Dairen, China

Port Overview

Dairen, now known as Dalian, is located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in Liaoning Province, Northeast China. It is the largest port in Northeast China and ranks among the top container ports nationally, serving as the second largest container transshipment hub on the Chinese mainland. Strategically positioned as the northernmost ice-free port, Dalian is a critical gateway for trade with North Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Its annual container throughput is approximately 9.8 million TEU, supporting extensive international and domestic shipping routes.

Facilities & Infrastructure

The Port of Dalian (Dairen) is a major hub in Northeast China, featuring several key terminals: Daliangang, Dalianwan, Xianglujiao, Nianyuwan, Ganjinzi, Heizuizi, Si'ergou, and Dayaowan. It operates specialized container, bulk, and liquid cargo terminals, with a total container capacity exceeding 10 million TEU annually. The port is equipped with modern gantry cranes, automated stacking systems, and advanced bulk handling equipment, including conveyors and pneumatic unloaders. AGVs (automated guided vehicles) are used for efficient container movement. Deep-water berths accommodate vessels up to 300,000 DWT, supported by extensive warehousing, rail links, and integrated logistics services.

Container Terminals

Dalian's container terminals include the Dalian Container Terminal (DCT), Dalian Port Container Terminal (DPCM), and Dalian International Container Terminal (DICT). These terminals operate a total of 19 berths with capacities ranging from 1.8 to 3.1 million TEUs annually. The terminals are equipped with modern container handling equipment and automated stacking systems. Major operators include PSA China and Singapore Dalian Port Investment.

Port Services

• Container handling: Loading, unloading, stacking, and storage of containers at dedicated terminals.
• Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, liquid bulk, and general cargo including coal, iron ore, grains, crude oil, chemicals, automobiles, and machinery.
• Ship services: Pilotage, tug assistance, bunkering (fuel supply), ship repair, and maintenance.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for containers, bulk cargo, and chemicals, including bonded logistics parks.
• Customs: Customs clearance, documentation, and regulatory compliance for import/export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Dairen (Dalian), China, is a major Northeast Asian port with direct connectivity to over 300 ports in 160+ countries. It serves the industrial regions of Northeast China and is a key gateway for China-Europe freight trains. Dairen offers extensive shipping routes to major markets including Japan, South Korea, Europe, the Mediterranean, India, Indonesia, and South America, supporting efficient access to RCEP countries and global trade corridors.

Port Statistics

Port of Dalian (Dairen), China – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 5 million TEUs (2024)
• World Ranking: Top 15 container ports globally; 7th largest in China
• Number of Berths: Over 80 berths, with 50 deep-water berths for large vessels
• Port Area: Extensive, with large storage and logistics zones (exact area not specified)
• Shipping Lines: 106 container ship routes, including 93 foreign trade routes, connecting to over 300 ports in 160+ countries