Joanna James
In today's highly digital world, there still is a vital space for more traditional forms of transport in order to get a huge volume of products to all corners of the globe; the value of shipping and shipping ports are thus not to be forgotten. Here are some of the world's top ports.
When it comes to cargo throughput, the Port of Shanghai can be ranked as the world's biggest port. This busy port in China covers an area that is approximately 3,619 square kilometres and can be found at the Yangtze River mouth. With its container throughput reaching over 40 million TEU, the port owned by Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) plays a vital role in global shipping. It features 125 berths and accommodates over 2,000 container ships monthly as well.
Second only to Shanghai, the Port of Singapore also plays a key role in global shipping. The second largest in the world, this Asian port recorded a container throughput of a little over 37 million TEU in 2019 which was quite a significant number. The operations are handled by Jurong Port and PSA International (earlier known as the Port of Singapore Authority); the port receives around 140,000 vessels annually and has over 200 quay cranes, while it is also the world's largest refuelling hub.
Located at the mouth of South Korea's Naktong River, the Port of Busan is another sizeable and busy port. It is managed by the Busan Port Authority (BPA) which also runs operations here. It consists of four ports (South Port, North Port, Dadaepo Port and Gamcheon Port) as well as six container terminals and an international passenger terminal. This port in South Korea encompasses a large area that covers around 2,000 square kilometres and can handle over 160 vessels / ships simultaneously.
Another key player in Asian and global shipping, the Colombo Port is one of the busiest in the world and can be found in the country's commercial capital. The dredged depth of this artificial harbour is more than 15 metres and it is a busy hub dealing with cargo to and from East and South Asia, Europe, the Persian Gulf and other key global destinations. The Port of Colombo has three container terminals including South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) which features advanced terminal handling technology and equipment from a NAVIS N4 terminal operating system (TOS) to nine Super-Post-Panamax quay cranes.
This busy port can be found in northern China at the Haihe River mouth. The Tianjin Port (Group) Company is the main operator at this port that has over 150 berths and which is a key international trade port that links West and Central Asia to Northeast Asia. Beigang, Beijiang, Dongjiang, Nanjiang and Haihe make up the five main areas of this port; it also has various terminals that can handle oil / liquid, bulk and breakbulk cargo, containers and cruise and passenger vessels as well.
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