Shanghai Port in China, with over 47.3 million TEUs, tops the list of the world's container ports in 2025. In this article, we present the most comprehensive ranking of the 57 largest ports on the planet, based on the latest available data.
What Is a TEU?
TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit and is the most widely used standard for measuring the capacity of container ports worldwide.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 6.1 m (20 feet) |
| Width | 2.4 m (8 feet) |
| Height | 2.6 m (8.5 feet) |
| 40-foot container equivalent | 2 TEUs |
When a port reports its annual TEU count, it is measuring the total number of containers it handles over a given year. The higher a port's TEU volume, the more significant its role in global supply chains. A standard 40-foot container counts as 2 TEUs, since it is equivalent to two 20-foot containers placed end to end.
Why Does Container Port Ranking Matter?
Container ports are the backbone of global trade. More than 80% of all internationally traded goods are transported by sea, and large container ports are at the heart of that movement. Ranking these ports helps investors, shipping companies, and governments identify the most efficient trade routes and logistics hubs around the world.
Top 10 Container Ports in the World (2025)
| Rank | Port Name | Country | TEUs (Million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| π₯ 1 | Port of Shanghai | China | ~47.3 |
| π₯ 2 | Port of Singapore | Singapore | ~37.5 |
| π₯ 3 | Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan | China | ~33.35 |
| 4 | Port of Shenzhen | China | ~30.04 |
| 5 | Port of Guangzhou | China | ~24.2 |
| 6 | Port of Busan | South Korea | ~22.9 |
| 7 | Port of Qingdao | China | ~21 |
| 8 | Port of Hong Kong | China | ~17.55 |
| 9 | Port of Tianjin | China | ~17.34 |
| 10 | Port of Jebel Ali | UAE (Dubai) | ~13.7 |
Key Fact: Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is the largest port in the Middle East and the 10th largest container port in the world.
The 57 Largest Container Ports in the World (2025)
1. Port of Shanghai, China β 47.3 Million TEU
The world's largest container port, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. It has been conducting international trade since 1842 and handles an average of 129,500 containers every single day.
Key Highlights:
- The Yangshan Deep-Water Terminal, built on artificial islands
- Seamless connections by road, rail, and sea
- Among the most advanced cargo automation systems in the world
2. Port of Singapore β 37.5 Million TEU
The world's most important transshipment hub, sitting at the intersection of East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The upcoming Tuas Mega Port project will dramatically expand its capacity over the coming decades.
3. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China β 33.35 Million TEU
A vital international trade gateway for eastern China, handling a diverse range of cargo types and playing a central role in regional commerce.
4. Port of Shenzhen, China β 30.04 Million TEU
Located adjacent to Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a pillar of China's export-driven economy and one of the most trafficked ports in southern China, playing a key role in global supply chains.
5. Port of Guangzhou, China β 24.2 Million TEU
The primary gateway to the Pearl River Delta β one of the world's most economically dynamic regions.
6. Port of Busan, South Korea β 22.9 Million TEU
The largest transshipment hub in Northeast Asia. South Korea's busiest port and the country's main gateway to global trade.
7. Port of Qingdao, China β 21 Million TEU
Northern China's most important port, known for its high cargo-handling efficiency and strong connections to the world's major shipping routes.
8. Port of Hong Kong, China β 17.55 Million TEU
Despite some decline due to growing competition from mainland Chinese ports, Hong Kong remains one of the most significant players in global trade.
9. Port of Tianjin, China β 17.34 Million TEU
The largest port in northern China and a critical gateway for the region's industrial and economic development.
10. Port of Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE β 13.7 Million TEU
The largest port in the Middle East and the 10th largest container port in the world. It serves as the primary connectivity hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.
11. Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia β 10.3 Million TEU
One of Asia's largest transshipment hubs and a major competitor to Singapore in the region.
12. Port of Xiamen, China β 11.4 Million TEU
An important domestic and international trade port in southeastern China.
13. Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand β 8.4 Million TEU
Thailand's busiest port and the main shipping hub for Southeast Asia.
14. Port of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam β 8 Million TEU
Vietnam's largest port and a key trade hub in Southeast Asia.
15. Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka β 7.8 Million TEU
A strategic transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean, linking eastern and western shipping routes.
16. Port of Tangshan, China β 7.8 Million TEU
One of the fastest-growing ports in the world, comprising three port areas: Jingtang, Caofeidian, and Fengnan.
17. Port of Dalian, China β 7.6 Million TEU
The largest multipurpose port in northeastern China, a critical trade hub with Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
18. Port of Tanjung Priok, Indonesia β 8.2 Million TEU
Indonesia's busiest port, handling more than half of the country's transshipment cargo.
19. Port of Jakarta, Indonesia β 6.1 Million TEU
Indonesia's capital city port, equipped with 20 specialized terminals for all types of cargo.
20. Port of Lianyungang, China β 5.4 Million TEU
A key hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative, linking maritime and overland trade routes.
21. Port of Mundra, India β 6.6 Million TEU
India's first and largest private port, and the country's biggest commercial port, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch.
22. Port of Yokohama, Japan β 3.4 Million TEU
Serving the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area, Yokohama is one of Japan's busiest container ports.
23. Port of Nagoya, Japan β 2.9 Million TEU
Japan's largest port by trade value, handling around 10% of the country's total trade. Also the country's top automobile export hub β home to Toyota's primary export operations.
24. Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan β 9.6 Million TEU
Taiwan's largest port and a major transshipment hub along trans-Pacific shipping routes.
25. Port of Karachi, Pakistan β 2.2 Million TEU
Pakistan's busiest port and the country's primary gateway for imports and exports.
26. Port of Chennai, India β 1.6 Million TEU
India's second-largest container port and the largest port in the Bay of Bengal.
π European Ports
27. Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands β 14.5 Million TEU
Europe's largest port and the world's largest seaport outside of Asia. Active since the 14th century, it is the main connector between the European continent and global shipping routes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 12,713 hectares |
| Location | South Holland, Netherlands |
| In operation since | 14th century |
28. Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium β 13.5 Million TEU
Europe's second-largest port, with extensive connections across the continent.
29. Port of Hamburg, Germany β 8.7 Million TEU
Germany's largest seaport and one of the most important links between Europe and global maritime trade routes.
30. Port of Algeciras, Spain β 5.7 Million TEU
The primary transshipment hub of the Mediterranean, connecting trade routes between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
31. Port of Tangier Med, Morocco β 5.8 Million TEU
One of the fastest-growing transshipment hubs at the crossroads of Africa and Europe.
32. Port of Valencia, Spain β 5.6 Million TEU
Spain's largest port by volume and a leading Mediterranean hub.
33. Port of Piraeus, Greece β 5.4 Million TEU
Greece's busiest port and one of Europe's key transshipment centers.
34. Port of Felixstowe, United Kingdom β 4.5 Million TEU
The UK's largest container port, managing a major share of the country's imports and exports.
35. Port of Marsaxlokk, Malta β 3.1 Million TEU
The largest transshipment port in the central Mediterranean.
36. Port of GdaΕsk, Poland β 2.1 Million TEU
One of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea, divided into inner and outer port sections.
37. Port of Gioia Tauro, Italy β 3.1 Million TEU
Italy's largest container port and the 6th largest in the Mediterranean.
American Ports
38. Port of Los Angeles, USA β 9.9 Million TEU
The busiest port in the United States and the primary gateway for trade between America and Asia.
39. Port of Long Beach, USA β 9.1 Million TEU
Located next to the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach is another major hub for trans-Pacific trade.
40. Port of New York and New Jersey, USA β 8.9 Million TEU
The largest port on the US East Coast, playing a critical role in the country's import and export markets.
41. Port of Savannah, USA β 6.6 Million TEU
One of the fastest-growing ports in America, with an increasing role in East Coast trade and logistics.
42. Port of Houston, USA β 4.7 Million TEU
One of the world's largest ports, comprising a 50-mile complex of public and private facilities near the Gulf of Mexico.
43. Port of Vancouver, Canada β 3.7 Million TEU
Canada's largest port and fourth in North America by cargo tonnage, connected to more than 170 countries worldwide.
44. Port of Manzanillo, Mexico β 3.4 Million TEU
Mexico's busiest Pacific port, serving as the main cargo distribution center for the Mexico City area.
45. Port of Balboa, Panama β 3.2 Million TEU
A strategic hub at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, central to inter-oceanic trade.
46. Port of Santos, Brazil β 4.2 Million TEU
Brazil's largest port and the country's primary gateway for international trade.
47. Port of Suape, Brazil
One of the most important ports in Brazil and Latin America, ranked fifth nationally, located in the state of Pernambuco.
African & Middle Eastern Ports
48. Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai) β 14.1 Million TEU (Secondary Terminal Data)
49. Port of Alexandria, Egypt β 1.7 Million TEU
Egypt's oldest and most important port, located on the northern coast of the country, with a maritime history stretching back to antiquity.
50. Port of Durban, South Africa β 2.9 Million TEU
The largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, handling over 31.4 million tons of cargo per year.
Oceania Ports
51. Port of Melbourne, Australia β 3.2 Million TEU
Australia's busiest container port, managing a significant portion of the country's international trade.
52. Port of Sydney, Australia β 2.7 Million TEU
A major cargo and tourism hub in New South Wales, with strong road and rail connectivity for distributing goods nationwide.
All 57 Top Container Ports (2025)
| Rank | Port Name | Country | Continent | TEU (Million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai | China | Asia | ~47.3 |
| 2 | Singapore | Singapore | Asia | ~37.5 |
| 3 | Ningbo-Zhoushan | China | Asia | ~33.35 |
| 4 | Shenzhen | China | Asia | ~30.04 |
| 5 | Guangzhou | China | Asia | ~24.2 |
| 6 | Busan | South Korea | Asia | ~22.9 |
| 7 | Qingdao | China | Asia | ~21 |
| 8 | Hong Kong | China | Asia | ~17.55 |
| 9 | Tianjin | China | Asia | ~17.34 |
| 10 | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | UAE | Asia | ~13.7 |
| 11 | Rotterdam | Netherlands | Europe | ~14.5 |
| 12 | Antwerp-Bruges | Belgium | Europe | ~13.5 |
| 13 | Xiamen | China | Asia | ~11.4 |
| 14 | Tanjung Pelepas | Malaysia | Asia | ~10.3 |
| 15 | Kaohsiung | Taiwan | Asia | ~9.6 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | USA | Americas | ~9.9 |
| 17 | Long Beach | USA | Americas | ~9.1 |
| 18 | New York & New Jersey | USA | Americas | ~8.9 |
| 19 | Hamburg | Germany | Europe | ~8.7 |
| 20 | Laem Chabang | Thailand | Asia | ~8.4 |
| 21 | Tanjung Priok | Indonesia | Asia | ~8.2 |
| 22 | Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam | Asia | ~8 |
| 23 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Asia | ~7.8 |
| 24 | Tangshan | China | Asia | ~7.8 |
| 25 | Dalian | China | Asia | ~7.6 |
| 26 | Savannah | USA | Americas | ~6.6 |
| 27 | Mundra | India | Asia | ~6.6 |
| 28 | Jakarta | Indonesia | Asia | ~6.1 |
| 29 | Algeciras | Spain | Europe | ~5.7 |
| 30 | Tangier Med | Morocco | Africa | ~5.8 |
| 31 | Valencia | Spain | Europe | ~5.6 |
| 32 | Piraeus | Greece | Europe | ~5.4 |
| 33 | Lianyungang | China | Asia | ~5.4 |
| 34 | Houston | USA | Americas | ~4.7 |
| 35 | Felixstowe | UK | Europe | ~4.5 |
| 36 | Santos | Brazil | Americas | ~4.2 |
| 37 | Vancouver | Canada | Americas | ~3.7 |
| 38 | Yokohama | Japan | Asia | ~3.4 |
| 39 | Manzanillo | Mexico | Americas | ~3.4 |
| 40 | Melbourne | Australia | Oceania | ~3.2 |
| 41 | Balboa | Panama | Americas | ~3.2 |
| 42 | Marsaxlokk | Malta | Europe | ~3.1 |
| 43 | Gioia Tauro | Italy | Europe | ~3.1 |
| 44 | Durban | South Africa | Africa | ~2.9 |
| 45 | Nagoya | Japan | Asia | ~2.9 |
| 46 | Sydney | Australia | Oceania | ~2.7 |
| 47 | Karachi | Pakistan | Asia | ~2.2 |
| 48 | GdaΕsk | Poland | Europe | ~2.1 |
| 49 | Alexandria | Egypt | Africa | ~1.7 |
| 50 | Chennai | India | Asia | ~1.6 |
| 51 | Jebel Ali (secondary) | UAE | Asia | ~14.1 |
| 52 | Tanjung Priok (main) | Indonesia | Asia | ~8.2 |
| 53 | Suape | Brazil | Americas | β |
| 54β57 | Other emerging ports | β | β | Variable |
Geographic Distribution of the World's Top Container Ports
| Continent | Number of Ports in Ranking | Largest Port |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | ~35 | Shanghai (China) |
| Europe | ~10 | Rotterdam (Netherlands) |
| Americas | ~8 | Los Angeles (USA) |
| Africa | ~3 | Tangier Med (Morocco) |
| Oceania | ~2 | Melbourne (Australia) |
Important Fact: China alone holds 14 of the 57 top ports in the world β a clear sign of the country's dominant role in global maritime trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the world's largest container port?
The Port of Shanghai, China, with a capacity of over 47.3 million TEUs, is the world's largest container port in 2025.
What is the largest port in the Middle East?
Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, UAE, with a capacity of approximately 13.7 to 14.1 million TEUs, is the largest port in the Middle East and among the top 10 container ports globally.
What does TEU mean?
TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit β the international standard for measuring the capacity of container ships and ports, based on a single 20-foot shipping container.
What is the largest port in Europe?
The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, with a capacity of 14.5 million TEUs, is Europe's largest port and the world's largest seaport outside Asia.
What is the busiest port in the United States?
The Port of Los Angeles, with approximately 9.9 million TEUs, is the busiest and largest container port in the United States.
Why does China dominate the global port rankings?
China's dominance β with 14 of the world's 57 top container ports β stems from its massive industrial output, enormous export volumes, and decades of heavy investment in maritime and port infrastructure.
The Future of Container Ports in 2025 and Beyond
The world's container ports in 2025 continue to revolve around Asia β particularly China and Singapore β as the central pillars of global trade. Mega-projects such as Singapore's Tuas Mega Port and rapid expansion in Morocco and the UAE signal that this industry is only accelerating.
European ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp remain essential links connecting the continent to the global supply chain, while American ports such as Los Angeles and New York serve as critical gateways for US commerce. As trade volumes grow and shipping routes evolve, these 57 ports will continue shaping the movement of goods across every corner of the world.
