Ports in the World

Distribution of Ports in the World by Country 

The distribution of ports by country worldwide shows the presence of a large number of ports of economic and strategic importance on each continent. Asia, in particular, is a leader in global maritime transport, managing much of the port traffic. For example, countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore are at the forefront of global maritime links.

In Europe, countries such as the Netherlands and Spain stand out in terms of port connections. In Africa, Egypt and Morocco are notable as important maritime centers, while in Latin America and the Caribbean, countries such as Panama and Colombia are regional leaders.

Global Port According to the database, nearly 500 ports worldwide operate in more than 100 countries. These ports include smaller and specialized ports, as well as large ports with heavy ship traffic. For example, Shanghai, Ningbo and Singapore in Asia; Rotterdam and Antwerp in Europe; In North America, Los Angeles and New York are known as major trading centers.

In addition, the number of ports in some countries is less than in others. For example, terrestrial countries such as Luxembourg and Switzerland have limited or no port capacity. This is directly related to the geopolitical positions and economic structures of these countries.

In short, the distribution of ports worldwide varies depending on factors such as regional economic dynamics, geopolitical significance, and international trade routes.

Which Ports Does China Operate in the World?

Details of China's worldwide port network reveal its goal of gaining both commercial and military supremacy. In particular, China's investments in ports in strategic locations are considered part of strategies to increase maritime power globally and control international trade.

1. Asia: China operates major ports on the Asian continent, especially in Southeast Asia. For example, Sri Lanka's port of Hambantota has been leased by China for 99 years and is strategically located on the busy maritime trade route between Asia and the West. Such investments reinforce China's control over trade in these regions and also increase regional naval power.
2. Africa: China operates a critical commercial and military port on the African continent, especially in Djibouti. The port in Djibouti is located at the entrance to the Red Sea and provides easy access to the Suez Canal, one of the busiest sea routes in the world. This port is also home to China's first overseas military base, thus increasing China's military presence and regional influence on the African continent.
3. Europe: China controls or invests in more than 20 ports in Europe. In particular, in ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg, the operation of Chinese firms using a digital logistics platform called Logink allows China to play an important role in logistics and trade operations across the European continent. These ports also serve as important logistics and transfer points for NATO and the U.S. Navy.
4. Middle East: Strategic ports such as the port of Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates strengthen China's presence in the Middle East and facilitate commercial crossings between Asia and Europe. This port is used both for commercial activities and for the purpose of increasing regional naval power.
5. America: China operates ports at both ends of the Panama Canal and builds a $3 billion megaport in Chancay, Peru, which is capable of largely transforming trade between China and Latin America. These investments increase China's commercial influence on the Americas and expand its naval power.

This large and versatile port network provides strategic advantages for commercial, logistics and military operations, as well as increasing China's global sphere of influence. Investments through these ports reinforce China's influence in global supply chains and make it more reliant on international maritime security and policies.

The Largest Companies in the World to Operate Ports

Companies operating ports around the world are centered in various countries and are noted for their activities in global shipping. Here are the countries where the main port operators companies and centers are located:

1. PSA International – Singapore: The largest port operator globally, PSA operates in many countries around the world, except Singapore and Antwerp.
2. APM Terminals – Netherlands: A.P. APM Terminals, affiliated with the Moller – Maersk Group, operates 75 ports and terminals in 42 countries.
3. China COSCO Shipping – China: COSCO operates in major port areas in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America on a global scale.
4. DP World – United Arab Emirates: Dubai-based DP World operates in more than 180 countries and offers a wide network of services.
5. Hutchison Ports – Hong Kong: Hutchison Ports operates 52 ports in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, America and Australia and has a large global network.
6. Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) – Switzerland: TIL operates 40 ports worldwide and continues to grow heavily, especially in Europe, Asia, North America, South America and West Africa.
7. International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) – Philippines: Manila-based ICTSI operates 34 terminals globally and is located in Asia Pacific, America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
8. China Merchants Port Holdings Company – China: This company has an expanding network, particularly within China and in areas such as South Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean and South America.

These companies operate ports, often at key points in global trade, and these strategic locations increase their effectiveness in the global shipping sector.

Turkish Companies Operating Ports in the World 

Two of the main companies operating ports from Turkey worldwide are Global Ports Holding (GPH) and Arkas Holding.

Global Ports Holding (GPH) is a large company operating within Global Investment Holding and operating eight ports in five countries, especially in the Mediterranean and Asia Pacific regions. GPH is known as the world's largest cruise port operator and aims to further strengthen its position in the international market with EBRD's investment. The company plans an international listing aimed at laying the way for companies in the infrastructure sectors in Turkey to open up to international capital markets.

Arkas Holding is a multinational holding company that was founded in 1902 and operates in various sectors. The company stands out, especially in the area of maritime, port services and integrated logistics services. Arkas is Turkey's largest container operator, offering line services in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, West Africa and Northern Europe. Arkas Line operates Marport, the highest capacity container port in Turkey, and Autoport, Turkey's first automobile terminal. In addition, it has partnered with Terminal del Golfo in La Spezia, Italy, to use its knowledge in the port sector abroad.

These companies make major contributions to Turkey's foreign trade, conducting important port operations both within Turkey and internationally.

World's Most Intense Container Ports 

The busiest container ports worldwide are largely located in Asia, and are important points of global trade with high container volumes. Here are the world's busiest container ports and annual container traffic as of 2023:

1. Shanghai, China – Shanghai Port is the busiest port in the world with 49 million TEU.
2. Port of Singapore, Singapore – Port of Singapore is an important trading center in Asia with approximately 39.01 million TEUs.
3. Ningbo-Zhoushan, China – This port has a large volume with 35.3 million TEU.
4. Shenzhen, China – Shenzhen is among the largest ports in the world with 26.9 million TEU in 2023.
5. Qingdao, China – Port of Qingdao, stands out with 26.4 million TEU.
6. Busan, South Korea – Busan Port is the largest port in South Korea with 22.8 million TEUs.
7. Tianjin, China – Tianjin Port is the main port of northern China with 21.8 million TEU.
8. Guangzhou, China – Guangzhou Port is an important trading center with 20.8 million TEU.
9. Hong Kong, China – Hong Kong Port is located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region with 14,345 million TEUs.
10. Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Jebel Ali Port is the largest port in the Middle East with 14 million TEUs, and expansion work is underway.

These ports serve as the main arteries of world trade, often with high-tech facilities and extensive service networks.

Sources:

• https://www.voanews.com/a/6224958.html
• https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-11-27/china-strategic-vital-ports-12177940.html
• https://organiser.org/2022/05/23/82183/world/chinese-run-ports-used-to-exert-pressure-on-other-countries/
• https://hbs.unctad.org/maritime-transport-indicators/
• https://www.isl.org/en/services/port-database
• https://www.globalfirepower.com/major-ports-and-terminals.php
• https://stusupplychain.com/top-10-container-terminal-operations-2022.html
• https://dailylogistic.com/port-operators-2022/
• https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/11-major-container-terminal-operators-in-the-world/
• https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ebrd-acquires-stake-in-turkish-port-operator-global-ports-89075
• https://moverdb.com/top-49-container-ports/
• https://www.ship-technology.com/features/the-top-10-busiest-container-ports-in-the-world/
• https://www.worldshipping.org/top-50-ports
• https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/container-ports-and-port-operators/
• https://www.marineinsight.com/ports/top-10-busiest-ports-in-the-world/

inovakademi Blog