Global Container Port Growth: Strong Gains and Sharp Declines

Global Container Port Growth

Introduction to Port Growth Trends

Global container port growth 2024 showed mixed results, according to the latest DynaLiners Millionaires report. Total throughput rose 8% to 820.6 million TEU, but performance varied widely across regions. While ports like Djibouti, Qinzhou, and Dammam surged ahead with record gains, others such as Jeddah and Haifa faced sharp declines. We dive into the standout performers and setbacks below.

Top 10 Ports with the Highest Growth

Several ports posted impressive gains. Thirteen achieved 25% or more. Factors like infrastructure upgrades and trade shifts drove these jumps. Here’s the top 10, sorted by growth rate.

  1. Djibouti – 46% growth (1.3 million TEU in 2024; 0.9 million in 2023). Djibouti exploded onto the scene. Strategic investments boosted its role in African trade.
  2. Qinzhou, China – 45% growth (9.0 million TEU in 2024; 6.2 million in 2023). Qinzhou led China’s risers. Expanded facilities handled surging exports.
  3. Dammam, Saudi Arabia – 43% growth (3.3 million TEU in 2024; 2.3 million in 2023). Dammam thrived on regional demand. Oil-related trade fueled the spike.
  4. Tema, Ghana – 40% growth (1.7 million TEU in 2024; 1.2 million in 2023). Tema emerged as a West African hub. Infrastructure projects paid off big.
  5. Alexandria, Egypt – 36% growth (2.2 million TEU in 2024; 1.6 million in 2023). Alexandria rebounded strongly. Suez Canal traffic helped drive gains.
  6. Aliaga, Turkey – 34% growth (2.1 million TEU in 2024; 1.6 million in 2023). Aliaga benefited from industrial booms. Exports to Europe surged.
  7. Buenaventura, Colombia – 32% growth (1.4 million TEU in 2024; 1.1 million in 2023). Buenaventura handled more commodities. Trade with Asia grew fast.
  8. St. Petersburg, Russia – 31% growth (1.4 million TEU in 2024; 1.0 million in 2023). St. Petersburg defied challenges. Domestic rerouting lifted volumes.
  9. Tangshan, China – 30% growth (2.7 million TEU in 2024; 2.1 million in 2023). Tangshan focused on bulk cargo. Steel exports powered the rise.
  10. Abidjan, Ivory Coast – 29% growth (1.6 million TEU in 2024; 1.2 million in 2023). Abidjan strengthened West African ties. Cocoa and oil shipments soared.

Ports Facing Declines

Not all ports grew. Twenty-five saw negative shifts. Geopolitical issues and route changes hit hard. Jeddah led the drops with -33% (3.7 million TEU in 2024; 5.6 million in 2023). Red Sea disruptions blamed. Other notables include Haifa (-22%), Damietta (-20%), Salalah (-13%), and Tacoma/Seattle (-12%). Smaller declines affected ports like Hong Kong (-5%) and Piraeus (-6%).

Key Insights and Global Context

Overall throughput hit 937 million TEU globally, a 7% rise. New entrants like Djibouti joined the millionaire club. China’s ports dominated, but growth spread to emerging markets. Ports adapt with tech and green strategies. Tensions in key routes pose risks.



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