By Jin Lu

Ningbo Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang province surpassed 40 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in annual container handling volume for the first time on Dec. 2, marking a major milestone for the world's busiest port by container throughput.

According to Zhejiang Seaport Group, the port has ranked first globally in annual cargo throughput for 16 consecutive years. Though a latecomer to container operations, its growth has been rapid: throughput climbed from 10 million to 20 million TEUs in seven years, reached 30 million six years later, and then surged to 40 million in just four years.

The port's role in serving China's national strategies, supporting regional development, and connecting global markets has continued to strengthen, the Group said.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port now operates an extensive maritime network of more than 300 container routes reaching over 600 ports in more than 200 countries and regions. It has over 210 berths capable of handling vessels of 10,000 tonnes or above, including over 135 berths for ships exceeding 50,000 tonnes — placing it among the world's leading ports for large and ultra-large deep-water berth capacity.

Zhejiang province has in recent years implemented a broad action plan to enhance the competitiveness and global influence of the Ningbo Zhoushan Port, further solidifying its role as a major gateway for China's international trade.