BUSINESS

COSCO Shipping Ports to Expand Global Network Amid Geopolitical Risks

Published: Mar. 19, 2026 3:33 a.m. GMT+8

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COSCO Shipping Ports, the port-operating unit of state-owned giant Cosco Shipping, reported a 6.2% rise in total throughput to 153 million TEUs in 2025. Photo: VCG

COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd. is expanding its global port network to counter rising geopolitical risks roiling the shipping industry, the company’s chairman said Wednesday.

“The intensifying international geopolitical competition has profoundly affected our industry,” chairman Zhu Tao said at an earnings call. “As customer demand and geopolitics evolve, expanding our port footprint remains a critical response.”

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COSCO Shipping Ports saw a 6.2% rise in 2025 throughput to 153 million TEUs, with overseas terminals up 11.5% and profit from these increasing 22.9% to $78.5 million.
The company is expanding globally to counter geopolitical risks, focusing investments in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, and addressing disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz incident.
COSCO is rumored to be negotiating for CK Hutchison port assets, facing regulatory scrutiny and complications from Panama’s takeover of two Hutchison ports.

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Who’s Who

COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd.: COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd. (中远海运港口有限公司) is expanding its global port network to mitigate geopolitical risks. The company reported a 6.2% rise in total throughput to 153 million TEUs in 2025 across 50 terminals in 40 ports worldwide, with overseas terminals contributing significantly to profit growth. They are exploring investments in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Cosco Shipping: COSCO Shipping, a state-owned Chinese giant, is expanding its global port network to navigate geopolitical risks. Its port-operating unit, COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd., reported increased throughput in 2025, with overseas terminals showing significant profit growth. The company is investing in emerging markets and exploring alternative channels to counter disruptions like those in the Strait of Hormuz. It is also rumored to be pursuing CK Hutchison's international port assets.

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.: CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. is a conglomerate controlled by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing's family, rumored to be selling its portfolio of 43 ports in 23 countries. COSCO Shipping is reportedly a suitor for these assets. The Panamanian government recently took over two ports operated by a CK Hutchison subsidiary, leading to arbitration and a $2 billion compensation claim.

BlackRock: BlackRock, as part of a consortium with TiL, is pursuing the acquisition of 41 international port assets from CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. This information was reported by the Financial Times on March 3, citing anonymous sources. BlackRock's involvement highlights its interest in global infrastructure and logistics, even amidst geopolitical complexities.

TiL: A BlackRock-TiL consortium is reportedly pursuing the remaining 41 international ports from CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. The Financial Times, citing sources, reported on March 3 that COSCO Shipping is also involved in these negotiations.

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What Happened When

2025：: COSCO Shipping Ports reported a 6.2% rise in total throughput to 153 million TEUs across 50 terminals in 40 ports worldwide.

2025：: Profit from overseas terminals climbed 22.9% to $78.5 million, lifting overall terminal profit 4.5% to $444 million.

2025：: Operations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East saw profit surge 86.2% to about $66.9 million, helping offset combined annual loss of $17.8 million from Chancay, Guinea, and Seattle terminals.

February 28, 2026：: A military raid on Iran by Israel and the U.S. took place, which led to the obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz.

Late February 2026：: Panamanian government took over two ports operated by a CK Hutchison subsidiary.

March 3, 2026：: Financial Times reported that a BlackRock-TiL consortium was still pursuing the remaining 41 ports, with COSCO Shipping also involved in negotiations.

March 18, 2026：: COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd. chairman Zhu Tao spoke at an earnings call, discussed expansion strategy, and responded to questions about potential acquisition and operational impacts of recent geopolitical events.

As of 2026：: China’s state-owned asset regulator stated any potential port asset deal must undergo regulatory review before implementation; China’s Foreign Ministry stated it would take necessary measures to protect legitimate rights of Chinese companies.

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