Shanghai aims to raise annual container throughput to 58 million TEU during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), building on 55.06 million TEU handled in 2025, reports China Daily.

Experts at the Shanghai International Shipping Center Capacity Enhancement Think Tank Forum stated that the city's evolution into a global shipping hub is shifting from scale expansion to capacity enhancement. Chu Beiping, president of Shanghai Maritime University, emphasized that talent supply, rule-making, and international discourse influence are vital to strengthening the center's status.

Mr. Chu urged the industry to focus on emerging needs by developing interdisciplinary fields, cultivating professionals with cross-disciplinary skills, and building a demand-driven knowledge hub aligned with global standards.

Liu Xin, director of the Transport Planning and Research Institute at the Ministry of Transport, remarked that Shanghai represents the highest level of China's shipping center development and supports national supply chain stability. He added that the city must sharpen its soft power during the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Mr. Liu outlined four priorities: resilience and safety of facilities, global shipping resource allocation, leadership in intelligent and green development, and comprehensive financial and legal support. He stated that Shanghai should strive for leadership in scale, efficiency, resilience, integrated services, intelligence, green growth, and economic vitality.