- Singapore leads for the 12th consecutive year, maintaining its top spot in the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic Index.
- London and Shanghai hold steady in second and third places, reinforcing their roles as global maritime service hubs.
- Ningbo Zhoushan climbs to seventh, reflecting China’s continued maritime investment; Los Angeles and Vancouver debut in the top 20.
- Report highlights global maritime resilience and a shift toward decarbonisation, with growing focus on green technologies and digital innovation.
Singapore has once again been named the world’s top shipping hub, marking its 12th consecutive year at the summit of the global maritime sector. The recognition comes as part of the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report, which evaluates leading shipping centres based on port operations, professional maritime services, and the overall business environment. London and Shanghai follow closely in second and third places, respectively—both holding steady in their positions over the past five years. The Baltic Exchange jointly releases the report in partnership with Xinhua News Agency.
Global Shipping Hubs Maintain Strong Positions in 2025 ISCDI Rankings
The 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report highlights continued dominance by established maritime hubs and the steady rise of emerging ones. Hong Kong and Dubai completed the top five, while Rotterdam remained the leading European port in sixth place. This year saw a reshuffle between Ningbo Zhoushan and Athens/Piraeus, with the former climbing to seventh. Hamburg held its ninth position, and New York/New Jersey secured tenth place, bolstered by strong cargo throughput and continued investment in port infrastructure despite recent disruptions.
China’s ports continued to rise in the rankings, with Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Tianjin all improving their standings. Notably, Ningbo Zhoushan achieved its third consecutive year of upward movement. North America saw new representation in the top 20, as Los Angeles and Vancouver debuted at 19th and 20th, respectively.
Baltic Exchange CEO Mark Jackson emphasized the importance of resilient maritime hubs in maintaining global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Xinhua’s Cao Zhanzhong noted that while container shipping has stabilized post-pandemic, the dry bulk market reached record levels and the energy shipping segments face new challenges. He also highlighted the shipping industry’s growing focus on decarbonization, driven by regulatory changes and technological innovations.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority Chief Executive, Ang Wee Keong, credited collaboration across industry, research, and labor for Singapore’s sustained top position and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to investing in digital innovation, green technology, and talent development to stay future-ready.
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Source: Baltic Exchange
