Shanghai Container depot, China — The Undisputed Global Leader in Container Shipping

Shanghai Container depot, China — The Undisputed Global Leader in Container Shipping

Shanghai is not just China's largest port — it is the planet's premier container hub. For Japanese importers sourcing from China, Shanghai serves as the benchmark departure point: direct short-sea services connect to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hakata, while a mature multimodal network enables cargo to reach any destination across Japan via efficient transshipment.

My Containers provides container storage and handling services at partner depots in the Port of Shanghai — delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to Japanese businesses.

Why the Port of Shanghai Is the Global Leader

Unprecedented Scale

In 2025, Shanghai confirmed its status as the world's largest container port for the 16th consecutive year. Container throughput reached 55.06 million TEU — a 6.9% year-on-year increase — with total cargo turnover reaching 600 million tonnes.

To put this in perspective: that's over 150,000 containers per day. One in every five containers worldwide passes through Shanghai.

Growth Engine — Yangshan Deep-Water District

The port's primary strength lies in the Yangshan deep-water depot. In 2025, its throughput exceeded 28.7 million TEU — 52.2% of Shanghai's total volume — with 10.38% growth. This is where the world's largest container vessels are received, and where China's most advanced port infrastructure is concentrated.

Technology Leadership

Yangshan was recognized as the world's most efficient port by the Global Port Performance Index for three consecutive years (2022–2024). This is achieved through:

• Automation: The fully automated Yangshan Phase IV depot, where intelligent management systems continuously improve, and cranes handle up to 40 containers per hour.

• Navigation innovations: Unique "three-tier berthing operations" save an average of 2 hours per vessel, adding 1.08 million TEU of annual capacity.

• Artificial intelligence: An AI system deployed at Yangshan Phase III for calculating container stowage on vessels — calculation speed increased 13-fold, while container reshuffling during loading decreased by 20.6%.

• Efficiency: Berth utilization consistently holds at a record 84%.

Key Partner depots in the Port of Shanghai

The Port of Shanghai consists of two main clusters: the deep-water Yangshan district and the Waigaoqiao depots in the inner harbor. We work with all key operators:

1. Yangshan Deep-Water District — The Foundation of Shanghai's Container Power

Located on islands 30 km offshore, this district can accommodate the world's largest vessels and serves as the backbone of transoceanic routes. We maintain partner yards in close proximity to the Yangshan district.

2. Shanghai's Inner Container Hubs

These depots are located within city limits at the mouth of the Huangpu River and handle a significant share of containers, particularly for regional and short-sea routes to Japan and other Northeast Asian destinations.

My Containers Partner Container Yard Services in Shanghai

1. Container Storage

• Secure storage of empty and laden containers (20ft, 40ft, High Cube, reefers) at guarded yard facilities.

• Dedicated zones for reefer containers with continuous power supply.

• Flexible rate structures for regular clients.

• Priority allocation for Japanese clients with JIT delivery requirements.

2. Value-Added Services

• Photo documentation and condition inspection of containers at intake and release.

• Repair, cleaning, and maintenance of all container types.

• Freight forwarding and customs clearance — all export procedures in China, including port customs processing.

• Pre-shipment inspection support aligned with Japanese JIS standards and JCPA (Japan Customs Pre-arrival Assessment) requirements.

3. Delivery Routes to Japan

While we do not operate ocean carriage ourselves, our partner container yards in Shanghai participate in cargo delivery routes to Japan. Popular routing options include:

• Short-sea shipping: Direct services to major Japanese ports — Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, Hakata (Fukuoka), and Shimizu. Transit times: 2–4 days depending on destination.

• Express shuttle services: Dedicated weekly shuttles optimized for automotive components, electronics, and consumer goods — aligned with Japanese just-in-time manufacturing schedules.

• Multimodal combinations: Sea freight to Japan with onward rail or road distribution to inland destinations including Toyota City, Hamamatsu, and other industrial centers.

Advantages of Routing Through Shanghai for Japanese Importers

• Global connectivity: Direct and transshipment services to any point worldwide, including all major Japanese ports. International transshipment through Shanghai reached 7.91 million TEU in 2025.

• Technology reliability: Automation, AI, and digitalization minimize human error, delays, and mistakes — critical for Japanese supply chains demanding precision.

• Turnkey multimodality: A mature sea-rail network enables flexible routing based on delivery timelines and budget requirements.

• Access to Central and Eastern China: Shanghai sits at the center of China's industrial belt, where electronics, automotive, machinery, and consumer goods production is concentrated — key sourcing regions for Japanese manufacturers.

• Seamless peak-season operations: Thanks to record efficiency, the port successfully handles any volume without congestion — essential for Japanese importers managing seasonal demand fluctuations.

• Proximity advantage: Short-sea transit times of 2–4 days to Japan enable responsive supply chain models aligned with Japanese lean manufacturing principles.

Why My Containers Is Your Trusted Partner in Shanghai

• Access to all key depots.

• Competitive rates on storage, transshipment, and depot operations.

• Experience with Japanese clients — understanding of specific requirements, standards.

• Dedicated account manager for every project — a single point of contact for all inquiries.

To request a current rate for container storage or handling at the Port of Shanghai, submit an inquiry to our team. 

*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.

*My Containers is a partner of My Way.