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    Yang Shan, China

    Yangshan Deepwater Port is the world’s largest container port, powering Shanghai’s role in global trade.

    Container Volume:25 Million TEU
    Yang Shan, China flag
    Yang Shan, China

    Port Overview

    Yangshan Port, located in Hangzhou Bay south of Shanghai, is a deep-water offshore facility connected to the mainland by the Donghai Bridge. As a core component of the Port of Shanghai—the world’s largest container port—Yangshan is renowned for its efficiency, recently ranking first globally in the Container Port Performance Index. Strategically vital to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, it handles the largest container vessels and serves as a key hub on major international shipping routes. Annually, Yangshan alone processes around 25 million TEUs, accounting for over half of Shanghai’s total container throughput.

    Facilities & Infrastructure

    Yangshan Port features state-of-the-art facilities, including automated terminals and advanced cargo handling systems. It is equipped with sophisticated technology, such as driverless transport vehicles, computerized cranes, and yard scheduling systems. The port boasts multiple deep-water berths capable of accommodating large container ships. Equipment includes automated guided vehicles (AGVs), bridge cranes, and rail-mounted gantry cranes, enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.

    Container Terminals

    Yangshan Port, part of Shanghai’s port complex, features over 30 deep-water container berths and a total annual capacity exceeding 25 million TEUs. Its fourth phase is the world’s largest fully automated container terminal, utilizing advanced automated guided vehicles and cranes for high efficiency. The major operator is Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), with automation and digitalization at the core of its operations, supporting some of the world’s largest container ships.

    Port Services

    • Container handling: Fully automated terminals with advanced cranes and automated guided vehicles for efficient 24/7 loading and unloading of containers.
    • Cargo operations: High-capacity facilities for various cargo types, including bulk, liquid, and break-bulk, supporting rapid vessel turnaround.
    • Ship services: Deep-water berths for the world’s largest container ships, bunkering, pilotage, and vessel maintenance.
    • Warehousing: Modern storage facilities for containerized and general cargo, supporting transshipment and distribution.
    • Customs: Streamlined customs clearance with Free Trade Zone benefits, enabling fast and efficient import/export processing.

    Global Connectivity

    Yangshan Port, a key component of Shanghai Port, is a world-leading deep-water container hub located offshore in Hangzhou Bay, connected to Shanghai’s Pudong district by the 32.5 km Donghai Bridge. It serves as the primary gateway for East China, handling over half of Shanghai’s container throughput and linking the Yangtze River Delta—one of China’s most economically dynamic regions—to global markets. Yangshan’s deep-water berths (up to 15 meters) accommodate the largest container ships, enabling direct shipping routes to major international markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The port’s advanced automation and scale ensure efficient transshipment, reinforcing Shanghai’s status as the world’s busiest container port and a critical node in global maritime trade networks.

    Port Statistics

    Yangshan Port, China: Key Statistics

    TEU Throughput:
    Yangshan Port handled over 14 million TEUs in the first half of 2025, representing more than half of Shanghai Port’s total container volume and a year-on-year increase of approximately 7.3%.

    World Ranking:
    As part of Shanghai Port—the world’s busiest container port for over a decade—Yangshan is a critical contributor to Shanghai’s global #1 ranking.

    Number of Berths:
    Exact berth count is not publicly specified in recent reports, but Yangshan is a large, multi-terminal deep-water facility designed to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.

    Area:
    Yangshan is built on reclaimed islands in Hangzhou Bay, connected to the mainland by the Donghai Bridge. The port area is extensive, supporting massive container handling and storage operations.

    Shipping Lines:
    Yangshan serves as a major hub for global shipping lines, with over 4,600 international container vessel calls in the first half of 2025, including frequent visits by ultra-large container ships. It is a pivotal node in Asia–Europe and trans-Pacific trade lanes.

    Additional Notes:
    Yangshan is renowned for its automation, deep-water capacity, and role in green shipping initiatives. It remains central to China’s export economy and global supply chains.

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    Ship cargo through Yang Shan, China

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    Operations Logistics & Timelines

    Step-by-step process and transit times for international vessel berthing, customs clearance, transloading, and final delivery.

    For Clients

    Import & export process times from vessel arrival to cargo delivery.

    • Booking confirmationsame day to 1 day
    • Terminal gate-in and documentation4-24 hrs
    • Cargo discharge or load planning12-48 hrs
    • Final pickup or onward drayagesame day to 3 days

    For Employees

    Port authority inspection and transloading procedures and timelines.

    • Berth planning and yard coordinationcontinuous
    • Cargo handling operationsshift-based
    • Customs and compliance processingsame day to 2 days

    For Shareholders

    Performance benchmarks, cargo throughput KPIs and reporting cadences.

    • Throughput monitoringdaily / monthly
    • Asset utilization reviewweekly / monthly
    • Capital project trackingquarterly

    International Import Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Confirm cutoffs early

      Confirm vessel cutoffs, customs filing deadlines, and drayage windows before cargo reaches the terminal to avoid storage and rollover costs.

    2. 2

      Track utilization trends

      Review berth productivity, dwell times, and throughput trends alongside capex progress to separate structural bottlenecks from short-term volume swings.

    International Export Tips & Tricks

    1. 1

      Keep gate data aligned

      Keep appointment systems, yard status, and documentation status aligned to reduce avoidable delays in handoff and cargo release.

    Tools & Resources

    Tools and resources for shipping through Yang Shan, China.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Yang Shan, China.

    What is the typical process for import containers moving through this international port?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, discharge, customs review, terminal release, pickup or rail transfer, and final inland delivery. Timing depends on congestion, documentation, inspections, and local drayage capacity.

    What affects export cargo timing at an international port?

    Export timing depends on gate cutoff windows, booking confirmation, documentation readiness, customs requirements, terminal operating hours, and vessel schedule reliability.

    Glossary / Terminology

    Key terms relevant to international seaport operations and ocean freight.