Singapore Maintains Top Rank in 2026 Shipping Index

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore announced that Singapore has retained its status as the world's leading international shipping center for the 13th consecutive year. In the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI), Singapore scored 99.32 out of 100, supported by record 2025 performance data including 44.66 million TEUs in container throughput and 56.77 million tonnes of marine fuel supplied as the world's largest bunkering hub.

Shanghai climbed to second place with a score of 84.27, overtaking London, which fell to third. This represents Shanghai's highest ranking since the index began in 2014. The city's rise is attributed to its diverse maritime ecosystem, investments in green port development, and digital innovation, alongside a record 55.06 million TEUs in container throughput for 2025. Hong Kong and Dubai rounded out the top five, while Ningbo-Zhoushan rose to sixth place.

The index, jointly published by the Baltic Exchange and Xinhua News Agency, evaluates 43 global centers based on port factors, professional business services, and the general business environment. The 2026 report highlights China's expanding influence in the industry, with seven of its shipping centers now appearing in the global top 20.