Insight Focus
COSCO SHIPPING Ports operates a global network of terminals. With key assets in Europe and 375 berths globally, CSP strengthens its role in global supply chains. Despite challenges, CSP grew throughput 6% in 2024 and boosted profits in early 2025.
COSCO SHIPPING Ports (CSP) serves as the terminal operating arm of China’s state-owned shipping conglomerate, COSCO. CSP plays a critical role in enhancing China’s presence in key international shipping hubs and bolstering the country’s influence among global maritime stakeholders.
The company has invested heavily in both domestic Chinese terminals and overseas assets. Currently, CSP operates 375 berths across 39 ports worldwide, with 226 berths dedicated to container cargo. This extensive network positions the company as a crucial player in global supply chains.
CSP’s terminal portfolio is divided into assets located within China and those in the rest of the world. A detailed overview of the company’s terminal portfolio is available on its website.
CSP Expands Across Europe Through Piraeus
COSCO SHIPPING Ports has established a robust presence in key European container terminals. Among its most strategic assets is Piraeus Port in Greece, a vital node in the maritime logistics chain. Under regular shipping conditions, Piraeus is the first European port of call for vessels transiting the Suez Canal and destined for Europe, making it a critical access point to the continent’s market.
Piraeus Port, Athens
In addition to Piraeus, CSP also holds stakes in:
- Two terminals in Belgium
- Two terminals in Spain
- One terminal in the Netherlands
This broad European presence significantly enhances COSCO’s operational influence across the continent.
Throughput and Profits Surge
In 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Ports continued its upward trajectory with solid operational and financial results.
The company handled a total throughput of 144 million TEUs, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Of this volume, 32.6 million TEUs came from terminals in which the group holds a controlling stake, while the remaining 111.4 million TEUs were handled at non-controlling terminals. Both segments recorded a 6% year-over-year growth.
Source: CSP
Financially, the company generated revenues of USD 1.5 billion, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the previous year. However, gross profit slightly declined by 1%, amounting to USD 417 million, and profit attributable to equity shareholders fell by 4.8% to USD 309 million.
The company highlighted that it would prioritize global resource deployment as its core development strategy during the current year, continuously enhancing the service efficiency of its existing global network.
Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2025, COSCO SHIPPING Ports reported strong performance despite a challenging global environment marked by weak economic momentum, rising protectionism and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Source: CSP
Total throughput during the quarter reached 35.75 million TEU, of which 7.95 million TEU were handled at group-controlled terminals and 27.8 million TEU at non-controlling terminals. Revenue for the quarter rose by 14.7% year-over-year to USD 381.5 million, while gross profit increased by 20.2% to USD 105.2 million.
“In the first quarter of 2025, amid insufficient global economic growth momentum, rising trade protectionism, and persistent geopolitical tensions, China relied on its powerful industrial capacity, efficient global supply chain management and continuous improvement in competitiveness to show strong tenacity in the face of these challenges,” commented a company spokesperson.
