China / Singapore – Figures for August show that Shanghai has overtaken Singapore as the world’s busiest container port, according to Paris-based Alphaliner. ‘While Shanghai’s monthly volumes have exceeded Singapore’s since April, record throughput at Shanghai (in August) has brought its year-to-date total above Singapore for the first time,’ it states. ‘Current trends indicate that Singapore will likely lose its crown as the busiest container port in 2010.’ Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao and Yangshan terminals handled 2.63 million TEU in August – a new monthly record for the port – to push volumes to 19.06 million TEU for the year to date, exceeding the 19.01 million TEU handled by Singapore over the same period. Singapore’s volumes amounted to 2.43 million TEU in August – 4% below the 2.52 million TEU lifted in July. Signs of a slow-down can be detected in the Singapore figures.
Observers have long-maintained that Singapore’s title as the world’s top box port contained an artificial element because so much of its cargo is for trans-shipment and so is counted twice as it arrives on one ship and leaves on another.
Don't hesitate to contact us to share your input and ideas. Subscribe to the magazine or (free) newsletter.