Shanghai's port has consolidated its position as an international shipping hub, with the most container routes, destinations and daily vessel frequency among mainland cities. [Photo/CFP]

Shanghai's journey as a global aviation and shipping hub began with strategic endorsements from the State Council in the 1990s. Over the years, this vision has evolved, culminating in the ambitious plans outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Shanghai International Shipping Center (2021-25). Discover how Shanghai aims to enhance its services, influence, innovation and competitiveness to establish itself as a world-class international shipping center by 2025.

Key achievements and highlights

Shanghai Port has maintained its position as the world's top container port for 14 consecutive years, handling a record 49.16 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in 2023. The cargo and mail throughput of Shanghai airports remains the third-highest in the world.

In the 2023 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index, Shanghai ranks third, closing the gap with leading centers such as Singapore and London. In addition, passenger throughput at Shanghai airports reached 96.75 million in 2023 and China's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, made its maiden commercial voyage from Shanghai on Jan 1.

A large number of international and domestic shipping enterprises are based in Shanghai, which reflects the city's growing importance as a global maritime hub.

Shanghai Shipping Exchange

The Shanghai Shipping Exchange serves as a central platform for global shipping and indices, facilitating the exchange of freight rates and ship trading information. The freight indices tracked by the exchange are important indicators of the global shipping market. Most notably, China's first shipping index futures began trading in 2023.

History and goals

Since the 1990s, Shanghai has been pursuing its vision of becoming an international aviation and shipping hub.

The State Council approved the strategy in 1996, with Shanghai's deep-water port as the core and ports in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces as support.

The goal was further clarified by the State Council in May 2001 and April 2009.

In July 2021, Shanghai unveiled its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for the International Shipping Center, which aims to establish a new development pattern focusing on enhanced services, influence, innovation and competitiveness by 2025.

Shanghai aims to become a world-class international shipping center that is convenient, efficient, functional, open, green and smart.

Updated: April 12, 2024

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Government Work Report, 2024 Shanghai Basic Facts