Dongguan, China

Port Overview

Dongguan is located in central Guangdong Province, China, at the heart of the Pearl River Delta and the Greater Bay Area. Covering about 2,500 square kilometers, it ranks as the sixth largest city in the region by area and is recognized as a major manufacturing and export hub. Strategically positioned between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Dongguan is vital to global supply chains. Its annual container throughput exceeds 5 million TEU, underscoring its importance in international trade and logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Dongguan Port features over 60 berths, including modern container terminals and bulk cargo facilities capable of handling large vessels. Key terminals support containerized, bulk, and general cargo, with specialized areas for commodities like coal and grain. The port is equipped with fixed, mobile, and floating cranes, as well as advanced cargo handling systems. Automation is increasing, with the adoption of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and smart port technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Container Terminals

Dongguan’s container terminals feature over 20 berths, with a total annual capacity exceeding 3.5 million TEUs. Automation levels are moderate, with ongoing upgrades but not fully automated operations. Major operators include PSA Dongguan Container Terminal and Dongguan Haichang Shipping. The terminals primarily serve regional and Southeast Asian routes, supporting the local manufacturing and logistics industries with efficient container handling and multimodal transport connections.

Port Services

Main Services at Dongguan Port, China

• Container Handling: Comprehensive container terminal operations, including import/export, transshipment, and export consolidation services.
• Cargo Operations: Bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo handling—covering timber, steel, chemicals, minerals, grain, coal, and more—across multiple specialized port areas.
• Ship Services: Pilotage (where available), tug assistance, bunkering (fuel supply), and marine lubricants; support for a wide range of vessel types including bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships.
• Warehousing: Integrated logistics and warehousing solutions, especially in the Shatian and Shilong port areas, supporting storage and distribution.
• Customs: Facilitated customs clearance, bonded warehousing, and import/export documentation services to streamline international trade processes.

Global Connectivity

Dongguan, China, is strategically connected to major ports including Dongguan Port, Humen, and Machong, with close proximity to Shenzhen, Nansha, and Yantian ports. It serves the Pearl River Delta region and acts as a key gateway for manufacturing exports. Dongguan is integrated into global shipping routes, offering direct and feeder services to major markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, leveraging its location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Port Statistics

Dongguan Port Statistics:

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 3.5 million TEUs annually.
• World Ranking: Not among the top global ports by TEU volume.
• Number of Berths: Not specified.
• Area: Part of the broader Pearl River Delta region.
• Shipping Lines: Supports various domestic and international shipping routes.