Knowing where the largest ports in the world are located allows for more efficient – and cost-efficient – shipping. For example, some types of cargo might require access to railroads and highways, customs facilities, or cargo-handling equipment that smaller regional ports don’t offer. Additionally, freight has been trending towards larger vessels, as the ability to hold more cargo usually means lower prices. Such carriers require larger ports, and in fact, often bypass smaller ports because of congestion and delays in container handling.
However, while bigger ports are necessary for certain shipping needs, there are multiple advantages to small and medium-sized ports as well:
- Smaller ports usually have close connections with their local city, which can mean easier access and other logistical advantages.
- Several smaller ports have adapted to some of the market challenges mentioned above by focusing on niche areas or goods, offering a competitive edge.
- The busiest ports in the world are usually ranked by cargo tonnage and volume of container shipment. However, while some local ports may rank low globally, they can, in fact, have significant scale and capacity when compared regionally.