Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE CN DAL

Dalian, China

China · 38.92° N, 121.67° E · Also listed as Dairen; Dalian; Dalian Wan; Ta Cien; Ta Lien

The World Port Index classes Dalian as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Yellow Sea. It records a channel depth of 23.2 m and a cargo pier depth of 17.1 m. Norfolk is 11,390 km away in a straight line.

11,390 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
23.2 m
Cargo pier depth
17.1 m
From Norfolk
11,390 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Yingkou200 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Of the 24 ports in China with guides here, Dalian records the deepest channel in the index.

Channel depth
23.2 m
Anchorage depth
23.2 m
Cargo pier depth
17.1 m
Oil terminal depth
23.2 m
Tidal range
3 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Dalian is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
Yes
Entrance restricted by ice
Yes

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 100 tons and over.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Floating cranes
Yes
Lifts of 100 tons and over
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated major.

Repairs
Major
Dry dock
Medium
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with China

US exports, 2025
$106.0BLed by electrical machinery and equipment
US imports, 2025
$308.7BLed by electrical machinery and equipment

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for China

Other ports in China

The nearest is Yingkou, 200 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.