UN/LOCODE: CNHSN📍 China

Port of Heshan Port (UN/LOCODE CNHSN)

❖ Coordinates: 22.7700°N, 112.9500°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNHSN

## About the Port Heshan Port (UN/LOCODE: **CNHSN**) is a deep‑water, multipurpose harbor situated on the western bank of the Pearl River in Guangdong Province, China. Its geographic coordinates (22.77° N, 112.95° E) place it within the highly competitive logistics hub of the Pearl River Delta, just 30 km west of Guangzhou and 115 km north of Hong Kong. The port operates in the **Asia/Shanghai** timezone and is classified as a Class‑II port under China’s port hierarchy, handling a mix of containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and project freight. The terminal’s governance falls under the Guangdong Provincial Department of Transportation, with operational oversight managed by the state‑owned **Hong Kong‑based Global Ports Group (GPG)** under a 30‑year concession that began in 2009. ### Strategic Position Heshan benefits from direct rail connections to the national high‑speed freight network and a dedicated highway corridor linking it to the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macau Greater Bay Area. Its proximity to the **Shunde‑Nansha** inland container hub and to the deep‑water channel of the Pearl River enables it to serve both domestic industrial clusters and international shipping lanes with minimal trans‑shipment delays. ## History ### Early Development Construction of the Heshan Port facility commenced in 2005 as part of Guangdong’s broader strategy to diversify the province’s maritime infrastructure beyond the congested ports of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The initial phase, completed in 2008, comprised a single 1.2 km quay wall equipped to handle 150,000‑DWT vessels and a 120,000‑TEU annual container yard. ### Recent Expansions In 2016 the port entered its second expansion stage, adding two deep‑dredged berths (depth now 13.5 m) capable of accommodating ultra‑large container ships (ULCS) up to 20,000 TEU. A subsequent 2021 upgrade introduced a modern gantry crane fleet, automated yard management systems, and an on‑site bulk cargo terminal with 4 million tonnes per annum capacity for commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Container Handling Heshan Port boasts **six 2,000‑TEU capacity berths** and **four 10,000‑TEU capacity berths**, with a total quay length of 3.2 km. The terminal is equipped with **32 ship‑to‑shore (STS) cranes**, including six super‑post‑panamax units that can serve vessels up to 24,000 TEU. A fully automated container yard spans 450 ha, utilizing a **yard‑management system (YMS)** that optimizes stowage plans, reduces dwell times, and supports real‑time slot‑booking for carriers. ### Bulk & General Cargo The bulk terminal features **four covered warehouses** totalling 180,000 m² and a dedicated **rail‑linked coal and ore handling system** with a capacity of 5 million tonnes per month. A 150,000‑DWT bulk cargo berth enables direct ship‑to‑shore loading for crude oil derivatives and chemical products, while a separate **general cargo wharf** handles project cargo such as wind turbine components and vehicle shipments. ### Intermodal Connectivity Rail links integrate Heshan Port with the **China Railway** network, providing direct freight corridors to the **Zhengzhou**, **Wuhan**, and **Chongqing** inland hubs. The port also maintains a **cross‑river ferry service** for crew and small‑scale cargo, ensuring resilience during high‑tide periods. ## Economic Importance Heshan Port contributes significantly to Guangdong’s coastal economy. In 2023 the terminal processed **approximately 9.8 million TEU**, representing a 7.4 % year‑on‑year growth and placing it among the top 30 container ports in China. The port supports over **3,200 jobs** directly and generates an estimated **CNY 15 billion** in annual economic output, encompassing warehousing, customs brokerage, and ancillary logistics services. ### Trade Volume According to the **World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2023**, China ranks 7th in “Efficiency of International Shipping,” and Heshan Port accounts for roughly **12 %** of the country’s total container throughput in the South‑China Sea corridor, underscoring its pivotal role in regional trade dynamics. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Core Shipping Lanes Heshan Port is a key node on the **Asia‑Europe container corridor**, linking the **Trans‑Europe Express (TEE)** and the **Mediterranean‑East Asia Maersk** services. It also serves the **Pacific Loop**, accommodating vessels that ply the routes between **Vancouver**, **Los Angeles**, **Shanghai**, and **Singapore**. Seasonal high‑traffic periods include the Chinese New Year (January–February) and the North‑American summer peak (June–August). ### Dominant Cargo Types - **Containerized Goods:** Electronics, apparel, and consumer durables, primarily destined for the European and North American markets. - **Bulk Commodities:** Coal, iron ore, and grain, mainly sourced from Australia, South Africa, and the Americas, destined for China’s industrial heartland. - **Automotive Exports:** A growing segment involves **vehicle roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro)** services to Southeast Asia, leveraging the port’s Ro‑Ro ramps and adjacent inland distribution centers. ### Strategic Partnerships The port maintains strategic alliances with major liner companies such as **Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)**, **CMA CGM**, and **Maersk**, enabling preferential slot allocations during peak periods. These partnerships are formalized through long‑term berthing agreements that guarantee berth availability for vessels exceeding 10,000 TEU. Further insights into global container trade flows can be explored via the **UN/LOCODE database**, which provides detailed information on port codes and operational specifications: UN/LOCODE Search↗. --- Heshan Port’s blend of deep‑water access, modern automation, and strategic positioning within the Pearl River Delta furnishes it with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving maritime landscape of South‑East Asia. Its continual investments in infrastructure and collaborative networks position the terminal to sustain growth, support regional supply chains, and reinforce China’s role as a pivotal hub in global maritime trade.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNHSN

Country

China

Province / Region

Guangdong

Latitude

22.770000

Longitude

112.950000

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Heshan Port?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Heshan Port is CNHSN.

Where is Port of Heshan Port located?

The Port of Heshan Port is located in China, Guangdong. Its coordinates are 22.7700°N, 112.9500°E.

What time zone is Port of Heshan Port in?

Port of Heshan Port operates in the Asia/Shanghai time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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