Hutchison Ports YANTIAN is one of the world’s busiest and most advanced container terminals, located in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Operated under the global Hutchison Ports network, YANTIAN serves as a critical gateway for South China's manufacturing and export economy, connecting domestic and international supply chains through state-of-the-art port operations, intermodal transport, and customs services.
Core Business and Activities
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN provides a full suite of container terminal and logistics services, including:
- Deepwater container terminal operations
- Reefer container handling
- On-dock rail and intermodal logistics
- Customs clearance and bonded services
- Feeder vessel and barge services
- Container freight station (CFS) and warehousing
As part of Hutchison Ports, which operates in 26 countries, YANTIAN acts as the southern China hub port and is a vital node in global maritime trade.
Specialisation and USP
YANTIAN’s unique strengths include:
- Mega-vessel handling capacity: Able to berth the largest container vessels in the world with draft depth exceeding 17 meters.
- Integrated intermodal infrastructure: Seamless connection to China’s inland rail and expressway systems.
- Green Port Initiatives: Utilization of electric RTGs, solar energy, and shore power connections.
- 24/7 digitalized operations: Offering real-time tracking, electronic customs filing, and paperless gate processing through its ePort platform.
- High reefer capacity: Over 5,000 reefer points for temperature-controlled cargo.
Financial and Operational Insights
As one of China’s premier port facilities, YANTIAN consistently ranks among the top container terminals globally. Key operational figures include:
- Annual throughput of 13.44 million TEUs in 2023
- Handles over 100 weekly services connecting to major global shipping lanes
- Berths: 18 deep-water berths, including 6 capable of berthing 200,000 DWT vessels
- Terminal area: 4.2 million square meters
- Yard capacity: Over 80,000 TEUs
- Employs over 4,000 personnel with full integration of port automation and safety systems
International Trade and Market Presence
YANTIAN is the export gateway for major manufacturing clusters in Guangdong and neighboring provinces. It handles containerized cargo for industries including electronics, garments, machinery, and consumer goods.
Top trade routes and regions:
- Trans-Pacific routes (to the United States and Canada)
- Asia-Europe routes
- Intra-Asia regional feeder services
- Belt and Road Initiative-linked cargo corridors
Top partner countries by volume include:
- United States
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Australia
Target Market
- Global shipping lines (e.g., Maersk, MSC, COSCO, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd)
- Freight forwarders and logistics service providers
- Multinational corporations in electronics, retail, and e-commerce
- Cold chain operators handling perishables and pharmaceuticals
- Third-party logistics and customs brokers
Capabilities
- Real-time vessel scheduling and berth management
- Automated stacking cranes and yard optimization
- Integrated rail-sea-road connectivity
- Import/export customs facilitation via smart systems
- Remote reefer container monitoring
- Specialized services for dangerous goods and OOG cargo
Certifications and Compliance
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN adheres to global operational and environmental standards:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
- ISPS Code – International Ship and Port Facility Security
- Member of EcoPorts and participant in UN Global Compact
Customer Testimonials
“YANTIAN’s reliability and efficiency make it our top choice for high-volume US-bound shipments. Their handling of mega-vessels is unmatched in the region.”
— Global Logistics Director, Fortune 500 Electronics Firm
“Their reefer services have significantly improved our cold chain efficiency. Real-time tracking tools help us maintain cargo integrity for sensitive goods.”
— Manager, International Food Exporter
Major Achievements
- Ranked among the Top 10 container ports globally
- First port in China to handle over 10 million TEUs in a single year (since 2010)
- Successfully launched Smart Port 2.0 platform for AI-driven operations
- Handled over 1,000 ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) calls in 2023
- Recognized by China Ports & Harbours Association for safety and sustainability leadership
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN is a cornerstone of China's maritime infrastructure and a benchmark for port innovation and scale. Its strategic location, world-class capabilities, and seamless digital operations continue to make it a preferred gateway for global trade and logistics.
