THE world's five largest container ports, all in Asia, recorded healthy growth rates in 2010 as their combined volumes increased by 15.4 per cent, according to industry analyst Alphaliner.
The strong growth has more than made up for the negative growth seen in 2009 when total volumes fell by 13 per cent.
But last year's growth was largely due to the surge in cargo volumes in the first three quarters, when gains at the top five ports hit 18.1 per cent. After that volume growth slowed at these ports in the fourth quarter, dropping to 8.2 per cent as the impact of inventory restocking eased.
Apart from Shanghai's ascension to the number one position, overtaking Singapore, the other ports maintained their positions. Hong Kong maintained its number three spot despite a strong challenge from Shenzhen at number four.
Hong Kong handled 23.5 million TEU last year, up 11.8 per cent, while Shenzhen handled 22.5 million TEU with a growth rate of 23.3 per cent.
Busan recorded 18.4 per cent growth to 14.18 million TEU and kept its place at number five, with the port of Los Angeles-Long Beach following closely behind at around 14.1 million TEU.