This article is for importers and exporters who will ship from or to the Port of Shanghai. We’ve laid down all you need to know to go through the procedures as smoothly as possible. Read on.
Image Source: IStockPhoto
Situated deeply in the jurisdiction of Shanghai, this port comprise two significant structures: a river port and a deep-sea port. In 2010, the Shanghai port successfully toppled the Port of Singapore and became the busiest container in the world. It is also among the four Port cities in the globe under the category of large-port Megacity.
Essentially, the Port of Shanghai plays an important role in world trade. Every day, it ships thousands of TEUs, ensuring that businesses, companies, and consumers all over the world remain connected.
Shanghai Port Map
Image Source: ShipHub
is located in east central China and adjacent to the East China Sea. Specifically, this gigantic port is at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
Numerous terminals have access to Shanghai Port. Here are the primary ones:
- Waigaoqiao Terminal – This terminal is a part of the Port of Shanghai. It is located in Waigaoqiao, Pudong New Area, which is 19 miles from Shanghai’s downtown and about 4 miles from the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.
- Yangshan Terminal – Yangshan Terminal is located in Hangzhou Bay and is considered the largest automated container terminal in the world. This massive terminal connects to the Pudong New Area and the Port of Shanghai via the Donghai Bridge.
- Ningbo Port Shanghai – This particular port is situated between Zhoushan and Ningbo. It lies adjacent to the East China Sea, specifically in the Zhejiang province. Across this port are Shanghai and the Port of Shanghai.
Port of Shanghai Facts & Basics
Shanghai Port Location Details
- Latitude and longitude – The exact coordinates of Shanghai port are the following: 31.36636° / 121.6147°.
- Time Zone – Since it is located in China, the Port of Shanghai is within the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8) timezone.
- Country – The Port of Shanghai is located in China. It is situated in Central China, in the province of Shanghai.
- Currency – Despite being a global port, its primary currency remains to be CNY (Chinese Yen). However, other currencies are still accepted at this port.
- Authority Website – http://www.portshanghai.com.cn/
Shanghai Port Details
- Port code – The Port of Shanghai uses the CNSHA port code
- Port birth – 1842 (as a treaty port)
- Port size – 3,619.6km²
- Annual TEUs – 43.3 million TEUs
- Vessel types – Cargo vessels, container ships, fishing vessels, tankers, and bulk carriers
- Opening hours – 24/7
- The shippable goods in this port – Steel, machinery, and equipment, petroleum and related products, coal, metal ore, electronics, trade goods, and other consumer products
Shanghai Port History & Development
Image Source: iStockPhoto
Before Shanghai Port became what it is today, its identity was historically known as either Hudu or Shen. Accordingly, the port was already there between the 5th and 7th centuries AD. It received city status in 1297, and by 1735, it became a primary seaport within the Yangtze region.
Through the Treaty of Nanjing, the Shanghai port opened itself for international trade. As a result, it became a treaty port and became a beacon for foreign trade. The Sino-American Treaty of Wangsai and the Treaty of the Bogue also relieved the strict regulations when it came to foreign trade. After the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japan became a partner in the modernization of the Shanghai Port, eventually constructing the first factory port.
In 1949, the control of the Port of Shanghai was acquired by China. This was a development that temporarily hampered foreign trade taking place in the port. Fortunately, it recovered when the central Chinese government allowed the port to conduct economic reforms in 1991.
From 2003 to the present, the Port of Shanghai was managed by Shanghai International Port Limited, which is a public-listed company. It replaced the Shanghai Port Authority. In 2021, the Port of Shanghai generated revenue of up to 5.2 billion U.S. dollars, making it an important economic pillar not only for the government of China but for other countries in the world.
Shanghai Port Status: Is it Congested?
Image Source: VesselsValue
As of 2020, the Shanghai Port ranked first in the global port ranking. According to the World Shipping Council, the port handled up to 43.5 million TEUs. Following it are the ports of Singapore and Ningbo-Zhoushan, which were able to transport 36.6 million and 28.72 million TEUs, respectively.
Based on the report published by the analytics company VesselsValue, the Port of Shanghai is experiencing historic levels of congestion. This is in the context of the average waiting time of containers. In April 2022, it peaked at 69 hours. As of May, it decreased to 31 hours. But it is still four hours longer than in the same period last three years.
The reason for the congestion is the effect of the pandemic. Trucking capacity has been decreased due to no-movement protocols and health restrictions. The port’s authority is expecting that the port’s operation will eventually normalize to remove congestion issues.
The average number of ships docked in Shanghai Port is 2,000 per day, as per MarineTraffic. And this doesn’t include incoming vessels and ships that have scheduled port calls. Numerous freight forwarding companies also operate in the Port of Shanghai. They are the ones that lead various China ocean freight services to any part of the globe.
Import From or Export to Shanghai
Are you looking to import from or export to Shanghai Port? If so, then you must subscribe to the services of reputable freight forwarders. Their roles in logistics and shipping your products are vital. They ensure the safe transportation of your cargo, as well as handling other important tasks, such as cargo handling, packaging, and even passing rigid local customs regulations.
Numerous freight forwarders have access to Shanghai Port. However, the best one is the Zggship. This freight forwarding company has an extensive network of shipping partners and sea-based couriers all over the globe. Zggship also offers cost-efficient services for companies and businesses.
Shanghai Port Vessel Schedule & Charges
The schedule and charges for shipping from Shanghai Port to various ports in the world are often influenced by the distance. For example, it would take ocean freight (FCL & LCL) up to 30 days to reach the East Coast of the United States.
Expected Arrivals and Departure at Shanghai Port
The schedule and charges for shipping from Shanghai Port to various ports in the world are often influenced by the distance. For example, it would take ocean freight (FCL & LCL) up to 30 days to reach the East Coast of the United States. If the ship originated from the West Coast, the travel time for ocean freights is because of its shorter distance from the Shanghai Port.
How Much Does Shanghai Port Charge?
The Port of Shanghai provides accurate quotations for shipping charges. Again, the distance of the destination is the biggest factor that influences the cost.
Here are some of the primary shipping routes in the United States and the estimated cost of shipping a 20-foot FCL container to Shanghai. Keep in mind that this is the cheapest possible rate. It means that other auxiliary costs and charges are not included in these estimates yet.
| Point of Origin (United States) to Shanghai Port | Lowest Possible Rate (Estimates only) |
|---|---|
| Houston – Shanghai | $1,600 |
| Miami – Shanghai | $1,500 |
| New York – Shanghai | $1,200 |
| Long Beach – Shanghai | $1,100 |
| Los Angeles – Shanghai | $1,100 |
Shipping rates from Shanghai to different ports in the United States
| Point of Origin (Shanghai Port) to the United States | Lowest Possible Rate (Estimates only) |
|---|---|
| Shanghai – Tacoma | $7,400 |
| Shanghai – Oakland | $4,700 |
| Shanghai – Seattle | $4,300 |
| Shanghai – Long Beach | $3,500 |
| Los Angeles – Shanghai | $1,100 |
Learn more about the shipping rates from and to Shanghai port here. Main Shanghai Shipping Companies
The following are the biggest shipping companies that operate in the Port of Shanghai.
- COSCO Shanghai
- Zim Shanghai
- KMTC Shanghai
- V.Ships Shanghai Ltd.
- Maersk Shanghai
- CMA CGM Shanghai
Choosing reputable freight forwarders is important for businesses and merchants. These companies ensure the safe and seamless transport of your goods. Zggship is among the international freight forwarding companies that you can trust.
Other Shipping From Shanghai Options
You can transport your cargo from or to Shanghai through in-land and air freight services. Air freight in China is the most feasible option for clients requiring fast, on-point deliveries from and to the country. The primary airports in Shanghai that function as shipping hubs are the Pudong International Airport and the Hongqiao Airport. Air couriers can bring your goods from China to the United States as quickly as one to three days.
How Far Is Ningbo Port From Shanghai Port?
Air travel is the fastest and shortest way you can travel from Ningbo Port to Shanghai Port. When riding a plane, the distance between the two ports is 149 kilometers (93 miles). Meanwhile, the road distance from Ningbo Port to Shanghai Port is 250 kilometers.
How much does it cost to ship from Shanghai to Ningbo? The cost depends on the type of carrier and cargo you are transporting. You need professional quotations to get an accurate breakdown of costs.
Conclusion
We are hopeful that this guide has helped you know the important details of shipping from and to the Port of Shanghai. As a reminder, make sure that you contact a reputable freight forwarder for transporting your goods. Companies like Zggship will ensure that you can access the best shipping services at the most reasonable rates.
