Rajin Port, located in North Hamgyong Province of North Korea, is a natural deep-water harbor that integrates various industries, including metallurgy, machinery, and shipbuilding. It serves as a fishing base and shares navigation with South Korea, indicating its potential to play a more significant role in international trade in the future.
Victoria, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the capital of British Columbia, Canada. As an ice-free port with deep-water commercial and naval bases, Victoria's economy is dominated by shipbuilding, wood processing, and tourism. This vibrant city attracts numerous investments and visitors, showcasing its unique charm and vitality.
The Port of Tacoma, located in Washington State, serves as a commercial hub on the U.S. West Coast. It offers convenient connections to Seattle and meets logistical demands through its deep-water berths and container terminals. The southern area, including the Hylebos Waterway and Blair Waterway, provides excellent shipping conditions that extend inland.
Prince Rupert Airport, located in British Columbia, Canada, serves as a crucial air link to Vancouver. The airport features a 1,829-meter runway and a deep-water port, facilitating year-round operations primarily for domestic scheduled flights. Its temperate climate provides favorable conditions for air transport, meeting the needs of both passengers and cargo.
The severe congestion at Chittagong Port has led to vessel waiting times extending up to 10 days, causing significant overload in the yard. Shipping companies and the freight forwarding industry are suffering massive economic losses, resulting in diminished customer trust and increased operational costs. Freight forwarding enterprises are under pressure, shipping efficiency is declining, and the entire industry urgently needs to optimize its logistics network to tackle these challenges.
Following Florida's abandonment of Cuban trade agreements due to political factors, the Port of Mobile swiftly seized the opportunity. This highlights the intense competition among US ports, especially with the Panama Canal expansion. Ports are investing in deep-water harbors, refrigerated facilities, and intermodal transport to become regional trade hubs. Political factors, infrastructure development, and service capabilities are key determinants of port competitiveness. The swift action of Mobile demonstrates how ports can capitalize on shifting geopolitical landscapes to gain a competitive edge in international trade.
Wakamatsu Port, located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a major shipping hub in Asia, renowned for its advantageous geographical position and well-developed facilities. In 1994, the port handled a container throughput of 370,000 TEU, primarily facilitating trade from countries across Asia. It plays a crucial role in the logistics and economic growth of western Japan.
Yantian International Container Terminal has become the domestic preferred port for ultra-large vessels, with multiple successful berths in 2023. The terminal features deep-water berths and advanced gantry crane facilities, allowing efficient service for numerous large ships. By adhering to a strategy focused on large vessels and optimizing services, Yantian International has achieved a continuous increase in cargo volume, surpassing the industry average and solidifying its strategic position in South China.
Quetzal Port is the main port located in southern Guatemala, situated along the Pacific coast. The port has a coastline of 802 meters and a water depth of 11 meters, facilitating efficient cargo loading and unloading operations. It primarily exports agricultural products such as bananas and coffee.
The Port of Virginia is planning to deepen its channels to 55 feet to accommodate ultra-large container vessels. This move aims to enhance the port's competitiveness but faces uncertainties including economic risks, environmental challenges, and a global trade slowdown. The development of deep-water ports is a global race, and ports need to proceed cautiously, balancing risks and opportunities. The success of this project hinges on careful planning and adaptation to evolving global economic conditions.
