Port of Dalian shipping is the main sea route out of northeast China: Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang and the eastern part of Inner Mongolia. The port handled about 5.5 million TEU in 2025, and most of its containers move through one large terminal at Dayaowan. This guide explains the port areas, the container terminal, rail links, the direct Middle East service, export rules and how to ship from Dalian to Dubai. We ship both ways: from Dalian to Dubai, and from Dubai to Dalian.
Port of Dalian guide: key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Liaoning province, on the Yellow Sea |
| Operator | Liaoning Port Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong listed, 2880) |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Container throughput (2025) | 5,482,000 TEU, up 1.5% (Lloyd's List); Dalian's own figure is 5.41 million TEU, up 2.2% |
| World ranking | 42nd in Lloyd's List One Hundred Container Ports 2026 |
| Main container terminal | Dalian Container Terminal (DCT), Dayaowan: 14 berths, 4,390 m of quay |
| Deepest container berth | 17.8 m at chart datum (DCT) |
| Container routes | 108 liner routes to more than 300 ports in over 160 countries and regions |
| Sea-rail containers (2025) | Over 540,000 TEU, up 5.8% |
| Winter | Described as the most northern ice-free port in China |
| UN/LOCODE | CNDLC |
| Export customs | China Customs; declaration 24 hours before loading |
| Usual UAE discharge port | Jebel Ali, Dubai |
| Dubai to Dalian | Import declared by the Chinese consignee or its customs broker within 14 days of the ship's arrival declaration |
Where is the Port of Dalian and what does it serve?
Dalian sits at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, where the Bohai Sea meets the Yellow Sea. It is the deep-water gateway for the three northeastern provinces. Dalian's government says the Dayaowan port area alone handles over 70% of northeast China's foreign trade cargo.
For a Dubai buyer, Dalian matters when your supplier is in Liaoning, Jilin or Heilongjiang. Cities such as Shenyang, Changchun and Harbin are far from Shanghai or the South China ports, and a long truck south costs more than it saves. If your supplier is in Beijing or Hebei, compare Tianjin. If it is in Shandong, ask about Qingdao. For the Yangtze River Delta, our Shanghai guide covers the main alternative.
Which load port for a northeast China supplier?
| Supplier location | Load port to ask for first | When to compare another |
|---|---|---|
| Dalian and southern Liaoning | Dalian (Dayaowan) | Rarely worth it |
| Shenyang and central Liaoning | Dalian, by truck or rail | Compare Yingkou, another Liaoning port, if the sailing suits |
| Jilin (Changchun) | Dalian, often by train | Ask whether the box can clear customs inland |
| Heilongjiang (Harbin) | Dalian, often by train | Check the rail cut-off against the vessel |
| Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei | Tianjin | Dalian only if its Middle East service fits better |
| Shandong | Qingdao | Dalian rarely saves money |
Which port areas does Dalian have?
The Port of Dalian is spread around several bays. Port data lists the main areas as the western bay, the northern bay, and the eastern bay at Dayao Bay on the Dagushan Peninsula. Older areas around Dalian Bay are being redeveloped, and many berths have moved to reclaimed land.
| Area or terminal | Main cargo | Published limit |
|---|---|---|
| Dayaowan | Containers, general cargo, grain, vehicles | Container berths to 17.8 m (DCT) |
| Beiliang | Grain and bulk | 80,000 DWT, 15.5 m draft |
| Nianyuwan | Crude oil | 300,000 DWT, 24 m draft |
| Dagushan | Iron ore | 300,000 DWT, 23 m draft |
| Xingang | Oil products | 50,000 DWT, 13 m draft |
| Ganjingzi | Coal | 10,000 DWT, 9.5 m draft |
Port data describes the Beiliang grain terminal as the largest in Asia. Dalian is also the oil products transshipment centre for northeast China. None of this changes much for a container shipper, but it explains why Dalian has strong bulk and tanker traffic alongside its box trade.
The Dayaowan container terminal (DCT)
Almost all containers at Dalian move through Dalian Container Terminal at Dayao Bay. In August 2017 the three former container operators, DCT, DPCT and DICT, were merged into the single DCT. PSA lists it among its terminals.
| Item | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Container berths | 14 |
| Quay length | 4,390 m |
| Area | 235 ha |
| Maximum depth at chart datum | 17.8 m |
| Quay cranes | 33 |
| Designed capacity | 5.6 million TEU a year |
| Services | 24-hour operation, consolidation, deconsolidation, reefer handling, warehousing, packing |
Because one operator runs the container berths, Dalian has fewer wrong-terminal mistakes than Shanghai or Tianjin. You still need the correct berth window and cut-off from the carrier.
DCT also runs a Bohai Rim feeder network. Some cargo from smaller ports in the region reaches Dalian on feeders and then moves onto deep-sea ships. If your supplier quotes from a smaller Liaoning or Bohai port, ask whether the box feeds into Dalian first.
Is there a direct service from Dalian to the Middle East?
Yes. On 26 May 2026 a Dalian-Middle East container service, called SHIKRA, made its first call. Dalian reports eight vessels of 20,000 to 24,000 TEU on the loop, serving ports in India, Pakistan, the UAE and Oman. Lloyd's List says the loop was launched with MSC and is claimed to cut at least 10 days against transshipment routings.
Before that, most Dalian cargo to the Gulf transshipped at another Chinese port or a regional hub. Both options still exist. On each quote, ask whether the service calls Jebel Ali directly or transships, and where.
Route-data sites give indications only. Fluent Cargo lists about 22 days 19 hours from Dalian to Khor Fakkan, with sailings once or twice a week. Freightos shows 31 to 41 days for FCL including pick-up and delivery. Our own figures come from the bookings we make.
[AMIR-FACT: our real port-to-port transit time from Dalian to Jebel Ali, and whether we book the direct Dalian-Middle East loop or a transshipment service]
How does cargo reach Dalian by rail?
Rail is a real option at Dalian, not a sideline. DCT lists dedicated container trains to Changchun, Harbin, Shenyang, Yanji and Manzhouli. Sea-rail volume at the port passed 540,000 TEU in 2025, up 5.8%.
| Inland leg | Usually suits | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Truck to Dayaowan | Suppliers in Dalian and southern Liaoning | Gate pass, cut-off, overweight rules |
| Container train | Shenyang, Changchun, Harbin and further north | Train cut-off, transfer time at the port |
| Feeder from a Bohai port | Suppliers near smaller regional ports | Transshipment time at Dalian |
If your supplier quotes FOB Dalian but sends the box by train from Harbin, the rail leg stays on their side. Write "delivered on board at Dalian" into the contract so a missed train is their problem, not yours.
Does Dalian port freeze in winter?
Dalian is generally described as the most northern ice-free port in China, and it works all year. This is one of its practical advantages over Bohai Bay ports such as Tianjin, where sea ice can slow pilotage in hard winters.
Winter still affects the inland side. Trains and trucks from Harbin or Changchun move in deep cold, and Chinese New Year closes factories for several weeks. A simple rule: for January and February cargo, add buffer to your Dubai delivery date, and confirm the ETA again close to sailing.
What cargo moves from Dalian to Dubai?
Northeast China is heavy industry, cars, chemicals and food. That shapes what Dubai importers buy from the region.
| Cargo | How it usually ships | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery and industrial equipment | Containers, open tops, flat racks | Dimensions, lifting points, carrier acceptance |
| Steel products | 20ft FCL, flat racks or breakbulk | Weight limits, lashing, moisture |
| Vehicles, trucks and wheeled machinery | Ro-Ro or containers | Ro-Ro sailing to the Gulf, UAE vehicle rules |
| Auto parts | FCL or LCL | HS codes, packing |
| Chemicals and coatings | DG containers | SDS, packaging inspection, acceptance |
| Seafood and frozen food | Reefer containers | Set temperature, UAE food rules, health certificate |
Vehicles and Ro-Ro shipping at Dalian
Dalian runs a vehicle export terminal used by FAW, Brilliance BMW and Chery. Since May 2025 customs has offered pre-declaration and direct loading on arrival for vehicle exports. The Dayaowan bonded logistics centre can store over 10,000 vehicles. In June 2025 one Ro-Ro ship left for Mexico with 1,200 cars on board. If you import trucks or cars from the northeast, ask whether a Ro-Ro sailing to the Gulf is available, or whether a container or flat rack works better.
Shipping from Dalian to Dubai: FCL and LCL
Most cargo from Dalian to Dubai travels in containers from Dayaowan into Jebel Ali. FCL suits full orders and goods you want sealed at the factory. LCL suits small orders, samples and first orders from a new supplier. Our article on FCL vs LCL costs shows where the break-even sits, and our sea freight service covers booking and container types.
Dalian sits at the northern end of China's coast, so the sea leg is longer than from South China. LCL from Dalian often consolidates at Dalian, but some cargo is trucked or fed to a larger hub first. Ask where your LCL is loaded and how many times it is handled.
What a Dalian to Dubai shipment timeline includes
| Stage | Where | What can delay it |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo ready and packed | Supplier in northeast China | Production delays, weak export packing |
| Truck or train to Dayaowan | Factory or rail terminal to DCT | Missed train, missed cut-off |
| Export clearance | China Customs | Missing data, inspection, DG results |
| Sailing | Dalian to Jebel Ali | Transshipment, schedule changes |
| Import clearance | Dubai Customs | Late declaration, missing permit |
| Delivery | Jebel Ali to your site | No truck slot, site not ready |
Dangerous goods through Dalian port
Chemicals are among the main exports from northeast China, and paints, resins and lithium batteries are dangerous goods at sea. The rules are national, and carriers check them closely.
- Sea DG moves under the IMDG Code. The 2024 edition with Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory since 1 January 2026.
- China Customs inspects export DG packaging. Since 8 July 2024 a batch inspection pilot lets qualified exporters ship later lots of the same batch after one on-site check. Class 6.2 and Class 7 are excluded.
- Dalian Customs runs a reusable lithium battery packaging scheme, so ask your battery supplier whether it uses it.
- Confirm carrier acceptance for the vessel before the supplier stuffs the container.
Our dangerous goods shipping team checks the SDS, UN number and acceptance before you commit. Our guide to IMDG segregation in containers explains which classes cannot share a box.
Breakbulk and project cargo from Dalian
Dalian is a strong origin for heavy industrial cargo: steel structures, pressure vessels, transformers and production lines. Port data lists lifting capacity from 3 to 120 tonnes on port equipment. Pieces that fit a flat rack can go on a container ship from DCT. Larger pieces need breakbulk or heavy-lift tonnage from a general cargo berth.
Send drawings, weights and lifting points first, and ask which berth the vessel loads at. Our break bulk and project cargo service handles discharge and delivery in the UAE, and our guide to flat racks, open tops and breakbulk helps you choose the equipment.
Export customs at Dalian port in short
Dalian follows the same national China Customs rules as Shanghai and the other Chinese ports, so this is the short version.
- Your supplier, as consignor, files the export declaration itself or through a customs broker.
- The declaration is made once the goods reach the customs supervision area and 24 hours before loading.
- The exporter must hold foreign trade operator registration.
Two local points help. Dalian Customs uses a smart gate where trucks apply for release electronically, and a cloud platform has issued over 400,000 electronic export certificates in 23 categories. Ask your supplier to request a certificate of origin early, since Dubai Customs uses it at import.
Under EXW someone in China still has to act as exporter, so most Dubai buyers find FOB Dalian easier. Our Incoterms guide compares the terms.
Documents for a Dalian to Dubai shipment
| Document | Prepared by | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Supplier | China export declaration and Dubai Customs |
| China export declaration | Supplier or its broker | Export clearance before loading |
| Rail document, if used | Rail operator | Moving the box to Dayaowan |
| Bill of lading | Carrier or forwarder | Release of the cargo in Dubai |
| Certificate of origin | Issuing body in China | Dubai Customs declaration |
| DG papers, if any | Supplier | Carrier acceptance and port rules |
| UAE permit, if restricted | Consignee | Release of restricted goods |
What happens when Dalian cargo arrives in Dubai?
At Jebel Ali the declaration is filed with Dubai Customs by a company holding a customs business code, or by a licensed clearing agent with the owner's authorisation. The declaration carries the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any permit for restricted goods, with the bill of lading for release. Duty is 5% of the CIF value for most goods, 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes. Import VAT is 5%, and a VAT-registered importer that meets the Federal Tax Authority's conditions can account for it on its VAT return. We arrange payment of the duty and VAT. Restricted goods such as food, vehicles and some chemicals need a permit from the relevant UAE authority, so apply before the vessel sails. Our Jebel Ali port guide covers terminals, trucking and declarations at the Dubai end.
How to ship from Dalian to Dubai: step by step
- Agree the Incoterm. FOB Dalian is usually simplest. Write the load port in the contract.
- Send us the cargo details: commodity, HS code, weight, volume or dimensions, supplier city, ready date and any chemicals or batteries.
- Get a quote and routing. We confirm the sailing, whether it is direct or transships, and the cut-off at DCT.
- Agree the inland leg with the supplier: truck or container train.
- Check UAE permits for restricted goods and apply before sailing.
- Book space. For DG, reefer, Ro-Ro or out-of-gauge cargo we get carrier acceptance first.
- The supplier stuffs and seals the container, or delivers LCL cartons to the warehouse before its cut-off.
- The supplier or its broker files the export declaration, and the box reaches Dayaowan before the cut-off.
- We check the draft bill of lading against the invoice and packing list.
- We file the Dubai declaration before arrival, then arrange the delivery order and the truck from Jebel Ali.
Our Dubai freight forwarding team runs the UAE end and works with your supplier on the Dalian side.
How to ship from Dubai to the Port of Dalian
We also handle the other direction: shipping from Dubai to Dalian, loading at Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah port. We run the UAE side and book the space to Dayaowan. Import clearance in China stays with the consignee or its Chinese customs broker.
The UAE export side
- We truck the cargo to the UAE port and file the export declaration with Dubai Customs, with the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
- Restricted goods need a permit from the relevant UAE authority before the declaration.
- For DG we get carrier acceptance and prepare the IMDG papers before the box gates in.
The China import side
- Recordation. The Chinese consignee needs market entity status, registration as a foreign trade operator and customs recordation. Customs decides on recordation within three working days of a complete file.
- Who declares. The consignee can declare to China Customs itself or entrust a customs broker. There is no rule that a broker must be used.
- Timing. The import declaration must be made within 14 days of the declaration of the ship's arrival. After that, customs charges a late declaration fee.
- Duty. The importer is the person obliged to pay customs duty, assessed on the transaction value. Goods under import restrictions are not released without the licence.
- Confirm with the consignee that it is recorded with China Customs and has a broker in Dalian if it needs one.
- Send us the cargo details: commodity, HS code, weight, volume or dimensions, UAE pickup address and any DG content.
- We book space to Dalian, direct or via a hub, and confirm the UAE cut-off.
- We truck the cargo to the port, file the UAE export declaration and gate in before the cut-off.
- We check the bill of lading against the invoice and packing list and send copies to the consignee's broker.
- The consignee or its broker files the China import declaration within 14 days of the arrival declaration and pays the duty and import taxes.
- The consignee collects the delivery order, trucks or rails the box inland and returns the empty.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers we actually use from Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah to Dalian, and our real transit days in this direction]
What affects the cost of shipping from Dalian?
| Cost part | What moves it |
|---|---|
| Inland leg | Truck distance, or the train from Shenyang, Changchun or Harbin |
| Origin charges | Terminal handling, export declaration, LCL consolidation |
| Ocean freight | Container type, season, direct loop or transshipment |
| Special cargo | DG surcharges, reefer, Ro-Ro, flat rack or breakbulk premiums |
| Dubai destination charges | Terminal handling, delivery order, LCL unpacking |
| Duty | CIF value and HS code |
| Delays | Demurrage and detention once free time runs out |
Compare quotes on the same scope: the same Incoterm, the same service type and the same delivery point.
Checklist before you ship from Dalian
- Load port written as Dalian in the contract.
- Direct service or transshipment confirmed on the quote.
- Inland leg agreed: truck or train, and who pays.
- HS code and UAE duty rate checked.
- Chemical and battery content checked against the SDS.
- Reefer temperature and UAE food rules checked for seafood.
- Invoice, packing list and draft bill of lading match.
- Buffer added for January and February sailings.
Common mistakes when shipping through Dalian port
- Choosing Dalian for a supplier in South or East China because one ocean rate looked lower.
- Assuming every Dalian sailing is the direct Middle East loop. Many still transship.
- Missing the train cut-off in Harbin or Changchun, then missing the vessel.
- Late DG paperwork for chemicals or batteries.
- Overweight 20ft containers of steel or machinery parts.
- Applying for UAE food or vehicle permits after arrival, which runs up container charges. Our guide to demurrage and detention explains how those charges build.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Port of Dalian located?
The Port of Dalian is at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in Liaoning province, northeast China, on the Yellow Sea. Its main container terminal is at Dayao Bay.
How big is the Port of Dalian?
Lloyd's List puts Dalian's 2025 container throughput at 5,482,000 TEU, up 1.5%, ranking it 42nd in the world. Dalian's own figure is 5.41 million TEU.
What is the port code for Dalian?
The UN/LOCODE for Dalian is CNDLC. Some references also show CNDAL, so check the code on your booking.
Is Dalian port ice-free?
Yes. Dalian is described as the most northern ice-free port in China and works all year, unlike some Bohai Bay ports that see sea ice in hard winters.
Is there a direct ship from Dalian to Dubai?
A Dalian-Middle East container loop started on 26 May 2026, serving India, Pakistan, the UAE and Oman. Other services transship at a Chinese port or regional hub, so check the routing on each quote.
How do I ship from Dalian to Dubai?
Agree FOB Dalian with your supplier, book FCL or LCL space to Jebel Ali, have the supplier file the China export declaration, then clear the cargo with Dubai Customs. Check DG content and UAE permits before you book.
How do I ship from Dubai to Dalian?
We truck the cargo to Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah, file the UAE export declaration and book space to Dalian. The Chinese consignee, recorded with China Customs, or its broker files the import declaration within 14 days of the ship's arrival declaration and pays the duty.
Can I ship vehicles from Dalian to Dubai?
Yes. Dalian has a vehicle export terminal and runs Ro-Ro sailings, and vehicles can also travel in containers or on flat racks. Check UAE vehicle import rules before you buy.
Can cargo from Harbin or Changchun ship through Dalian?
Yes. Dalian Container Terminal lists dedicated container trains to Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, Yanji and Manzhouli, so inland cargo can reach Dayaowan by rail.
Get a quote for Port of Dalian shipping
Send us your cargo details and supplier city, and we will come back with a routing through Dalian and a price to Dubai. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team to talk through a DG, Ro-Ro or project shipment first.
Sources
- Lloyd's List: 42 Dalian, One Hundred Container Ports 2026 (2025 and 2024 TEU, Middle East loop)
- China Daily Dalian: Dalian expands opening-up through port hubs (2025 TEU, Dayaowan share, Middle East route)
- China Daily Dalian: Widespread transport network (routes, vessel sizes, sea-rail volume)
- PSA: Dalian Container Terminal factsheet, April 2026 (berths, quay, depth, cranes, capacity, trains)
- Wikipedia: Port of Dalian (location, founding, ice-free, terminal merger, lifting capacity)
- Wikipedia: Dalian Port (PDA) Company (Liaoning Port Co., Ltd.)
- SHIPNEXT: Dalian port (port areas, bulk and oil berth limits, UN/LOCODE)
- China Daily: Dalian Customs reforms (smart gate, cloud certificates, Dayaowan vehicle storage)
- China Daily: Dalian Port's Ro-Ro business for commercial vehicles
- iContainers: Port of Dalian (codes, port areas, cargo types)
- Basenton: Introduction to the Port of Dalian (hinterland, export goods)
- Fluent Cargo: Dalian to Dubai (ocean route indication)
- Freightos: Shipping from Dalian to Dubai (transit indication)
- Shanghai Municipal Government: China customs declaration rules (recordation, broker option, 14 days, three working days)
- GACC: Customs Law of the People's Republic of China (14-day import declaration, duty payers, valuation)
- WTO TFA Database: China, use of customs brokers (no mandatory broker)
- Dubai Customs: Submit customs declaration (documents)
- UAE Government portal: Customs duty
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT guide (import VAT at 5%, deferral to the VAT return)
- CIRS: China customs batch inspection pilot for DG packaging (July 2024)
- IMO: IMDG Code 2024 edition (Amendment 42-24)
- Dubai Customs: FAQ (duty rates, business code, clearing agents)
Reviewed: 10 November 2026