Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Port Overview

Hong Kong is located on the southeast coast of China along the South China Sea. Once the world’s busiest container port, it now ranks 11th globally. Despite its decline, Hong Kong remains strategically important as a gateway between mainland China and international markets, benefiting from deepwater access and proximity to major Asian shipping routes. In 2023, the port handled approximately 14.3 million TEUs, reflecting ongoing competition from rapidly expanding mainland Chinese ports and shifting regional trade dynamics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Hong Kong’s main port facilities are centered at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, featuring nine terminals with 24 deepwater berths and a quay length of nearly 7,800 meters. The port covers 279 hectares and handles over 10 million TEUs annually. Key equipment includes 96 quay cranes, 308 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and advanced yard automation. Facilities support container, bulk, and breakbulk cargo, with extensive reefer points and warehouse storage. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are increasingly used for yard operations.

Container Terminals

Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing Container Terminals feature nine terminals with 24 berths and a total annual handling capacity exceeding 20 million TEUs. The port handled 13.7 million TEUs in 2024. Automation is moderate, with ongoing upgrades in digitalization and efficiency, but not fully automated. Major operators include Hongkong International Terminals (HIT), Modern Terminals Limited (MTL), COSCO-HIT, and Asia Container Terminals. The port remains a key transshipment hub for the region.

Port Services

Main Services at Hong Kong Port:

• Container Handling: Loading, unloading, stacking, and storage.
• Cargo Operations: Bulk cargo, general cargo, and project cargo handling.
• Ship Services: Pilotage, tug services, bunkering, and ship repair.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for various types of cargo.
• Customs: Clearance and documentation services.

Global Connectivity

Hong Kong is a leading international port and logistics hub, strategically located at the gateway to Southern China and the Pearl River Delta. It connects to nearly 500 global destinations with about 300 container vessel sailings per week. The port serves major regions including mainland China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, and is a key node on major East-West and intra-Asia shipping routes, supporting efficient trade flows between Asia and the world.

Port Statistics

Hong Kong Port Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Handled 13.7 million TEUs in 2024, with 10.4 million TEUs at Kwai Tsing Terminals and 3.3 million TEUs at mid-stream and other wharves.
• World Ranking: Remains among the world’s busiest container ports, though it has slipped from its historical top-five position in recent years.
• Number of Berths: Kwai Tsing Container Terminals feature 24 berths across nine terminals.
• Area: Kwai Tsing Terminals cover approximately 279 hectares, including container yards and freight stations.
• Shipping Lines: Serves as a major hub for international shipping lines, with about 100,600 ocean-going and river-trade vessel arrivals in 2024.
• Transshipment Role: Around 60% of container throughput is transshipment cargo, underlining its role as a regional hub.