Dalian Port, located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, is a natural ice-free port that serves as a crucial transportation hub for water and land in China. The port has established partnerships with over 160 countries and regions, operating 81 international shipping routes. With modern facilities and continuous growth in throughput, it is one of the world's important trade ports.
This paper delves into the critical factors influencing port selection in foreign trade freight, encompassing aspects like shipping company berthing information, route types, and customer specifications. The aim is to assist foreign trade practitioners in making precise port choices, thereby avoiding delays caused by incorrect port selection. It analyzes the importance of considering these factors to optimize logistics and ensure efficient cargo movement within the foreign trade supply chain. The study provides practical insights for improving decision-making in port selection.
Okinawa Port, a dual-use military and commercial port in Japan, is strategically located in the heart of the Ryukyu Islands, connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia. The port area is divided into three sections: North, Central, and South, serving military, deep-sea shipping, and passenger/cargo transport functions, respectively. Leveraging its strategic location and shipping value, Okinawa Port has become a crucial regional trade hub. It plays a significant role in facilitating commerce and transportation within the Asia-Pacific region.
The Biden administration is actively addressing port congestion in the US. The President has pledged to coordinate efforts to accelerate port operations. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed short-term incentives and data optimization measures, along with long-term recommendations such as establishing a national information sharing system and workforce training centers, aiming to improve port efficiency and alleviate supply chain pressures. The government's proactive communication and collaboration offer renewed hope for resolving port congestion issues.
Bintulu Port, located in the northeastern part of Sarawak, is an important international port focusing on liquefied natural gas exports. Since its privatization in 1993, the port authority has been dedicated to improving management efficiency and safety, attracting international shipping companies, and supporting local economic development. Its modern facilities and regulatory framework provide robust support for global logistics networks.
Lomé Port is the main port of Togo, serving significant sovereign, industrial, and commercial functions while providing crucial transit services for landlocked countries. With ongoing operational optimizations and infrastructure improvements, Lomé Port plays a key role in promoting regional economic integration and international trade. In the future, it must also address environmental protection challenges to achieve sustainable development.
Inefficient port terminal operations result in an estimated $6.7 billion in annual losses. By investing in smart technologies, building data analytics platforms, and strengthening inland transportation capabilities, companies can create efficient and flexible port logistics systems, reduce operating costs, and enhance competitiveness. The future of port logistics is a data-driven, intelligently collaborative smart logistics ecosystem.
French shipping giant CMA CGM is restructuring its global fleet to avoid new U.S. port fee regulations. The company plans to invest $20 billion in the U.S. to strengthen its market competitiveness. Despite facing challenges from the U.S.-China trade war, CMA CGM maintains a positive outlook, anticipating a rebound in trade activity.
In the first half of 2025, cargo volume at the Port of Rotterdam decreased by 4.1%, with significant declines in both dry bulk and liquid bulk shipments. Although there was a slight increase in bulk throughput and a 2.7% growth in container transport, overall competitiveness remains under severe pressure. The port authority expressed concerns about low investment levels, highlighting the importance of revitalizing trade vitality for the future.
The Port Authority of Qitegang plans to ban 15 vessels from entering the port to alleviate congestion, but this move has met with strong opposition from shipping companies. They believe this measure could worsen operational difficulties, prompting widespread discussions within the industry to explore potential solutions.
