Port of Rizhao shipping covers one of China's largest bulk ports, on the southern coast of Shandong, which also moved 7.37 million TEU of containers in 2025. Iron ore, coal, crude oil and logs make Rizhao a heavyweight in tonnes, while its Shijiu area runs a fully automated container terminal. This guide explains the port areas, what each cargo type means for you and China's customs rules at the port. It covers both directions: shipping from Rizhao to Dubai, the main flow, and shipping from Dubai to Rizhao.
Port of Rizhao: key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Rizhao, southern coast of Shandong, on the Yellow Sea |
| UN/LOCODE | CNRZH |
| Port group | Shandong Port Group (Rizhao Port) |
| Main port areas | Shijiu and Lanshan (Lanbei is part of the Lanshan side) |
| Container throughput 2025 | 7.37 million TEU, up 9.8% (2024: 6.71 million TEU) |
| Rank | 10th among China's container ports in 2025; 32nd in the Lloyd's List Top 100 Ports 2026 |
| Total cargo 2024 | 552 million tonnes, 10th in China |
| Iron ore imports, January to July 2025 | 74.77 million tonnes, first in China |
| Crude oil terminals | Four 300,000-tonne terminals and one 100,000-tonne terminal |
| Container automation | Fully automated container terminal at Shijiu, opened 9 October 2021 |
| Rail | Two railways of over 1,000 km run into the port, including the Watang to Rizhao heavy-haul line |
| Export customs | China Customs; export declared 24 hours before loading |
| Usual UAE port | Jebel Ali, Dubai; a Lanshan to Abu Dhabi service opened in August 2025 |
Where is the Port of Rizhao and what does it serve?
The Port of Rizhao sits on the southern shore of the Shandong Peninsula, facing the Yellow Sea. It is a natural deep-water port. Qingdao lies up the coast to the north and Lianyungang down the coast to the south, so the three ports compete for much of the same cargo.
Rizhao's hinterland is southern Shandong and, by rail, Henan, Shanxi and the wider Yellow River basin. Port-related industry makes up over 85% of the city's above-scale industrial output, according to city officials quoted by China Daily.
A simple rule: if your supplier is in southern Shandong, Linyi or Jining, Rizhao is often the nearest seaport. If your supplier is in Qingdao, Jinan or Yantai, or if you need many weekly sailings, Qingdao is usually the stronger choice.
Should you load at Rizhao, Qingdao or Lianyungang?
| Your situation | Port to look at first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk cargo: ore, coal, logs, grain, crude | Rizhao | Large bulk berths and heavy-haul rail into the port |
| Containers from southern Shandong | Rizhao or Qingdao | Compare trucking cost against the number of sailings |
| Containers needing frequent long-haul sailings | Qingdao | Denser container network (34.2 million TEU in 2025) |
| Cargo from northern Jiangsu or the land bridge rail | Lianyungang | Closer and on the rail land bridge |
| Cargo for Abu Dhabi | Ask about the Lanshan to Abu Dhabi service | A route opened in August 2025 |
Compare the total cost to your door, not only the ocean freight. Inland trucking in China, the sailing frequency and any transshipment all change the answer.
How is the Port of Rizhao laid out?
Rizhao has two main port areas. Wikipedia counts 46 deep-water berths across them, a figure from 2012 that has grown since, so treat it as a floor rather than today's count.
Shijiu port area
Shijiu is the older area. Shijiu Port opened in 1986, and it is where the automated container terminal sits. On 9 October 2021 Rizhao opened a fully automated container terminal at Shijiu, built on an existing conventional terminal. China Daily described it as the world's first side-loading, parallel-layout automated container terminal. It uses remote-controlled quay cranes, automated rail-mounted yard cranes and driverless trucks, and the port reports energy use per container cut by about 50%.
Lanshan port area
Lanshan is the second main area. In August 2025 Rizhao opened a new route from Lanshan to Abu Dhabi. The Lanbei part of the area grew export volume by 38.54% from January to July 2025, led by steel slag products.
| Area | Main cargo | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Shijiu | Containers (automated terminal) | Automated container terminal; check the terminal on the booking |
| Lanshan, including Lanbei | Steel and slag product exports, the Abu Dhabi route | Confirm the berth with the carrier |
| Crude oil terminals | Crude oil on very large tankers | Charter business, not liner shipping |
The berth on your booking decides where the truck goes and when the cut-off falls. A wrong port area on the trucking order can mean a missed vessel.
What cargo moves through the Port of Rizhao?
Rizhao is bigger in tonnes than its container rank suggests. Officials say it ranks first in China in six cargo categories and handles over 10 million tonnes in nine others.
| Cargo | Published figure | How it moves |
|---|---|---|
| Iron ore | 74.77 million tonnes imported, January to July 2025, first in China | Large ore carriers on charter, then rail or conveyor to steel mills |
| Logs | Over 6 million cubic metres, January to July 2025, about one third of China's total | Bulk or breakbulk vessels |
| Crude oil | Four 300,000-tonne and one 100,000-tonne crude terminals | Tankers to refineries by pipeline |
| Coal | Watang to Rizhao rail line carried over 103 million tonnes in 2022 | Heavy-haul trains to the port, then bulk ships |
| Steel and slag products | Lanbei exports up 38.54%, January to July 2025 | Breakbulk vessels or containers |
| Containers | 7.37 million TEU in 2025 | FCL and LCL through the Shijiu automated terminal and other berths |
For a Dubai buyer, the container and breakbulk lines matter most. The ore, coal and crude flows are mostly inbound to China and move on charter terms.
Shipping from Rizhao to Dubai: FCL and LCL
Most general cargo from Rizhao to the UAE travels in containers to Jebel Ali. You have two choices.
- FCL (full container load). You book a whole 20ft or 40ft box, stuffed at your supplier's factory. It suits larger orders and goods you do not want handled with others.
- LCL (less than container load). Your cartons share a box with other shippers. Rizhao's container network is thinner than Qingdao's, and some forwarders advise sending small container lots through Qingdao instead. Ask us to price both.
Rizhao has fewer long-haul container services than Qingdao or Shanghai. Ask the carrier whether your service runs direct to the Gulf or transships at another hub, and where. Ask about the Lanshan to Abu Dhabi route if your consignee is closer to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi than to Dubai.
[AMIR-FACT: our real transit time from Rizhao to Jebel Ali (direct or via transshipment, and where) and the carriers or services we usually book for Rizhao cargo]
For container types and how we book space, see our sea freight service.
Rail into the port: how inland cargo reaches Rizhao
Rizhao is the only Chinese port with two railways of over 1,000 km running into its yard, according to China Daily. The best known is the Watang to Rizhao heavy-haul line from Shanxi through Henan, built mainly for coal. It carried 73.9 million tonnes in 2020 and over 103 million tonnes in 2022, and connects with seven major rail routes.
Rail now carries containers too. In March 2026 Shandong Port Group started a Xinxiang to Rizhao sea-rail service from Henan, its 108th sea-rail train service and Rizhao's first sea-rail service for chemical products. For a supplier in Henan or further west, a sea-rail box through Rizhao can replace a long truck run to the coast.
A decision rule: if the factory is more than a day's drive from the port, ask us to price sea-rail against road. Book the train against the vessel cut-off, because the two legs run on separate schedules.
Breakbulk, steel and project cargo from Rizhao
Rizhao's steel industry and the Lanbei export flows mean breakbulk is a routine part of the port. Steel products, slag products and machinery that do not suit containers move on general cargo vessels. Pieces that fit by size and weight can go on flat racks or open tops on container services, which usually means more sailings.
We plan breakbulk and project cargo from Rizhao in this order:
- Collect dimensions, weights, lifting points and centre of gravity for each piece.
- Choose between a flat rack on a container service and a breakbulk or heavy-lift vessel.
- Agree lashing and stowage with the carrier and confirm the berth at Shijiu or Lanshan.
- Plan the delivery at Jebel Ali or Khalifa Port, including trailers and road permits in the UAE.
Our break bulk and project cargo service covers the UAE end. Bulk buyers who charter whole ships can read about our dry and liquid bulk cargo service.
Dangerous goods and chemicals through Rizhao
Chemical cargo is growing at Rizhao. The first sea-rail chemical service started in 2026, and the port handles crude oil and liquid bulk. For containerised dangerous goods the rules are national and international, and each terminal decides which classes it accepts and how long a DG box may wait in the yard.
China Customs inspects the packaging used for exported dangerous goods. Since July 2024 a nationwide pilot lets qualified exporters ship several batches after one on-site check, with classes 6.2 and 7 excluded. Sea DG moves under the IMDG Code, 2024 edition (Amendment 42-24), mandatory since 1 January 2026.
- UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group.
- Safety Data Sheet for each product.
- China Customs packaging inspection results.
- Signed DG declaration and container packing certificate.
- Labels on packages and placards on the container.
Get carrier and terminal acceptance before the truck or train is booked. Some DG classes have short storage limits at Jebel Ali, so plan the Dubai clearance before the box sails. Our dangerous goods shipping team checks the papers first.
Export customs at the Port of Rizhao
Exports through Rizhao are cleared by China Customs under the same national rules as any Chinese port, which our Shanghai guide covers in more detail. The short version:
- The consignor, usually your supplier, 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 a Registration of Foreign Trade Operators and be recorded with customs.
What is specific to Rizhao is the bonded zone and rail cargo. Rizhao has a bonded zone, and its bonded import and export value rose 120% in the first seven months of 2025. If your goods come out of the bonded zone or arrive by train from inland, ask your supplier where the export declaration is filed and make sure the value matches the invoice you give Dubai Customs.
Documents for a Rizhao to Dubai shipment
| Document | Prepared by | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Supplier | China export declaration and Dubai Customs |
| Packing list | Supplier | Both customs authorities and weight checks |
| China export declaration | Supplier or its broker | Export clearance before loading |
| Rail waybill, if sea-rail | Rail operator | Rail leg to the port |
| Bill of lading | Carrier or forwarder | Title to the goods and release in Dubai |
| Certificate of origin | Issuing body in China | Dubai Customs declaration |
| SDS and DG papers, if any | Supplier | Carrier acceptance and port rules |
| UAE permit, if restricted | Consignee | Release of restricted goods in Dubai |
How to ship from Rizhao to Dubai
Shipping from Rizhao to Dubai is the main flow on this lane: Chinese goods coming into the UAE. You buy from a supplier near Rizhao, we book the cargo with the carrier and handle everything once it lands in the UAE.
- Agree the Incoterm with your supplier. FOB Rizhao is usually simplest, because the supplier handles Chinese export clearance. Our Incoterms guide for sea freight explains who pays for each leg.
- Send us the cargo details: commodity, HS code, weight, volume or dimensions, supplier address, ready date and any DG.
- Get a quote and routing. We confirm the port area, the sailing and whether it goes direct or via a hub, and compare Rizhao with Qingdao where that helps.
- Book space with the carrier and arrange origin pickup. The carrier or its trucking contractor collects the empty box or the cargo at the factory; if it comes by rail, the train is fixed against the vessel cut-off.
- Export documents at origin are handled by the shipper or its origin agent: the China export declaration, invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. For DG, heavy or out-of-gauge cargo we get carrier acceptance before this point.
- Check UAE permits for restricted goods and apply before the cargo sails.
- We check the draft bill of lading against the invoice and packing list.
- We file the UAE customs declaration before arrival, so clearance is ready when the vessel berths.
- Duty, VAT and local charges are paid, the delivery order is issued and we truck the cargo to your site in the UAE.
Customs clearance and delivery in the UAE
Dubai Customs charges 5% duty on the CIF value of most goods, with 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes, and import VAT also applies. To file a declaration you need a Dubai Customs business code, or a licensed clearing agent can file with your authorisation. Most cargo from Rizhao lands at Jebel Ali; our Jebel Ali port guide covers terminals, trucking and declaration types there.
How to ship from Dubai to Rizhao
Shipping from Dubai to Rizhao is the export direction: you sell from the UAE to a buyer in southern Shandong or further inland. We run the UAE end and the buyer, or a clearing agent it appoints, clears the goods in China.
- Agree the Incoterm with the buyer. Under CFR or CIF Rizhao we book the sea leg; under FOB the buyer's forwarder books it and we handle the UAE side.
- Check the HS code and any Chinese import licence with the buyer before you sell, not after the box sails.
- We book space with a carrier from Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah, whichever is closest to your goods and has a suitable service. For Rizhao, ask whether the service runs direct or transships at another Chinese hub.
- We arrange the empty container, stuffing at your site or a warehouse, and trucking to the port before the cut-off.
- We prepare the UAE export or re-export declaration, the invoice and packing list checks, and the certificate of origin if the buyer needs one.
- For DG we check the SDS, packaging, labels and DG declaration, and confirm the Chinese terminal accepts the class before booking.
- After sailing we release the bill of lading and send the buyer the document set early.
- The buyer or its clearing agent files the Chinese import declaration within 14 days of the vessel's arrival declaration, as China Customs rules require, and arranges delivery in China.
Our Dubai freight forwarding team handles both directions from the UAE side and works with your supplier or buyer and their agent in China.
What affects the cost of shipping from Rizhao?
| Cost part | What moves it |
|---|---|
| Origin trucking or rail | Distance to Shijiu or Lanshan, sea-rail against road |
| Origin port and export charges | Terminal handling, export declaration, LCL trucked to Qingdao |
| Ocean freight | Direct or transshipment service, container type, season, surcharges |
| DG and out-of-gauge | DG surcharges, packaging inspection, flat rack or breakbulk premiums |
| Dubai charges and duty | Terminal handling, delivery order, 5% duty on CIF value |
| Delays | Demurrage and detention when free time runs out |
Checklist before you ship through Rizhao
- Incoterm agreed and written in the contract.
- Port area confirmed on the booking: Shijiu or Lanshan.
- Direct or transshipment service confirmed, with the hub named.
- Rizhao compared with Qingdao on total cost if the factory sits between them.
- Rail plan fixed early for sea-rail cargo.
- HS code confirmed and UAE duty checked.
- Invoice, packing list and draft bill of lading match on weights, pieces and consignee.
- For DG: SDS, packaging inspection results, DG declaration and carrier acceptance.
- Lunar New Year factory closures built into the plan.
Common mistakes when shipping through Rizhao
- Assuming a direct sailing. A transshipment adds days and handling, so ask before you book.
- Choosing Rizhao for a small LCL lot. Qingdao often has more consolidation options.
- Putting the wrong port area on the trucking order.
- Booking rail and ocean separately. A late train misses the ship.
- Sending chemicals without an SDS or advance DG declaration.
- Values that do not match. The Chinese export value and the Dubai invoice should agree.
Frequently asked questions
What is the port code for Rizhao?
The UN/LOCODE for the Port of Rizhao is CNRZH. You will see it on bookings, bills of lading and tracking systems.
How big is the Port of Rizhao?
Rizhao handled 7.37 million TEU of containers in 2025, up 9.8%, and 552 million tonnes of total cargo in 2024. It ranked 10th in China for containers in 2025 and 10th for total cargo in 2024.
Which port area does my container load at?
The automated container terminal is in the Shijiu port area, while the Lanshan to Abu Dhabi route loads at Lanshan. Your carrier's booking names the port area, so check it before you book the truck.
Is there a direct service from Rizhao to the UAE?
Rizhao opened a route from Lanshan to Abu Dhabi in August 2025. For Jebel Ali, ask the carrier whether your service is direct or transships, and at which hub.
Should I ship from Rizhao or Qingdao?
For bulk, steel and cargo from southern Shandong, Rizhao is often closer and cheaper to reach. For small LCL lots or when you need frequent long-haul sailings, Qingdao usually has more options.
Can cargo reach Rizhao by rail?
Yes. Two railways of over 1,000 km run into the port, including the Watang to Rizhao heavy-haul line, and Shandong Port Group runs sea-rail container trains such as the Xinxiang to Rizhao service from Henan.
Can I ship chemicals from Rizhao to Dubai?
Yes, if the carrier and terminal accept the class. You need an SDS, China Customs packaging inspection results, a DG declaration and IMDG labels and placards.
How does shipping from Rizhao to Dubai work?
Your supplier or its origin agent clears the goods for export in China, and we book the cargo with the carrier. When it reaches Jebel Ali we clear it with Dubai Customs, arrange payment of the duty and VAT, and deliver it to your site.
How does shipping from Dubai to Rizhao work?
We book space from Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah, truck and load the cargo, and file the UAE export or re-export declaration. The Chinese buyer or its clearing agent files the import declaration within 14 days of the vessel's arrival declaration.
Get a quote for Port of Rizhao shipping
Send us your cargo details and we will come back with a routing and a price for shipping between Rizhao and the UAE. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team if you want to talk through a breakbulk, rail or DG shipment first.
Sources
- Lloyd's List: 32 Rizhao (China), Top 100 Ports 2026 (2025 and 2024 TEU, growth)
- The Nation: China's top 10 ports by 2025 container throughput (Ministry of Transport data)
- China Daily: Rizhao builds port-city model (552 million tonnes, rank, railways, Shijiu 1986)
- Hellenic Shipping News / China Daily: Rizhao Port powers Shandong's export surge (Abu Dhabi route, iron ore, logs, Lanbei, bonded zone)
- China Daily: Rizhao boosts port economy (crude oil terminals, automated terminal energy use)
- Hellenic Shipping News: Watang to Rizhao heavy-haul railway volumes
- China Services Info: SPG adds 108th sea-rail train service, Xinxiang to Rizhao (March 2026)
- Wikipedia: Port of Rizhao (location, port areas, 46 berths in 2012)
- iContainers: Port of Rizhao (UN/LOCODE, port areas, cargo types)
- Bofeng Logistics: Rizhao Port (container network compared with Qingdao)
- Shanghai Municipal Government: China customs registration and declaration rules
- CIRS: China customs batch inspection pilot for DG packaging (July 2024)
- IMO: IMDG Code 2024 edition (Amendment 42-24)
- Dubai Customs: FAQ (duty, business code, clearing agents)
Reviewed: 10 November 2026