Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Size - By Size, By End-Use, By Port, By Container, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Size

The Asia Pacific container transshipment market size was valued at USD 9.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% between 2024 and 2032. The increasing focus on strategic port infrastructure development is providing significant market opportunities. The expansion and modernization of port facilities in key regions enhance capacity, reduce congestion, and attract international shipping lines. This supports regional trade growth and boosts the region's prominence as a transshipment hub.
 

By reducing dependency on existing major hubs and improving efficiency, the new port developments are expected to increase global trade connectivity, positioning Asia-Pacific ports as pivotal players in international supply chains.
 

For instance, in August 2024, the Indian Government is in the final stages of completing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a major transshipment port at Great Nicobar Island, with a total investment of USD 4.9 billion. This strategic port infrastructure development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands represents one of India's largest maritime investments, positioning it as a significant transshipment hub in the Asia Pacific region.
 

The rise of intra-Asia trade routes is driving the Asia Pacific container transshipment market growth. As countries within the region strengthen economic ties and implement free trade agreements, regional trade is projected to grow significantly. This results in an increased volume of container traffic passing through transshipment hubs, particularly in Southeast Asia. The strategic location of key transshipment ports, combined with expanding maritime routes, ensures that Asia Pacific remains a crucial region for global trade flows, further driving demand for transshipment services.
 

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Trends

The integration of automation and advanced technologies in port operations is propelling the market growth. The adoption of automated cranes, intelligent transport systems, and shore-based power supplies significantly enhances operational efficiency, reduces labor costs, and minimizes turnaround times. This automation not only improves handling capacity but also supports sustainability initiatives by reducing emissions and energy consumption.
 

As more ports embrace automation, the overall competitiveness and capacity of the region’s transshipment hubs are expected to increase, attracting higher volumes of global trade. In August 2024, SIGP launched an automated container terminal in Luojing as part of a broader upgrade to Shanghai's port infrastructure. The terminal features remote-controlled quay cranes and autonomous intelligent vehicles (AIVs) for horizontal transport. SIGP announced that all terminal berths are now equipped with shore-based power supply, and agreements for this service have been signed with relevant shipping companies.
 

Infrastructure challenges in smaller or developing ports are hindering the Asia Pacific container transshipment market growth. While major ports have seen significant investments, many secondary transshipment hubs lag in modernization efforts, limiting their ability to handle large volumes or accommodate newer, larger vessels. This lack of capacity and technological integration reduces the region's overall efficiency, forcing shipping lines to rely on a select few mega-ports, which can lead to bottlenecks and increase costs, hindering market growth.
 

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Analysis

Based on size, the market is segmented into small containers and large containers. In 2023, the large containers segment accounted for USD 6 billion and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast time frame. Large containers hold a dominant market share in Asia Pacific container transshipment due to the rising global trade volumes and the need for economies of scale.
 

As trade flows increase, shipping lines prefer using large containers to maximize cargo capacity per shipment, reducing operational costs and optimizing space utilization. The region’s major transshipment hubs, such as Singapore and Shanghai, are well-equipped to handle large container vessels, making them attractive destinations for global trade routes, further driving the growth of large container usage.
 

Based on the end use, the Asia Pacific container transshipment market is divided into food & beverages, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial products, oil & gas, chemicals and others. The industrial products held 34% of the market share in 2023, due to the steady growth in global manufacturing output.
 

With Asia being a major hub for industrial production, the movement of raw materials and finished products through transshipment hubs is a crucial part of the supply chain. Ports that offer seamless connectivity to key industrial centers ensure faster and more efficient movement of goods, making transshipment services vital for maintaining industrial supply chain efficiency, thereby driving demand for this segment.
 

Singapore container transshipment market accounted for 53% of the revenue share in 2023, due to its strategic location and world-class port infrastructure. Positioned at the crossroads of major global shipping routes, Singapore’s PSA International provides extensive connectivity to more than 600 ports worldwide. Its continual investment in automation, digital technologies, and expansion of the Tuas megaport has solidified its position as a leading transshipment hub. The port's ability to efficiently handle large container volumes and provide real-time visibility attracts shipping lines, ensuring its dominant role in the region.
 

China’s stronghold in Asia Pacific container transshipment is driven by its role as a global manufacturing powerhouse and exporter. The country's ports, such as Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, are among the busiest in the world, benefiting from the significant flow of goods originating from Chinese factories. With continuous investments in port automation, digitalization, and expanding port capacities, China is set to maintain its competitive edge in transshipment services, facilitating trade between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
 

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Share

PSA, APM Terminals, Hutchison Ports, DP World, COSCO, Shanghai International Port, and China Merchants Port collectively held a significant market share of 35% in the Asia Pacific container transshipment industry in 2023. PSA International is staying competitive by continually investing in cutting-edge technologies, including automation and AI-driven solutions, to enhance the operational efficiency of its ports.
 

The ongoing expansion of Singapore's Tuas Mega Port and PSA’s focus on digitalization ensure its dominance in the transshipment market. With a strong global network and an emphasis on sustainability initiatives, PSA is positioned to remain a leader in Asia Pacific container transshipment by adapting to industry trends and meeting evolving customer demands.
 

China Merchants Port (CMPort) is leveraging its extensive port network and strategic investments in key transshipment hubs to stay competitive. CMPort’s expansion into Southeast Asia, along with significant investments in automation and smart port technologies, enhances its ability to handle increasing container volumes. By focusing on sustainable port operations and strengthening global connectivity through partnerships, CMPort ensures its leading position in the market, offering efficient and innovative solutions to global shipping lines.
 

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the Asia Pacific container transshipment industry are:

• APM Terminals
• CMA CGM
• COSCO Shipping Ports
• DP World
• Eurogate
• Hamburger Hafen und Logistik
• Hutchison Ports
• MSC
• PSA International
• Terminal Investment Limited
   

Asia Pacific Container Transshipment Industry News

• In July 2024, PSA Singapore (PSA), a key global transshipment hub, enhanced its operations to handle rising demand and alleviate global supply chain disruptions. This included strengthening its frontline capabilities, adding new berths at Tuas Port, and reopening berths and yard space at Keppel Terminal. These improvements have significantly reduced port congestion, cutting average wait times to under two days in recent weeks.
   
• In February 2024, HERE Technologies partnered with PSA Singapore to transform Singapore's container truck ecosystem. The collaboration introduced OptETruck, powered by HERE Tour Planning and Location Services, which optimizes real-time route planning and truck assignments based on drivers' current locations. By minimizing empty runs and aligning jobs with nearby drivers, this solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces transit and waiting times, improves driver well-being, and lowers carbon emissions, making the overall system more sustainable and efficient.
   

The Asia Pacific container transshipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and Volume (TEUs) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Size

• Small containers (20 feet)
• Large containers (40 feet)

Market, By Container

• Dry storage
• Flat rack
• Refrigerated
• Special purpose
• Others

Market, By End-Use

• Food & beverages
• Consumer goods
• Healthcare
• Industrial products
• Oil & gas
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Port

• Deep-water
• Shallow-water

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Oman
  • Sri Lanka
  • Thailand
  • Hong Kong 
  • South Korea