Bei Hai, China
Bei Hai, China: Gateway to the ancient Maritime Silk Road and a thriving modern port on the Beibu Gulf.
Port Overview
Beihai is a port city in Guangxi province, southern China, located on the northeastern tip of the Beihai Peninsula along the Beibu Gulf. While not among China’s largest container ports, Beihai serves as a key regional gateway for bulk cargo, especially coal and iron ore, and is part of the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone, enhancing its strategic importance for trade with Southeast Asia. The port handles a moderate annual container throughput, with TEU capacity significantly lower than China’s top ports, typically under 1 million TEUs per year.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Beihai Port in Guangxi features key terminals at Tieshan and Shibuling, with a total of 11 production berths and a cargo throughput capacity of 40 million tons. Major facilities handle bulk cargoes like coal, ore, grain, and containers. Equipment includes truck cranes up to 50 tons, gantry cranes up to 27.5 tons, belt conveyors, and a fleet of forklifts and tractors. The port does not currently operate AGVs.
Container Terminals
Beihai, China’s container terminal is part of the Port of Beibu Gulf and features six 150,000-ton berths among a total of 11 berths. The terminal’s annual container handling capacity is moderate compared to major Chinese ports, and automation is limited, with most operations still manual or semi-automated. The main operator is Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group, and major carriers include COSCO and Sinotrans.
Port Services
Main services at Bei Hai, China:
- Container handling: Facilities for containerized cargo, including mobile cranes and lifts up to 100 MT.
- Cargo operations: Wharf and anchorage loading/offloading, bulk and general cargo handling.
- Ship services: Pilotage, limited ship repair, navigation equipment, electrical repair, potable water supply.
- Warehousing: On-site storage and logistics support for various cargo types.
- Customs: Customs clearance and quarantine services for import/export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Beihai Port, located in Guangxi, China, serves as a key maritime gateway connecting southern China with Southeast Asia. It handles cargo and passenger traffic, including ferries to Hainan Island, and links with nearby ports such as Qinzhou, Fangcheng, and Zhanjiang. Beihai supports regional trade and shipping routes to major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America, enhancing access for the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone and the broader Guangxi region.
Port Statistics
Port of Bei Hai, China – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 1.2 million TEUs annually
- World Ranking: Outside the global top 50 container ports
- Number of Berths: 23
- Port Area: 3.2 square kilometers
- Shipping Lines: Served by major Chinese and regional shipping lines, with regular connections to Southeast Asia and domestic Chinese ports
