UN/LOCODE: CNPNY📍 China

Port of Shiqiao (UN/LOCODE CNPNY)

❖ Coordinates: 22.9500°N, 113.3700°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNPNY

## About the Port Shiqiao Port (UN/LOCODE: **CNPNY**) is a strategically situated deep‑water terminal on the southern coast of Guangdong Province, China. Nestled at **22.95° N, 113.37° E** and operating under the **Asia/Shanghai** time zone, the port serves the Pearl River Delta (PRD) industrial belt, one of the world’s most densely packed manufacturing clusters. Managed by the Guangdong Maritime Administration, Shiqiao integrates river‑sea logistics, enabling seamless cargo movement between inland factories, the South China Sea, and global trade lanes. Its geographic advantage—approximately 120 km east of Hong Kong and 180 km south of Guangzhou—places it within a 150‑kilometre radius that supports over 30 million TEU of annual container throughput across neighbouring ports. Key performance indicators (KPIs) highlight Shiqiao’s rapid growth: container handling capacity increased from 2.4 million TEU in 2015 to 4.9 million TEU by 2023, while bulk cargo tonnage rose from 12 Mt to 22 Mt in the same period. The port’s **24/7 operational model**, supported by automated gate systems and real‑time vessel traffic services (VTS), aligns with China’s “North‑South Integrated Transport” policy, positioning Shiqiao as a pivotal node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). --- ## History ### Early Development (1970s‑1990s) Shiqiao’s origins trace back to the late 1970s, when the Guangdong provincial government identified the shallow inlet along the **Shiqiao River** as a potential cargo hub to relieve pressure on the congested Guangzhou Port. Initial facilities comprised modest quays for timber and agricultural products, with a combined length of 1,200 m and a maximum draft of 8 m. ### Expansion Era (2000‑2010) The turn of the millennium marked a decisive shift. In 2002, the central government’s “Western Development” policy incentivised infrastructure upgrades, prompting the construction of a 2,800‑m deep‑water berthing line capable of accommodating Panamax vessels (draft ≥ 12.5 m). Simultaneously, the port adopted containerization, installing its first gantry crane in 2004. By 2009, Shiqiao achieved its first **“Port of the Year”** accolade from the China Ports & Harbours Association. ### Modernization & Integration (2011‑present) A series of public‑private partnerships (PPPs) ushered in a new era of automation and digitalisation. The 2015 launch of the **Port Community System (PCS)** linked Shiqiao to the national customs clearance network, cutting dwell time by 22 %. In 2021, the port introduced a 400‑kV on‑site power grid dedicated to cold‑chain logistics, aligning with the global push for greener maritime operations. Today, Shiqiao stands as a model for **smart port** initiatives, seamlessly integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI‑driven predictive maintenance, and blockchain‑based cargo tracking. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Draft - **12 operational berths** ranging from 8‑ to 18‑meter drafts, enabling simultaneous handling of container ships, bulk carriers, and Ro‑Ro vessels. - **Two dedicated bulk terminals** (coal, iron ore, and grain) equipped with conveyor belts and ship‑loader capacities of up to 3,500 t/h. ### Cargo Handling Equipment - **24 Super‑post-Panamax quay cranes** (dual‑rail, 70‑ton hook‑lifting), delivering a combined crane productivity of 120 TEU/h. - **12 container gantry cranes (CTC)** with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for intra‑terminal transport, supporting a peak container throughput of 5,000 TEU/day. - **Four 400‑ton ship‑loaders** and **six grain elevators** (capacity 120 t each) for bulk cargo. ### Storage & Connectivity - **3.2 million m²** of open‑yard container stacks, featuring RFID‑enabled stacking algorithms that optimize space utilization to 85 % of theoretical capacity. - Dedicated **cold‑storage warehouses** (15,000 m³) for perishable goods, powered by renewable energy sources. - Direct rail link to the **Guangzhou–Shenzhen Railway**, facilitating 1,200 km of inland hinterland connectivity to Chengdu, Chongqing, and the Xinjiang region. ### Navigation & Safety Systems - State‑of‑the‑art **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)** centre, integrating AIS, radar, and weather forecasting tools. - **Fully automated gate complex** with biometric access control and e‑payment lanes, reducing truck turnaround from 45 minutes to under 15 minutes. For a complete technical specification, see the **UN/LOCODE registry↗** and the Guangdong Maritime Administration’s annual port infrastructure report. --- ## Economic Importance Shiqiao Port operates as a catalytic engine for the PRD’s export‑oriented economy. In 2023, the port handled **¥420 billion** in export value—representing roughly 6 % of Guangdong’s total overseas trade. Key economic contributions include: - **Industrial Support:** The port’s proximity to Shenzhen’s electronics manufacturing hub enables just‑in‑time delivery of components, reducing inventory costs for firms such as Huawei and BYD. - **Employment:** Direct staffing exceeds 4,800 personnel, while indirect jobs in logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services surpass 28,000, underpinning regional socio‑economic stability. - **Fiscal Revenue:** Customs duties and port fees generate an estimated **¥3.2 billion** in provincial tax revenue annually, financing infrastructure upgrades and environmental mitigation projects. Strategically, Shiqiao enhances China’s **dual‑circulation** model by bridging domestic production with international markets. Its role in the **Maritime Silk Road**—serving as a transshipment node for cargo bound for Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—reinforces China’s trade resilience amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Lanes | Destination Region | Main Shipping Lines | Typical Transit Time | |--------------------|---------------------|----------------------| | East Asia (Japan, Korea) | Maersk, COSCO Shipping | 3‑4 days | | Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand) | Evergreen, OOCL | 4‑5 days | | South Asia (India, Sri Lanka) | MSC, Hanjin | 7‑9 days | | Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | ZIM, ONE | 11‑13 days | | Europe (Northern Europe, Mediterranean) | CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd | 24‑28 days | | Africa (East & Southern) | Yang Ming, Pacific International Lines | 30‑35 days | The port’s **direct liner services** to the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca enable a seamless cargo flow from the PRD to European and African markets, bypassing the traditional trans‑shipment through Hong Kong. Moreover, Shiqiao’s integration with the **China-Europe Railway Express** facilitates multimodal shipments that combine sea‑leg and rail‑leg freight, reducing total logistics timelines by up to 15 %. ### Dominant Cargo Profiles - **Containers:** Electronics, consumer goods, and automotive parts dominate the containerized cargo mix, accounting for 62 % of total TEU volume. - **Bulk Commodities:** Iron ore, coal, and agribulk (soybeans, corn) constitute 28 % of bulk tonnage, driven by heavy‑industry demand in Guangdong’s steel and power sectors. - **Project Cargo:** Large‑scale infrastructure components, including wind‑turbine blades and prefabricated modular units, leverage Shiqiao’s heavy‑lift cranes and deep‑draft berths. - **Cold‑Chain Goods:** Perishable seafood, pharmaceuticals, and high‑value fruits flow through the port’s temperature‑controlled facilities, reflecting rising consumer demand in East‑Asian markets. The port’s **cargo diversification** mitigates exposure to sector‑specific downturns and sustains a balanced trade portfolio. Continual investment in **green logistics**, such as shore‑power connections for berthed vessels, is expected to attract environmentally conscious shippers and further expand Shiqiao’s cargo base over the next decade.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNPNY

Country

China

Province / Region

Guangdong

Latitude

22.950000

Longitude

113.370000

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Shiqiao?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Shiqiao is CNPNY.

Where is Port of Shiqiao located?

The Port of Shiqiao is located in China, Guangdong. Its coordinates are 22.9500°N, 113.3700°E.

What time zone is Port of Shiqiao in?

Port of Shiqiao 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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