Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) is advancing two major container terminal projects after first-half box volumes increased 6.2% to an estimated 28.74m TEU, according to Splash247. The expansion signals the port's continued drive to handle growing freight demand and strengthen coastal trade links.
Half-year throughput records
Total cargo throughput at Shanghai reached an estimated 304.78m tonnes during the six-month period, up 2.7% year on year. The port also set a new single-day container record of 187,312 TEU on June 9, beating the previous record of 174,338 TEU set in October 2025. A separate single-shift record of 68,088 TEU was also achieved, according to SIPG.
| Metric | H1 2026 Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Container throughput | 28.74m TEU | +6.2% |
| Cargo throughput | 304.78m tonnes | +2.7% |
| Single-day record (June 9) | 187,312 TEU | beats 174,338 TEU (Oct 2025) |
| Single-shift record | 68,088 TEU | — |
Terminal projects advancing
SIPG reported that piling work under one of the main construction packages at the Xiaoyangshan North container terminal and associated infrastructure project had been completed 66 days ahead of schedule. This terminal is being developed in stages as the next major addition to Shanghai's deepwater container-handling capacity.
Work is also progressing on the second phase of the Luojing container terminal conversion. The first phase involved transforming a conventional dry bulk and general cargo facility into an automated container terminal. Once completed, both projects will provide additional capacity for Shanghai's growing container volumes and strengthen links serving coastal and domestic trades.
Operational implications
For ocean carriers and logistics managers, the accelerated terminal projects suggest that Shanghai is proactively expanding capacity to prevent congestion as volumes rise. The 6.2% box growth and repeated records indicate strong demand on the trans-Pacific and intra-Asia lanes passing through Shanghai. Freight forwarders and 3PL operators should monitor construction milestones, as new berths at Xiaoyangshan North could ease vessel waiting times in the near term. The Luojing conversion, focused on coastal and domestic trades, may improve feeder network reliability.
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