UN/LOCODE: CNYAN📍 China

Port of Yangshan (UN/LOCODE CNYAN)

❖ Coordinates: 29.4767°N, 121.8693°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNYAN

## About the Port Yangshan Port (UN/LOCODE: CNYAN), situated in China's Zhejiang Province, is a monumental testament to modern maritime engineering and strategic development. Positioned at 29.476705 Latitude and 121.869339 Longitude, and operating within the Asia/Shanghai timezone, Yangshan is a critical deep-water extension of the broader Port of Shanghai. While these coordinates define a point within its regional influence, the operational core of Yangshan Deep-Water Port is strategically located offshore on the Greater and Lesser Yangshan Islands in Hangzhou Bay. This unique geographical placement, connected to the mainland by the 32.5-kilometer Donghai Bridge, allows Yangshan to overcome the draft limitations inherent in the Yangtze River estuary, providing unparalleled access for Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) and megamax ships. It stands distinguished globally as the site of the world's largest automated container terminal, Phase IV, significantly enhancing its capacity and operational efficiency as a premier gateway to the economically vibrant Yangtze River Delta (YRD). ## History The genesis of Yangshan Port stems from a critical need to future-proof China's burgeoning maritime trade. By the late 1990s, the existing Port of Shanghai, despite its vast throughput, faced inherent draft limitations within the Yangtze River, hindering its ability to accommodate the increasing size of container vessels. Recognizing this constraint as a bottleneck for national economic growth, plans for a dedicated deep-water port capable of handling next-generation ships were conceived in the early 2000s. Construction of the ambitious Donghai Bridge, a vital lifeline connecting the Yangshan Islands to the mainland, commenced in 2002 and was completed in 2005. This engineering marvel paved the way for the inauguration of Yangshan's Phase I container terminal in December 2005. Subsequent phases (II and III) saw continuous expansion of berth capacity and infrastructure. A pivotal milestone was reached with the opening of Yangshan Phase IV, the fully automated terminal, in December 2017. This marked a significant leap in port technology, embodying China's commitment to innovation and efficiency in global logistics. The development of Yangshan underscores China's long-term strategic vision for maritime dominance and its role in facilitating international trade. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Yangshan Port boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to handle the highest volumes and largest vessels in global shipping. The port features numerous deep-water berths, some capable of accommodating vessels with drafts exceeding 17 meters. Its cumulative terminal capacity contributes significantly to the Port of Shanghai's total annual throughput, which routinely ranks as the world's busiest container port. The crown jewel of Yangshan's infrastructure is its Phase IV terminal, an advanced, fully automated facility spanning 2.23 million square meters. This terminal deploys a sophisticated array of intelligent equipment, including automated quay cranes, driverless Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for yard transport, and automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs). This automation dramatically boosts operational efficiency, reduces labor costs, enhances safety, and minimizes environmental impact. Beyond the container handling equipment, Yangshan's comprehensive infrastructure includes extensive container yards, ample reefer plug points, dedicated rail links (with plans for further expansion), and robust road connections via the Donghai Bridge, ensuring seamless intermodal transfer to the vast Yangtze River Delta hinterland. Supporting facilities encompass pilotage services, tugboat fleets, bunkering capabilities, and dedicated logistics parks adjacent to the port, designed to streamline cargo processing and distribution. Yangshan is operated by the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), which continually invests in technological upgrades and capacity expansion to maintain the port's competitive edge. For more details on its operations, refer to the official Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) website↗. ## Economic Importance Yangshan Port's economic importance cannot be overstated, both for China and the global economy. As the deep-water gateway to the Yangtze River Delta, one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing and consumption hubs, it plays an indispensable role in connecting Chinese industries to international markets. The port's capacity to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) directly contributes to economies of scale for shipping lines, reducing per-unit freight costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese exports. It is a vital artery for global supply chains, facilitating the flow of raw materials into China's industrial heartland and enabling the efficient export of finished goods, ranging from electronics and machinery to textiles and consumer products. Yangshan fortifies Shanghai's status as a premier international shipping center, anchoring its position as a global maritime hub. Its efficient operations attract significant foreign investment, foster regional economic development, and create numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities across logistics, trade, and ancillary services. Furthermore, Yangshan is a critical component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), serving as a crucial node in the Maritime Silk Road, enhancing connectivity and trade relationships across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its strategic significance extends beyond commerce, acting as a symbol of China's technological prowess and its ambition to lead in global trade infrastructure. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Yangshan Port serves as a crucial nexus for global trade, connecting China to every major shipping lane worldwide. Its strategic location and deep-water capabilities enable it to host direct services to key markets across Asia-Europe, Trans-Pacific, Intra-Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania routes. All major global shipping alliances—including 2M, Ocean Alliance, and THE Alliance—feature Yangshan as a pivotal port of call for their largest container vessels, leveraging its efficiency and capacity. The overwhelming majority of cargo handled at Yangshan is containerized freight. This encompasses a vast array of goods reflecting China's diverse manufacturing base and consumption demands. Primary exports include sophisticated manufactured products such as electronics, machinery, automotive components, and high-tech equipment, alongside traditional goods like textiles, garments, and consumer products. Imports primarily consist of raw materials for industrial production, components for manufacturing, and a growing volume of consumer goods. Beyond direct ocean routes, Yangshan is seamlessly integrated into extensive feeder networks along the Chinese coastline and the Yangtze River system, enabling efficient distribution of cargo to inland provinces. This robust connectivity ensures that Yangshan remains at the forefront of facilitating global commerce, adapting to evolving trade patterns and supporting the continuous growth of international supply chains. For further insights into automated port operations, see coverage by industry publications like JOC.com↗.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNYAN

Country

China

Province / Region

Zhejiang

Latitude

29.476705

Longitude

121.869339

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Yangshan?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Yangshan is CNYAN.

Where is Port of Yangshan located?

The Port of Yangshan is located in China, Zhejiang. Its coordinates are 29.4767°N, 121.8693°E.

What time zone is Port of Yangshan in?

Port of Yangshan 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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