UN/LOCODE: CNXMN📍 China

Port of Xiamen (UN/LOCODE CNXMN)

❖ Coordinates: 24.4798°N, 118.0894°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNXMN

## About the Port The Port of Xiamen (UN/LOCODE: CNXMN), strategically situated on Xiamen Island and the surrounding mainland coast in Fujian Province, China, stands as a pivotal maritime gateway in Southeast Asia. Located at coordinates 24.479834 North Latitude and 118.089425 East Longitude, within the Asia/Shanghai timezone, it is a natural deep-water port, benefiting from a sheltered bay and direct access to the Taiwan Strait. This prime geographical positioning makes Xiamen Port a critical hub for international trade, linking China's burgeoning manufacturing and agricultural sectors in Fujian and neighboring provinces to global markets. Renowned for its comprehensive facilities and robust connectivity, Xiamen has consistently ranked among the world's top 15 busiest container ports, serving as a cornerstone of China's maritime transport network and a key node in the ambitious Maritime Silk Road Initiative. ## History Xiamen's maritime heritage dates back centuries, evolving from a significant ancient trading post to a modern global port. Its natural harbor facilitated early trade along the "Maritime Silk Road," fostering cultural and economic exchanges with Southeast Asia and beyond. During the Ming Dynasty, it gained strategic importance as a naval defense stronghold. In the mid-19th century, Xiamen became one of the first five Chinese treaty ports opened to foreign trade following the First Opium War, marking a period of increased international commercial activity and infrastructural development by various colonial powers. The true transformation began in 1980 when Xiamen was designated one of China's inaugural Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This policy catalyzed unprecedented investment in port infrastructure and logistics. The establishment of modern container terminals in the 1980s and 1990s propelled Xiamen into the forefront of international shipping. Subsequent decades have seen continuous expansion and technological upgrades, solidifying its status as a high-capacity, efficient, and technologically advanced maritime hub crucial to China's economic reforms and global trade integration. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Port of Xiamen boasts extensive and state-of-the-art infrastructure spread across several key port areas, including Dongdu, Haicang, Xiangyu, Shima, and Zhaoyin. ### Container Terminals The Dongdu and Haicang terminal zones are the primary container handling areas. Dongdu, the older and most established, features multiple berths with drafts up to 13.5 meters, equipped with advanced quay cranes (QC) and yard cranes (RTG/RMG). Haicang, developed more recently, offers deeper drafts (up to 17 meters) capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) exceeding 20,000 TEU. Collectively, these terminals operate over 100 berths, including specialized deep-water berths for mega-ships, featuring automated gate systems, intelligent terminal operating systems (TOS), and extensive stacking yards. The port's total container throughput regularly exceeds 12 million TEUs annually. ### Bulk and Specialized Terminals Beyond container operations, Xiamen Port provides robust facilities for various cargo types: * **Bulk Cargo:** Dedicated terminals for handling dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, and construction materials, featuring specialized conveyor belts, grab unloaders, and storage facilities. * **Liquid Bulk:** Terminals equipped for crude oil, refined petroleum products, and chemicals, with integrated pipeline networks and storage tanks. * **Ro-Ro Terminals:** Facilities for handling vehicles and project cargo, supporting both domestic and international automotive trade. * **Passenger Terminals:** Modern terminals facilitating ferry services to Gulangyu Island, other domestic routes, and direct ferry links to Taiwan (e.g., Kinmen Island). ### Logistics & Free Trade Zone Xiamen Port is integrated with comprehensive logistics parks, bonded zones, and the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone. This FTZ status provides significant advantages, including streamlined customs procedures, tax incentives, and simplified regulations for warehousing, transshipment, and value-added logistics services, further enhancing the port's appeal as a regional distribution center. Multimodal connectivity is robust, with extensive road networks and rail links, including dedicated freight lines connecting to inland China and the Eurasian land bridge, significantly enhancing its hinterland reach. More information on the port's comprehensive services can be found on the Xiamen Port Group official website↗. ## Economic Importance The Port of Xiamen is an indispensable engine for the economic development of Fujian Province and the wider Southeast China region. As a crucial international trade gateway, it facilitates the export of goods manufactured in Fujian's robust industrial base, which includes electronics, machinery, textiles, footwear, stone products, and agricultural produce. Conversely, it serves as the primary entry point for raw materials, components, and consumer goods essential for the region's industries and population. Its strategic position within the Maritime Silk Road initiative has further amplified its role, positioning Xiamen as a key link in global supply chains. The port's operations directly and indirectly support tens of thousands of jobs, from port operations and logistics to manufacturing and trade-related services. The presence of the Xiamen Free Trade Zone attracts significant foreign direct investment, fostering innovation and economic diversification. The port's efficiency and capacity contribute substantially to provincial GDP, solidifying Xiamen's status as a major economic powerhouse and an international investment magnet. The ongoing flow of vessels and cargo highlights its vital contribution to the regional and national economy, as detailed by platforms like MarineTraffic↗. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Xiamen Port's extensive network of trade routes connects it to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, with more than 160 regular international shipping lines operated by major global carriers. ### Key Trade Routes * **Intra-Asia:** Robust connections to Southeast Asian ports (Singapore, Port Klang, Bangkok), Northeast Asia (Busan, Yokohama, Kobe), and Taiwan, facilitating regional supply chains. * **Trans-Pacific:** Direct services to major North American ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Vancouver), crucial for electronics and consumer goods exports. * **Asia-Europe:** Numerous routes linking Xiamen to key European hubs (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe, Valencia), supporting significant two-way trade. * **Emerging Markets:** Growing services to Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, reflecting China's expanding economic partnerships. ### Major Cargo The port handles a diverse array of cargo, reflecting the economic profile of its hinterland: * **Containerized Cargo:** Dominates throughput, including high-value manufactured goods such as electronics (smartphones, components), machinery, automobiles, textiles, apparel, footwear, and household appliances. A significant volume of processed stone products, a specialty of Fujian, is also exported in containers. * **Dry Bulk Cargo:** Imports of iron ore, coal, grain (wheat, corn, soybeans), and fertilizers, essential for regional industries and food security. Exports include construction materials. * **Liquid Bulk Cargo:** Primarily imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products, along with chemicals, supporting local refineries and industries. * **Ro-Ro Cargo:** Increasing volumes of imported and exported vehicles, particularly as China's automotive industry grows. * **Project Cargo:** Handles oversized and heavy-lift items for infrastructure and industrial projects. Xiamen's efficient cargo handling capabilities and diverse route network underscore its critical role in global commerce, ensuring the seamless flow of goods vital for both regional prosperity and international trade.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNXMN

Country

China

Province / Region

Fujian

Latitude

24.479834

Longitude

118.089425

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Xiamen?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Xiamen is CNXMN.

Where is Port of Xiamen located?

The Port of Xiamen is located in China, Fujian. Its coordinates are 24.4798°N, 118.0894°E.

What time zone is Port of Xiamen in?

Port of Xiamen 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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