movement of goods and significantly contributing to regional and national economic growth.
Ports play a crucial role in global trade, not only for their logistical efficiency but also for their significant contribution to the world economy. They use TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) primarily due to the standardization and practicality it offers in container shipping.
Twenty-foot containers are widely used in the maritime transport industry as a standard unit to accommodate a variety of goods. They are easily transportable by ships, trucks, and trains, providing a uniform way to quantify cargo capacity.
Using TEUs allows for easy comparison of cargo capacity among different types of container ships. For example, a ship capable of transporting 10,000 TEUs has twice the capacity of one that can carry 5,000 TEUs.
Ports and shipping companies can more efficiently plan storage space and cargo handling operations using TEUs as a standard measure. This helps in managing space at port terminals and optimizing logistics operations.
The use of TEUs facilitates the recording and tracking of goods entering and leaving the port. Each TEU can be individually traced, contributing to transparency and accuracy in import and export records.
Global trade heavily relies on efficient container transport, and TEUs provide a clear and precise metric for measuring the volume of goods moved between different ports and countries.
In summary, TEUs are essential for the efficient operation of ports and global logistics management. They not only simplify cargo capacity quantification but also promote more effective management of port resources, thereby supporting international trade and global economic growth.
