In 2024, Shanghai Port achieved a significant milestone by handling 3.63 million vehicles through its roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) operations, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This accomplishment propelled Shanghai Port to the forefront of global automobile ro-ro ports, surpassing Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which managed 3.23 million vehicles in the same period. sh-sgl.com
A substantial portion of this throughput, over 60%, was dedicated to foreign trade, underscoring Shanghai’s pivotal role in the international automotive supply chain. The port has established 15 international ro-ro routes, connecting to 289 ports across 131 countries and regions worldwide.
The surge in vehicle handling at Shanghai Port is reflective of China’s burgeoning automotive export industry. In 2024, the nation exported approximately 5.859 million vehicles, a 19.3% increase from the previous year, solidifying its position as the world’s leading automobile exporter.
Several factors have contributed to this growth. The global demand for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) has been a significant driver, with Chinese manufacturers leading the charge. Ports across China have responded by enhancing their ro-ro capacities to accommodate the increasing volume of automotive exports. For instance, the Nansha automobile terminal at the Port of Guangzhou has expanded its facilities to include seven berths capable of accommodating large ro-ro ships and a parking depot spanning 1.6 million square meters. In 2024, NEV exports from this terminal rose by 23.2% year-on-year, reaching 30 countries and regions.
Similarly, the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province reported handling 239,000 cars for export in 2024, a sharp annual increase of 40.7%. The Port of Tianjin also saw significant growth, with auto exports reaching 640,000 units, a 25% year-on-year increase. globaltimes.cn
Shanghai’s strategic initiatives have been instrumental in accommodating this growth. The port’s “15th Five-Year Plan” outlines the development of an overall handling capacity exceeding 5 million vehicles, with expansions planned in Waigaoqiao, Lingang, and Haitong Taicang.
The Haitong International Automobile Terminal, located in the Waigaoqiao Port Area, stands as China’s largest automobile ro-ro loading terminal. It serves as a critical hub for manufacturers, especially those along the Yangtze River. Anhui Chery Automobile, for example, utilizes a “river-sea combined transport” model, where vehicles are transported via barge from Wuhu Port to Shanghai Haitong Terminal before being shipped overseas. In 2024, Haitong Terminal processed 1.298 million vehicles for export, receiving an average of 2.19 foreign trade ro-ro ships daily.
The Nangang Terminal in Shanghai’s Lingang New Area has also emerged as a significant player, with ro-ro shipping routes extending to 36 countries and regions across multiple continents. In 2024, the terminal exported over 370,000 vehicles, with NEVs accounting for 70% of this volume. sh-sgl.com
Shanghai Port’s advancements are not limited to vehicle throughput. In December 2024, the port became the first globally to surpass 50 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in annual container throughput, maintaining its status as the world’s busiest container port for the 15th consecutive year. This achievement highlights Shanghai’s comprehensive capabilities in handling diverse cargo types and its strategic importance in global trade.
The port’s extensive network currently operates nearly 350 international shipping routes, connecting over 700 ports in more than 200 countries and regions. This vast connectivity underscores Shanghai’s role as a central node in global maritime logistics, facilitating efficient trade flows between China and the rest of the world. en.portshanghai.com.cn
In summary, Shanghai Port’s rise to the top spot in global vehicle throughput and its record-breaking container handling reflect China’s expanding influence in international trade and the effectiveness of its strategic infrastructure investments. As the global demand for vehicles, particularly NEVs, continues to grow, Shanghai Port is well-positioned to meet this demand, further solidifying its status as a premier global shipping hub.
