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Port Codes: Lookup, Finder & Seaport Code List

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If you are searching for seaports and international port codes, you can't miss JMD. JMD provides a free and user-friendly seaport code lookup, allowing you to quickly find the port name and its corresponding code.


How do I use the seaport code and port code finder?

You can contact us online and we will provide a website for you to check.


Seaport Codes

In international trade and transport, every location gets a unique code. This includes busy seaports, airports handling air freight, and key inland transit points.



Most of the time, freight forwarders and shipping companies use this code. They rely on these codes to streamline their operations and enhance clarity in communication.



These codes are on important documents, like bills of lading, invoices, and contracts. They are vital for collaboration among supply chain members, like shippers, carriers, receivers, and intermediaries. This cooperation prevents misunderstandings and delays in global trade. It ensures a smooth flow of goods.


International Port Codes


Like the Harmonized Schedule codes, the UN is key to standardization. In 1981, the UNECE partnered with major trade and transport groups to launch a framework. This framework aims to ease global trade. Over time, it developed into what we now refer to as LOCODE – the Code for Trade and Transport Locations. The UNECE oversees this database. It has over 103,030 locations in 249 countries. It is a vital tool. It helps to find and classify global trade and transport hubs. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of international trade.


All international airports and seaports assign codes that consist of five characters.


It uses the country codes set by the ISO. For instance, if the country is "Germany," its code would be "DE." This code system provides a clear identification of the nation of the port or airport.


The Port/Airport Identifier's characters denote a specific location in the country. For example, for the port of "Hamburg" in Germany, we would use its identifier to distinguish it. In some countries, like the U.S., there are many ports and airports. Someone has used up their three-letter codes. So, they use numbers to create unique identifiers. This gives each location a unique code. It aids trade and travel by providing a clear way to refer to these key transport hubs.



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What’s the Difference Between Major and Minor Ports?


The Importance of Big Ports in Shipping


Knowing the locations of the world's largest ports helps make shipping more efficient and cost-effective. For example, certain bulky or fragile cargos need access to good transportation links like railroads and highways, proper customs facilities, and specialized handling equipment, which small local ports may lack. Also, with the trend of using larger freight vessels to cut costs, these ships require big ports. They often avoid small ports due to congestion and slow container handling.



Advantages of Small and Medium Ports


Small and medium-sized ports have their perks too. They usually have a close relationship with the local community. This can mean easier access for local businesses and better logistical coordination. Some small ports have overcome market challenges by focusing on specific types of cargo or services. For example, a port might specialize in handling fresh seafood, offering unique facilities and expertise.



Port Rankings and Their True Significance


The busiest ports in the world are typically ranked by cargo tonnage and container volume. But local ports, even if they rank low globally, can be very important regionally. A port that serves a particular industry in a region, like a timber port, might handle a significant amount of cargo locally, playing a crucial role in the regional supply chain, regardless of its global standing.




What are the Different Types of Ports?


Types of Seaports


The word "seaport" covers many facilities for ocean ships. But there are some types you should know:


   Inland Port: It's on a lake, river, or canal that links to the ocean. This lets ships unload cargo nearer to inland places. For example, a factory by a river can use an inland port to send products to big ships easily.



   Dry Port: This is an inland place joined to a seaport by road or rail. Think of it like a big warehouse inland. Goods from the seaport can come here by truck or train to be sorted and sent out.


   Warm-Water Port: The water here doesn't freeze in winter, so it can be used all year. In cold areas, like parts of Russia, these ports are important for non-stop trade.


Seaports also have two main kinds:


   Cruise Ports: These are for people on cruises. They have places for ships to dock and things for tourists, like shops and places to check passports.


   Cargo Ports: These handle goods. Bulk ports deal with things like big amounts of grain or single heavy things. Container ports handle goods in boxes. Most cargo ports can manage different types of cargo, but you should check if there are any rules about what you can send to avoid problems with your shipment.



When Will I Need an Airport, and When Will I Need a Seaport?


Air Freight vs Ocean Freight


Air freight is fast and reliable. It's great for urgent and valuable things like fresh food or important docs. But it gets pricey for shipments over 500 kg and can't carry as much as cargo ships.


Ocean freight is cheaper for big loads like cars or furniture. But it often has delays. Bad weather can slow ships down.


More things are seen as risky to ship by air than by sea. Planes have some risks too, like engine trouble, but it's very rare.


Sea freight is more environmentally friendly than air freight


To pick which is best, think about your budget, how much you're sending, and how fast it needs to go.


The place of the port matters. Generally speaking, most airports are located in non-congested areas because most people will give priority to sea transportation.

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Port Code List Top 10


Here are the codes of some of the world's busiest and largest seaports based on cargo volume:


- CNSHA: This is for Shanghai, China. It handled about 33.62 million TEUs (twenty-foot equal units). Shanghai is a major global trade hub with a vast port complex.


- SGSIN: Singapore's port, with 32.63 million TEUs. Singapore is a key player in global shipping and trade. People know it for its efficient port operations.


- CNSZX: Shenzhen, China, had 23.28 million TEUs. Shenzhen's port has experienced significant growth. It is vital to the region's economy.


- HKHKG: Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, recorded 22.35 million TEUs. It has a well-established and busy port that plays an important role in the global supply chain.


- KRPUS: Busan in South Korea managed 17.69 million TEUs. It is a significant port in Asia, handling a large amount of cargo.


- CNNGB: Ningbo-Zhousan, China, had 17.33 million TEUs. The combined port area is an important part of China's shipping network.


- CNTAO: Qindao (Qingdao), China, saw 15.52 million TEUs. It has a strategic location and participates in various types of cargo shipments.


- CNCAN: Guangzhou Harbor, China, handled 15.31 million TEUs. This port serves the local and regional industries well.


- AEJEA: Jebel Ali in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, had 13.64 million TEUs. It has become a major port in the Middle East, facilitating trade in the region.


- CNTSN: Tianjin, China, recorded 13.01 million TEUs. Tianjin's port is an important gateway for trade in northern China.



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