Shanghai is shifting from scale expansion to capacity enhancement to build an international shipping center during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030.
The port of Shanghai, the world's largest container port for 16 straight years, handled 55.06 million TEUs in 2025. It aims for an annual throughput of 58 million TEUs during the plan period.
Chu Beiping, president of Shanghai Maritime University, said at a recent forum that talent supply, rule-making capacity and international discourse influence are key to elevating the center's status.
The university launched China's first undergraduate program in international cruise management in 2025, enrolling 31 students to address a shortage of high-end maritime talent. Dean Wu Xianhua noted the program integrates industry and education to build practical skills, language proficiency and an international outlook.
Liu Xin, director of the Transport Planning and Research Institute, stressed that Shanghai must strengthen facility resilience, global resource allocation, intelligent green development and financial legal support.
