The world’s top ten busiest ports

Introduction

The world’s busiest container ports handle massive amounts of cargo every year. Behind the scenes, fender systems play a key role. These fenders act as buffers between ships and docks, preventing damage and making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

At major ports like Shanghai, Singapore, and Ningbo-Zhoushan, ships dock constantly—many of them huge container vessels. The force from docking can be strong, and the sea conditions often change. That’s why each port carefully chooses fenders that match the size of the ships, the shape of the berths, and the local conditions. The most common types include cone fenders, cell fenders, arch fenders, and pneumatic (Yokohama) fenders.

In this article, we’ll explore how the world’s top 10 busiest ports use different types of fender systems to support safe and efficient operations.

What Are Fender Systems?

Fender systems are protective devices installed along docks and wharves. They absorb impact when ships come in to dock, protecting both the ship’s hull and the port structure.

Here are the main types of fenders used today:

• Garde-boue en forme de cône et ailes de cellule: Handle large energy loads, ideal for big ships.
• Défenses cylindriques: Simple design, good for general use.
• Arch fenders: Low reaction force, often used at container terminals.
• Pneumatic (Yokohama) fenders: Air-filled, float on water, flexible for ship-to-ship or offshore use.

Many ports now use modern materials like rubber or UHMW-PE plastic, and some even embed sensors into their fenders to monitor pressure and movement in real time.

Top 10 Busiest Container Ports (2023/2024)

Fender Systems at Each Port

1. Shanghai Port

Shanghai is the busiest port in the world. It uses ailes coniques et ailes de cellule—ideal for handling large ships and strong docking forces. At Yangshan Deep Water Port, high-performance rubber fenders protect the docks from impact and wear.

2. Singapore Port

Singapore is a major hub with many vessel types. It uses a mix of cylindrical, cellet ailes en arc de cercle. For floating berths and ship-to-ship transfers, défenses pneumatiques are common.

3. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

As ship sizes grow, Ningbo-Zhoushan equips its docks with cone et ailes de cellule to absorb heavy impact. These fenders help the port handle massive container vessels safely.

4. Shenzhen Port

Shenzhen has over 140 berths and handles high ship traffic. The port mainly uses ailes en arc de cercle, cylindrical fenderset ailes de cellule to support frequent docking operations.

5. Guangzhou Port

Located in the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou uses a variety of fenders, including cylindrical, cellet arch types. The port chooses fenders based on the size and type of ships docking at each berth.

6–10: Busan, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Qingdao, and U.S. Ports

These ports also use high-quality cone, cell, archet défenses pneumatiques.

• Busan and Qingdao serve many large ships and use heavy-duty fender systems.
• Tianjin and Hong Kong mix fixed fenders with floating ones to match their deep berths and varied ship sizes.
• Los Angeles/Long Beach invests in modern rubber fenders for safe docking in high-traffic zones.

Regional Fender Trends

• Chinese ports rely on cone et ailes de cellule to handle super-sized ships.
• Singapore and Hong Kong use flexible combinations of arch et défenses pneumatiques for different berth conditions.
• European ports, like Rotterdam, lead the way in smart fenders—plastic fenders with sensors that collect real-time impact data.
• American ports are also upgrading to stronger and more durable rubber and plastic fenders to meet growing demands.

Perspectives d'avenir

The future of port fender systems lies in smarter, safer, and greener solutions. Here’s what’s coming next:

1. Custom designs: Ports are choosing fenders based on berth shape, tides, ship size, and docking angles.
2. Sensor technology: Modern fenders can collect impact data, helping operators monitor docking in real time.
3. Eco-friendly materials: Plastic fenders last longer, resist wear, and are easier to maintain.
4. More flexibility: As global trade routes shift, ports need fender systems that can adapt quickly.

Conclusion

As global shipping continues to grow, ports must prepare for more and bigger ships. Fender systems play a key role in keeping docking safe and efficient. From cone and cell fenders in Shanghai to pneumatic fenders in Singapore, each port selects what works best for its needs.

Good fender systems prevent damage, protect infrastructure, and support smooth operations. And as ships evolve, fenders must evolve too—smarter, stronger, and more sustainable.

Let’s not forget: behind every busy port, there’s a hardworking fender system doing its job quietly and reliably.