Shanghai, Singapore, Los Angeles and Hong Kong Ports lead global list in 2022.

CBRE Global Seaport Review found that international container volumes increased 36.5% year-on-year over the past decade, prompting strong demand for logistics space near seaports. Two factors driving this surge are rising e-commerce sales and inventory holding in order to protect against supply chain disruptions.

Industrial and logistics sectors have seen unprecedented demand as companies expand their real estate footprints to keep pace with e-commerce sales, which have experienced 133% annual growth over the last five years. It’s projected that by 2026 1.7-2.2 billion square feet of additional e-commerce-dedicated logistics space will be necessary for internet sales.

Companies face the daunting challenge of finding warehouse and distribution space that meets expanding customer demand while keeping costs in check. According to CBRE Supply Chain Advisory group estimates, transportation makes up between 45-70% of total logistics expenses – so selecting facilities near seaports may help lower these expenses significantly.

Trade volumes are also on an exponential upward trajectory in an increasingly global consumer landscape. Seaports have transformed over time thanks to container shipping, diversifying cargo types and equipment types, improved intermodal transportation of containers, and innovations in port technology. Today’s global seaports distribute on an expansive scale allowing shipping companies to benefit from economies of scale to reduce costs.

“Companies today are grappling with significant supply chain pressures brought on by shifting consumer preferences, economic unpredictability and an increasing need to insulate manufacturing and distribution processes from disruptions,” noted John Morris of CBRE Industrial & Logistics Americas. As container shipping expands, demand increases for more logistics real estate – particularly within seaport markets.