January 3, 2025 | Source: China Water Transport Network

In 2024, Yangshan Deep-Water Port broke records with container throughput exceeding 26 million TEUs, a 4% year-on-year growth. This milestone accounts for over half of Shanghai Port’s total throughput, which surpassed 50 million TEUs, solidifying its position as the world’s first container port to achieve this benchmark. Yangshan Port’s contributions remain pivotal in securing Shanghai Port’s 15-year streak as the global leader in container throughput.

Maritime Support Drives Growth

Under the proactive support of the Yangshan Maritime Authority, the port safely accommodated 8,895 international container vessel movements, up 1.46% compared to 2023. Among these, 1,451 were vessels with capacities exceeding 18,000 TEUs, showcasing the port’s capability to handle ultra-large ships. Feeder vessel traffic saw a notable rise, with 16,506 feeder ship movements, a 14.17% increase, underscoring enhanced navigational management and resource utilization.

Despite no changes to infrastructure such as terminals, berths, and anchorages, the port achieved simultaneous increases in both container throughput and vessel flow. This success highlights the effective measures implemented by the Yangshan Maritime Authority to optimize existing resources.

Innovative Measures and Efficient Operations

Key to Yangshan Port’s success has been the innovative approaches taken by the Yangshan Maritime Authority, including initiatives like “党建+” (Party Building+), “联盟+” (Alliance+), and “助企+” (Enterprise Support+). These programs emphasize seamless integration of governance, maritime safety, and economic strategies to ensure port operations meet the growing demands of international trade.

In 2024, the port achieved significant milestones in its Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations, including:

• 889 dual-navigation operations for international container vessels,
• 345 dual-window departure operations,
• 3,220 dual-berthing operations for international container vessels, and
• Over 80% berth utilization, placing the port among global leaders in operational efficiency.

Additionally, feeder vessels achieved a 95% “one-stop docking” rate. This improvement minimizes delays by enabling vessels to unload all cargo at a single terminal, streamlining operations and reducing navigational risks in the core port area.

Tackling Weather Challenges

To address challenges like low visibility and strong winds that disrupt operations, Yangshan Maritime Authority has implemented tailored strategies. For instance:

• During poor visibility, large container vessels are scheduled for advanced berthing, ensuring minimal delays.
• A new wind shelter zone has been developed, allowing small feeder vessels to safely avoid disruptions during severe weather conditions, reducing the need for long-distance evacuations.

These measures have effectively enhanced the port’s resilience to adverse weather, ensuring smooth and efficient operations year-round.

Leadership in Green Shipping

Yangshan Port is also leading the way in green shipping initiatives. In 2024, LNG bunkering operations grew by 73%, with 76 bunkering activities completed, supplying 444,000 cubic meters of LNG—a 68% increase year-on-year. These achievements place Yangshan among the top three global LNG bunkering hubs.

Notable milestones include:

• China’s first ship-to-ship green methanol bunkering for an international container vessel, completed in April 2024.
• Completion of 100 LNG bunkering operations and 100 vessel loadings at Yangshan Port.

These advancements further position Shanghai Port as a leader in sustainable maritime practices and contribute to its long-term competitiveness.

Future Developments and Strategic Role

Looking ahead, Yangshan Port is advancing several major projects, including the expansion of LNG facilities and the Xiao Yang Bei construction project. Recent milestones include the completion of foundational structures for critical components of Xiao Yang Bei. These projects are essential to strengthening the port’s role as a hub for global trade and enhancing Shanghai’s status as an international shipping center.

The Yangshan Maritime Authority remains committed to innovative governance and high-efficiency operations. By leveraging its unique “党建+” and “联盟+” frameworks, the authority aims to maximize port resources, enhance international competitiveness, and solidify Yangshan Port’s position as a world-class maritime hub, supporting the development of a globally connected shipping network.

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