Yantian, China

Port Overview

Yantian is located on the southern coast of Shenzhen, China, facing the South China Sea. It is a core part of the Port of Shenzhen and consistently ranks among the world’s top container ports. Yantian is strategically important as a preferred port for mega-container vessels, serving as a major gateway for South China’s exports to Europe and North America. The port features deep-water berths and advanced facilities, enabling efficient handling of the world’s largest ships. Yantian’s annual container throughput exceeds 13 million TEUs, making it a critical hub in global trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Yantian Port in Shenzhen features the Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT), its main deep-water terminal, equipped to handle ultra-large container vessels. The port has multiple large berths, extensive container yards, and advanced cargo facilities, including modern warehouses and logistics centers. Key equipment includes numerous ship-to-shore cranes, yard cranes, container forklifts, tractors, and semi-trailers. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and 24-hour logistics operations further enhance efficiency and throughput.

Container Terminals

Yantian, China’s container terminal features 20 deep-water berths, with ongoing expansion to add three fully automated berths by 2026. The terminal’s annual capacity is set to reach 16 million TEU, with the new automated section contributing an additional 3 million TEU. Automation includes advanced remote-controlled and semi-automatic quay cranes. Major operators are Shenzhen Yantian Port Group and Hutchison Port Holdings. The terminal is equipped to handle the world’s largest container vessels.

Port Services

• Container handling: Advanced terminals for efficient loading, unloading, and transshipment of containers, including ultra-large container vessels.
• Cargo operations: Full range of cargo handling for containerized and some bulk cargo, with modern equipment and high throughput capacity.
• Ship services: Tugboats, pilotage, berthing, bunkering, and vessel support for international shipping lines.
• Warehousing: Extensive storage yards and multi-story warehouses, including a large logistics park and bonded facilities.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance, inspection, and bonded logistics services for streamlined import and export processing.

Global Connectivity

Yantian Port in Shenzhen is a major deep-water container hub serving South China and the Pearl River Delta. It connects with over 100 global ports, including key destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and the Mediterranean. Yantian offers direct shipping routes to major markets such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, supporting extensive international trade and logistics.

Port Statistics

Port of Yantian, China – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Over 15 million TEU annually; target of 16 million TEU by 2026
• World Ranking: Among the top 20 container ports globally
• Number of Berths: 20 deep-water berths (with 3 new automated berths under construction)
• Port Area: Over 3.7 square kilometers (approximate terminal footprint)
• Shipping Lines: Served by all major global shipping lines, with over 100 international routes