Top 100 Biggest Seaports In The World

For all of you seeking to expand your business beyond boundaries, knowledge of the Top 100 biggest seaports in the world is essential. Knowing the closest seaports in the country, you seek to expand trade as it can help you save a few expenses and increase profit. Ports are pillars of supply chains globally and have been the building blocks of strong economies like China. Regardless of size, every seaport plays a crucial role in global goods exchange and logistics.

• Notable ports include Shanghai, Nhava Sheva, Guangzhou, Mundra, Busan, Jebel Ali, Los Angeles, and Shenzhen.
• Factors determining port size include infrastructure, technology, capacity, and strategic location.
• Throughput and container volumes (TEUs) indicate a port’s trade contribution and significance.

    Henceforth, let us move forward to unlock the top 100 biggest seaports in the world.

1. Seaport of Shanghai, China

The Shanghai Port is the busiest in China and is acclaimed for its immense contribution to international trade. It was established in 1842 on an area of 3619 km². The port has more than 125 berths to handle ships of all sizes, including underwater berths. The port reportedly has 47 million TEUs and 43 million TEUs container capacity in 2023.

2. Seaport of Singapore

Singapore’s port happens to be a key player on the majority of sea routes of Asia-Europe. The port came into being in 1819 and is spread over an area of 1080 square km. It has more than 67 berths and a container capacity of 40 million TEU. It handles almost 37 million TEUs annually, showcasing its efficiency and throughput. Technological investment at the port has enhanced productivity and given it a competitive edge.

3. Seaport of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China

Ningbo-Zhoushan is the outcome of the 2006 merger of two ports. It has an area of 1200 square kilometers and more than 150 berths, and it is a proud contributor of significant volume to the world of trade with over 31 million TEUs. The container capacity is over 30 million TEU in the Port of China. The Port can accommodate over 30 million containers, showing its resourcefulness and potential to push trade.

4. Seaport of Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen, a chief maritime gateway based in China, has proved important in international logistics and trade. Spread over an area of 1200 square kilometres, Shenzhen Ports was founded in 1979. Furthermore with a container holding capacity of 27 million TEUs and 28 million underscores TEUs throughput, it implies its contribution to the world of trade. In addition Shenzhen is equipped with over 120 berths for shipments of different sizes. Moreover its proximity to Hong Kong and advanced technology prove its efficiency in delivering premium shipping services.

5. Seaport of Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou port is one of the leading ports in China, supporting trade worldwide and promoting the world’s economy through trade.  Spread over an area of 25 square Kilometers, Guangzhou port is well connected with the hinterland by rail and road, facilitating the effective distribution of goods from the port.  It is designated as an economic zone and, therefore, always attracts business and investment. The latest data shows that annual throughput and container carrying capacity are around 2 million TEUs and 1.5 -2 million TEUs, respectively.  It has 15-plus berths of different sizes and is equipped with automated technology.

6. Seaport of Busan, South Korea

The port of Busan is a leading hub for maritime trade in South Korea, established in 1876. With prominent berths over 90, the port has a large container holding capacity with an extensive area of 1410 square kilometers. As per the latest data,  Busan has a 21 million TEU  container capacity and 22 million TEU throughput in  2023.   Busan is an automated port equipped with the latest technology, helping smooth operation and experience clients. The strategic location of Busan facilitates international trade via East Asian shipping routes,

7.Seaport of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong port is not just ranked in the world’s top ports for its 1000 square Kilometre area but is acclaimed worldwide for its involvement in the maritime trade. Established in 1841, this port has 100-plus berths with an overall approximately 20 million TEUs container capacity. The port reportedly has 18 million TEU throughput in 2023, which is a benchmark. Its strategic location and perpetual innovation at the port bring it to the list of top seaports of the world for trade, 

8. Seaport of Tianjin, China

Tianjin Port was established in 1858 and is one of the leading seaports in China. Additionally the port is embellished with 217 total berths, of which 140 are for production. The port witnessed 22.17 million TEUs throughput in 2023, with a phenomenal container handling capacity of more than 16 million TEUs annually. In fact Taijin is the epitome of modern infrastructure and the latest technology.

9. Seaport of Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam Port is one of the Netherlands’ largest ports and holds a higher position in the 100 biggest ports in the world. Moreover the largest port in Europe handles around 470 million tons of cargo yearly.  In addition with over 1000 berths for all kinds of vessels, it handled 14 million TEU yearly in 2023. 

10. Seaport of Dubai, UAE

 Managed by DP World, the Jebel Ali Port, UAE, has several terminals with almost 67 berths in its terminals. Established in 1979, it plays a pivotal role in cargo handling and has been on the track of gradual expansion since then.  Dubai Port deals with almost 15-16 TEUs annually, which is why it is also recognized as the largest container port in the world.  Annual TEU’s capacity is approximately 19 million TEUs in 2023.

11. Seaport of Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is vouched to be one of the Top Ports of Europe with well-developed and advanced infrastructure. Established in 1811, the port shines with high-tech container terminals with a magnificent capacity for many vessels simultaneously. In 2023, the port handled 13 million TEUs, whereas in 2024, it handled 277.7 million tonnes of goods throughput.

12. Seaport of Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is a core port acting as a podium for trading from or with Europe. Founded in the 9th century, the port has come a long way through gradual infrastructural and technological changes. The port handled almost 7.7 million TEUs in 2023, whereas in 2024, it rose to 7.8 million TEUs. The port possesses numerous berths at its different terminals with the capacity to handle vessels of all sizes.

13. Seaport of Los Angeles, USA

 Los Angeles port is counted among the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere. It handles a significant cargo volume with the latest technology, like AI and automation.  It has been serving the world of trade since 1907. With multiple berths specialized for all kinds of vessels,  the port has come a long way in the form of its services and development at the port. 2023 the port managed 8.63 million TEUs, which was phenomenal, though it was less than TEU in 2022. The port practices sustainability and takes maximum measures to protect the environment.

14. Seaport of Long Beach, USA

Adjacent to Los Angeles, Long Beach complements its neighbour in handling US imports. Together, they form a crucial duo for American trade.

Furthermore the port boasts cutting-edge technology to streamline operations. Investments in sustainability highlight its commitment to eco-friendly practices.

15.Seaport of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia

 Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) was established in 2000, and it is a leading transhipment centre nestled in Johor. The port boasts 14 berths, including underwater, and has the potential to accommodate 250,000 DWT vessels simultaneously.  PTP in 2023, handled remarkable approximately 10.48 TEUs. The port’s blueprint involves massive expansion with hefty investment to escalate its capacity to 12.5 million 48 TEU in the next 6 months. It has also switched to using 48 electric rubber-tired gantry cranes by 2030 to protect the environment.

16. Seaport of Kaohsiung, Taiwan

The Port of Kaohsiung, established in 1979, is Taiwan’s most significant international commercial port. In May 2023, it inaugurated its 7th Container Terminal, featuring five wharves with a combined length of 2,415 meters and depths of 18 meters, capable of simultaneously accommodating four 24,000-TEU Very Large Container Ships.

17. Seaport of Long Beach, USA

Long Beach port is one of the top ports in the USA, with six terminals and 80 berths for all sizes of vessels. Moreover the Long Beach container terminal at the mid harbour has a yearly capacity of 3.3 million TEUs, and in 2023, it handled almost 8 million TEU units. As a result it is an essential gateway for trans-Pacific trade, bolstering the region’s economic trade. Additionally Uncompromised investment in development and sustainability indicates its devotion to environmental practice.

18. Seaport of Felixstowe, UK

 Felixstowe Port is one of the largest container ports in the UK, with the capacity to handle 5-4 million TEUs annually. In addition the port has two chief container terminals and a roll-on/roll-off terminal. The port has nine active berths, some of which a few of which are the deepest and most potent in accommodating ultra-large container vessels. Furthermore Its yard has a phenomenal capacity of 152,000 TEUs and 28 quay cranes. As a result it is a key port establishing trade links between the UK and international markets.

19. Seaport of Algeciras, Spain

Algeciras plays a highly important role as a transhipment hub and, therefore, connects Europe, America, and African trade relationships. In 2022, the port maintained 4.8 million TEU of throughput.   The two terminals with numerous deep berths allow it to accommodate the large vessels easily.  APM terminal Algeciras and  Total Terminal Algeciras are large terminals with deep and wide berths, confirming their efficiency in large shipments.

20. Seaport of Klang, Malaysia

 Klang Port is one of the primary ports of Malaysia with two terminals, Northport and Westport, namely. Together these terminals collectively have 41 container berths with the annual container holding potential to handle 20 million TEUs. In 2023,  this largest port of Malaysia crossed the remarkable landmark of container throughput of almost 14.06 terminals and smoothly outshining last year’s figures. As a result Klang is one of the key ports contributing immensely to  ASEAN trade.

21. Seaport of Valencia, Spain

Valencia happens to be one of the apex gateways for the maritime trade of Spain. It, with immense pride, boasts a total of 40 berths with a quay length of roughly 12 kilometres.  In 2023, the port of Valencia, which also happens to be the largest port in Spain, proved its high container handling capacity by touching the landmark of 4.8 million TEUs.   The port is on the route of expansion after its approval by the Spanish government.

22. Seaport of Piraeus, Greece

Piraeus is a highly important port facilitating trade between Asia and Europe. Passenger services are also operated at one of its four port terminals, in addition to operating container terminal piers featuring 9 to 11 vessel berths. Every berth’s operation is in sync with waste management protocols.  

23. Seaport of Bremen/Bremerhaven, Germany

The integrated operation of Bremen/Bremerhaven collectively enhances its ability to handle diverse cargo. The port boasts 14 highly efficient berths that can handle even ultra-large vessels. The port handled 4.18 million  TEUs of throughput in 2023 denoting its high efficiency.

24.Seaport of Le Havre, France

 Le Havre enjoys the status of the busiest port in France.  Additionally the port is equipped with advanced logistics, and it deals with a profound volume of cargo.  Moreover the port has seven terminals potent for handling various-sized containers. In 2023, the port dealt with an annual throughput of 2.63 million TEUs, and which 2024 rose to 3.1 Furthermore the port has a maritime container terminal as well as multimodal terminals, denoting its efficiency and commendable support of global trade

25. Seaport of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Port of Amsterdam is a leading port that functions as a hub of logistics in Northern Europe, in addition to handling an array of cargo. The Amsterdam container terminal is stretched over 620,000 m² and possesses five 100-ton gantry cranes. As a result the total cargo throughput in 2023 was 63 million tonnes. Furthermore the port of Amsterdam encapsulates numerous harbour zones like Afrikahaven, Westhaven and Jan van Riebeeckhaven.

26.Seaport of Laem Chabang, Thailand

Laem Chabangm, the largest port, has proven records of its productivity to the country’s economy.  The updated and modern amenities at the seaport ensure a highly efficient throughput of cargo and containers. In 2023,  the total cargo throughput, as per data reported, is 94.1 million tonnes TEU, whereas container throughput amounted to 8.67 million TEUs. The port is also devised to handle 1.5 million vehicles in 2023.

27. About Seaport of Nhava Sheva / Mumbai, India

Also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru port, it is India’s largest and busiest container port. The port’s inputs have been phenomenal about global trade.  The total throughput of containers in 2023-24 surpassed its previous year’s record and topped in this fiscal year with 6.043 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units.   Five terminals are operated at the port and is constitutes 12 in operation berths.

28. About Seaport of Mundra Adani Port, Gujrat, India

Also known as Adani Port, it is a privately owned port in India managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). In fact recognized as the most active port in India, Mundra port has 10 terminals. Among these out of all, it has four container terminals capable of handling 7.5 million TEUs. The operational berths total 27. In 2023 For the total cargo and container throughput at Adani port has been reported to be 155 million tonnes and 6.64 million TEUs, respectively.

29. Seaport of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Islamic Port is on the Red sea coast of Saudi Arabia and is an essential gateway for commercial and pilgrimage movements. As of 2023, 62 berths are in operation and serving a distinct array of cargo from livestock, general cargo, automobiles, etc. The port also has four terminals.  Annual traffic for 2023 is 5 million TEUs, whereas throughput handled at the port is 465,348 Twenty-Foot TEUs.

30.Seaport of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the chief port of Argentina, facilitating trade between South America and the rest of the world.  The port has four terminals with 16 berths all over them. In addition terminals of containers at the port are supervised by some private companies.  Throughput witnessed between January and November 2024 at the port was around 675,232 TEUs. On the other hand, in 2022, container throughput observed was 1,667,161 TEUs.

31. Seaport of Tacoma, USA

 This advanced technology aided a port based in the USA, the port of Tacoma, which is an essential gateway of containers. It is situated in Washington State US, A, with 11 berths on six terminals for easy accommodation of all sizes of containers.  The port experienced a container throughput of 2.97 million TEUs in 2023. However, in 2024, container throughput of 3.34 million TEUs was reported, indicating increased trade. 

32. Seaport of New York and New Jersey, USA

It is the largest port of containers on the east coast of the US and ranks 3rd amongst the largest ports of the US. The port encompasses six terminals with the ship berths for vessels from 1800 feet to 10,128 feet long.  The commercial movement from the port is evident from humongous figures of   7.18 million TEUs and 5.3 million TEUs of import and export, hereby denoting its inputs in the global trade and economy of the USA.

33.Seaport of Gioia Tauro, Italy

Situated in Calabria, the port of Gioia Tauro is a highly crucial transhipment hub.  The port is updated with the latest technology and infrastructural amenities for global trade.  It has 10-12 deep water berths. The port is also equipped with sufficient cranes and equipment for efficient handling of containers. In 2024, the port handled 3.94 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), whereas it was 3.54 million TEUs in 2023.

34. Seaport of Sohar, Oman

Sohar is a rapidly evolving port in the Middle East fostering the trade of Oman with global leaders.  Sohar Port is equipped with a range of terminals like Liquid bulk terminals, Dry bulk terminals, general cargo terminals, etc with a total of 14 berths customized for different kinds of vessels. A blueprint for port for its expansion is at its execution stage with anticipated investments over USD 30 billion which was USD 4 billion in new projects. The Port 2024 experienced above 942,000 TEUs in 2024.

35. Seaport of Salalah, Oman

The Port of Salalah, located in Oman, is a pivotal transhipment hub with extensive facilities designed to handle a diverse range of cargo.  The terminals at the port constitute six berths with an integrated quay length of 2,197 meters.  However, general cargo terminals have 13 berths, which handle 22.6 million metric tons of cargo.  The container terminals managed 1.679 TEUs in the first half of 2024, whereas, in the first quarter, the container traffic declined to 878,000 TEUs. 

36.Seaport of Viracopos/Campinas, Brazil

Viracopos International Airport is situated in Campinas, São Paulo and is a cargo airport with no seaport berths. It focuses on cargo movement by air and is recognized to be one of Brazil’s busiest cargo airports. Cargo terminals are 77,000 square meters, of which 1700 square meters and 1480 cubic meters are spaced for animal cargo and refrigerated storage, respectively.  The airport also happens to be a hub for fruit exports. In 2024, Viracopas administered 275,507 metric tonnes of cargo.

37. Seaport of Gothenburg, Sweden

The Gothenburg Port is undoubtedly the largest port of Gothenburg, specializing in almost all types of cargo involving RoRo units.  The port is well-equipped with numerous terminals, permitting smooth shipments. The Ro-Ro units handled by the port in 2024 were 524,000 units.  Also, 91400 TEUs were handled by the port in 2023. In 2024,  port efficiently handled 909,000 TEUs in 2024. The port processed 2,57,000 new vehicles in 2024.

38. Seaport of Tanjung Priok, Indonesia

Indonesia’s Tanjung Priok is an asset to the country  for facilitating trade and improving the economy of the country immensely. Different types of products are handled by other terminals. In 2024, the port handled a total of 7.6 million TEUs at all of its terminals, an indication of significant growth.

39. Seaport of Vostochny, Russia

Vostochny is a prime port of Russia and is strategically important for its trade with Asian countries.  The ports can accommodate 1,50,000 DWT with ample berths.  It has manifold specialized terminals to ensure safe handling of different cargo types. The annual TEU for 2024 was 300,000, depicting its contribution to the world of trade apart from its efficiency.

40. Seaport of Arica, Chile

Arica houses in northern Chile and is a powerhouse of trade with countries in its proximity. It is a fundamental gateway for trade for the Chille.  The port has one main terminal, the Terminal Portuario de Arica. It is equipped with a total of 6 berths, including silos berths. Ariva is identified with the six most operational ports, for instance, Valparaís, San Antonio, San Vicente, and Lirquén,

41. Seaport of Bandar Abbas, Iran

 Bandar Abbas is one of the premium ports of Iran, boosting trade with its phenomenal strategic locations, capacity and infrastructure. It is a chief maritime centre with 23 berths and multiple container terminals.  The port holds around 70 million tons or 3 million TEUs of cargo handling capacity.   Two ports that form part of Bandar Abbas Port are Shahid Raaee Port and Shahid Bahonar Port ( old port).

42. Seaport of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

 Situated in the Caspian Sea, the port of Turkmenbashi plays a key role in the maritime trade of Turkmenistan. The length of berths at the port is 1800 meters, which can at once serve 17 vessels.  Also, the port can handle 400,000 containers yearly and accommodate the 12 ship’s cargo.  In 2022, the cargo turnover of the port crossed 3.91 million tons.

43. Seaport of Napier, New Zealand

Napier is a leading port in New Zealand sustaining trade in region. The port has five operational berths and multiple terminals suitable for different kinds of cargo. In 2024, 230,000 TEUs container volume was handled at the port, on the other hand, 5 million tonnes of freight was managed in the same year. 

44. Seaport of Papeete, French Polynesia

 It is situated in the capital of French Polynesia and is a centre for global trade. Container Traffic Throughput in 2024 handled at the port was approximately 69,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of containerized cargo.  The port owns five mobile cranes for handling cargo with a maximum of 100 tons capacity.

45. Seaport of Port Louis, Mauritius

Port Louis is a profoundly important hub of trade, which is located in the Indian Ocean. It is situated at the crossroads of premium shipping routes; it successfully fosters trade between Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia.  The port encompasses three terminals, namely Terminal I, Terminal II, and Terminal III, with numerous berths to accommodate different kinds of cargo. In the l year 2023-2024 handled a total of 8.56 million tonnes of cargo.

46. Seaport of Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba is the only port of Jordan establishing the trade between Jordan and the world trade market.  Its location on the Red sea is an advantage to the port and international traders. ACT handled 848,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in 2024.  Likewise, Act handled 494 ships in the year which is an indication of its efficiency as well as its reinforcement to the world of trade.

47. Seaport of Riga, Latvia

Riga is Latvia’s biggest sea port, which has undergone noticeable growth in the past few years. The port has 35 multifunctional terminals of cargo with the capacity to handle all types of cargo, such as agriculture products, metals, coals, etc. In 2023, the port fingered 364,064 TEUs; on the contrary, it handled 5 million tonnes.

48. Seaport of Tallinn, Estonia

 The port of Tallinn has been a leading port that facilitates cargo and passenger services for years. The port runs multiple harbours like Saaremaa Harbor, Paldiski South Harbor, Muuga, and Old City Harbor, which are equipped with various terminals capable of handling cargo of different kinds.   In 2024, the port managed more than 13 million tons of freight; total containerized cargo amounted to 2.11 million tons (261,822 TEUs0.

49. Seaport of Constanta, Romania

 Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, the port of Constanta is a leading centre for maritime activities and global trade.  It has 156 berths in total, out of which 140 are operational. The port accomplished a container throughput of 1.5 million TEUs in 2024.

50.Lübeck Seaport

  It has given immense economic independence via maritime trade to Germany. Thanks to its location in the Baltic, the port has witnessed 1.8 million TEU (Twenty-foot equivalent units) in all five terminals. The port has 19 RoRo berths and has good connectivity with rail, inland waterways, and roads.