I. Overview of Guangzhou and Shenzhen International Shipping Ports

1. Guangzhou Port

• Core Hub: Guangzhou Port is the largest comprehensive hub in South China, with a 2024 container throughput exceeding 33 million TEUs (4th globally) and 131 international shipping routes.
• Key Facilities: Nansha Port Area serves as its deep-water core, offering integrated "sea-rail intermodal" services linking the Pearl River Delta manufacturing base to Europe and ASEAN markets.
• Policy Incentives: Since 2023, 50% of local port dues have been waived to reduce logistics costs for enterprises 
  
  

2. Shenzhen Port

• Global Ranking: Shenzhen Port ranked 4th globally in 2024 with 33.38 million TEUs and over RMB 4.11 trillion in foreign trade value.
• Port Cluster: Yantian Port specializes in transcontinental routes, Shekou Port focuses on intra-Asia and cross-border e-commerce, and Chiwan Port handles regional cargo.
• Automation: AGV unmanned vehicles and smart cargo systems cut labor costs by 40% 
  
  

II. Terminal Core Services Comparison

Common Services

1. Vessel Services:

   • Pilotage, tugboat assistance (Yantian Port: RMB 400–630/container; Nansha Port: tiered fees by tonnage).
   • Fuel supply and waste management 
     
     

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Container Loading/Unloading: Yantian Port charges RMB 583/20ft, while Nansha Port offers lower rates at RMB 540/20ft 
     
     
   • Dangerous Goods: Shenzhen provides isolated storage (RMB 200/day for 20ft), while Guangzhou requires additional inspection fees 
     
     

3. Value-Added Services:

   • Cold chain storage (30% premium for refrigerated containers in Yantian).
   • Bonded logistics (Nansha supports cross-border e-commerce "single-item fulfillment") 
     
     

Unique Services

• Shenzhen: Port security fees resumed in 2025 (RMB 30/20ft laden container).
• Guangzhou: "Sea-Air Intermodal" routes from Pazhou Terminal to Hong Kong Airport, enabling luggage check-through and tax refunds 
  
  

III. Fee Standards & Policy Analysis

Government-Regulated Fees

Market-Adjusted Fees

• VGM Weighing (Shekou Port): Pre-registration RMB 100/container; on-site weighing RMB 400–600/container.
• Demurrage (Nansha): RMB 50/day for 20ft containers after 7-day free period.
• LCL Surcharges: Shenzhen Jindada Warehouse charges RMB 80/order + RMB 11/CBM 
  
  

IV. Cost Optimization Strategies

1. Policy Utilization:
   • Leverage Guangzhou’s port dues waiver and Shenzhen’s 10–15% discounts for eco-friendly vessels 
     
     
2. Service Bundling:
   • Use LCL consolidation to reduce empty container fees (e.g., Shenzhen-Brazil routes save 50%).
   • Utilize free trade zones (Nansha, Qianhai) to avoid demurrage 
     
     
3. Digital Tools:
   • Accelerate customs clearance via China’s "Single Window" system (processing time: 2 hours)