By Marcel Grätz, Chief Executive Officer of Silkway (Shanghai) Supply Chain
China’s maritime infrastructure continues to shape global trade dynamics, with its ports setting new benchmarks in capacity and efficiency. By 2025, projections indicate that the Port of Shanghai will retain its status as the world’s leading container port by twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a position reinforced by its record-breaking handling of over 5 million TEUs in January 2025.
Alongside Shanghai’s dominance, the Port of Shenzhen is also advancing its capabilities through significant infrastructure investments and sustainability initiatives. These developments present freight forwarders with expanded routing options and strategic considerations for balancing efficiency, cost, and environmental goals.
Shanghai’s Container Throughput Leadership
The Port of Shanghai has consistently outperformed global competitors, handling over 50 million TEUs in 2024. This achievement marked its 15th consecutive year as the busiest port, driven by its strategic position at the Yangtze River Delta and investments in automation. In January 2025, Shanghai set a new global milestone by processing more than 5 million TEUs in a single month, the highest monthly container throughput ever recorded. This feat reflects operational advancements at facilities like the Yangshan Deep-Water Port, which utilizes automated cranes to reduce processing times.
Shanghai’s growth is supported by China’s export-driven economy, which accounts for nearly 30% of global containerized trade. The port’s extensive network of over 2,000 international shipping routes ensures connectivity to major markets, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. However, its high traffic volume also poses challenges, such as congestion during peak periods, which freight forwarders must factor into scheduling decisions.
Shenzhen’s Infrastructure Expansion
While Shanghai leads in absolute volume, the Port of Shenzhen is emerging as a critical alternative for global logistics. In 2021, Shenzhen initiated a $2.3 billion expansion at the Yantian International Container Terminal, aiming to add 3 million TEUs of annual capacity by 2025. This project includes three new automated berths capable of accommodating mega-ships, positioning Shenzhen to handle increasing trade volumes and alleviate pressure on Shanghai.
Shenzhen’s geographic advantage near manufacturing hubs in the Pearl River Delta enhances its appeal. Proximity to cities like Guangzhou and Dongguan, which produce electronics, textiles, and machinery, allows freight forwarders to reduce inland transportation costs and transit times. Additionally, Shenzhen’s integration with Hong Kong’s shipping network offers streamlined access to Southeast Asian and trans-Pacific routes, making it a strategic node for diversified supply chains.
Sustainability Initiatives in Port Operations
Environmental considerations are increasingly shaping port strategies. Shenzhen has prioritized liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, targeting 450,000 cubic meters of annual capacity by 2025. This initiative aligns with global emissions reduction targets and provides freight forwarders with greener fuel options for vessels, appealing to clients with sustainability commitments.
Shanghai has also invested in eco-friendly infrastructure, completing shore power systems and LNG refueling stations in 2024. These upgrades are projected to cut carbon emissions by 35% per TEU by 2026, according to port authorities. Such measures not only address regulatory pressures but also enhance long-term operational resilience against climate-related disruptions.
Impact on Global Logistics Strategies
Freight forwarders face a complex decision-making landscape as China’s ports evolve. Shanghai’s reliability and scale make it indispensable for high-volume shipments, particularly for industries like automotive and consumer electronics. However, Shenzhen’s expansion offers alternatives to mitigate congestion risks and lower costs for specific trade lanes. For example, shipments bound for Southeast Asia or the U.S. West Coast may benefit from Shenzhen’s shorter sailing times.
The rise of near-shoring and regional supply chains in response to geopolitical tensions could also influence port selection. While Shanghai remains central to global trade, Shenzhen’s focus on niche markets and sustainability may attract forwarders seeking specialized solutions. Data from logistics firms indicates that 40% of freight forwarders now include both ports in their contingency planning, reflecting a trend toward diversification.
Operational Challenges and Risk Management
Despite advancements, operational risks persist. Congestion, a recurring issue at Shanghai, reached critical levels in 2022 when over 470 vessels faced delays due to pandemic-related disruptions. Although automation has improved efficiency, sudden spikes in demand—such as pre-holiday restocking—can still strain capacity. Shenzhen’s expansion may alleviate some pressure, but rapid demand growth could outpace infrastructure upgrades, leading to similar bottlenecks.
Geopolitical factors further complicate logistics planning. Security concerns over Chinese-manufactured port equipment, such as cranes produced by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, have prompted scrutiny in Western markets. Freight forwarders must balance cost efficiency with compliance as regulations evolve, particularly for shipments involving sensitive technologies.
China’s port strategy in 2025 underscores its ambition to dominate global maritime trade while addressing modern challenges. The Port of Shanghai’s record-breaking throughput and Shenzhen’s targeted expansion reflect a dual focus on scale and specialization. For freight forwarders, these developments offer opportunities to optimize routing, reduce costs, and meet sustainability targets, but require careful navigation of operational and geopolitical risks.
As trade volumes grow and environmental standards tighten, the ability to leverage China’s port infrastructure will remain a critical factor in global logistics success. By integrating Shanghai’s capacity with Shenzhen’s emerging strengths, freight forwarders can build resilient, adaptable supply chains capable of meeting diverse client needs in an increasingly complex market.
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