Singapore Increases Box Throughput, but Shanghai Keeps Title as World's Busiest Container Port

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday January 20, 2015

The latest annual box handling figures for 2014 shows Shanghai has again pulled ahead as the busiest container port in the world, having widened the lead it had over its closest competitor Singapore, reports Bloomberg. 

The Chinese city said that it expected to report 35.2 million TEU moved in 2014, and will keep its title for the fifth year in a row.

Singapore, the second busiest container port by contrast, moved 33.9 million TEU according to the Singapore Maritime & Port Authority, who nevertheless reported that movements in the port were up almost four percent year-over-year in 2014.

Chinese ports have dominated the list of highest traffic container ports in recent years, with 7 out of 10 busiest belonging to Chinese in 2013.

As a result of heightened activity however, Shanghai has reported worsening air quality, though it recently announced intentions to offer shore power beginning this year in an attempt to mitigate air pollution.