The Baltic Exchange has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) during the China Maritime Day Forum held in Shanghai.
Baltic Exchange launches 2025 Xinhua Report
Now in its 12th year, the index continues to serve as a key benchmark for evaluating the performance of the world’s top maritime hubs.
Shanghai has retained its position as the world’s third-largest international shipping centre, underlining its continued dominance in global maritime trade. In 2024, the port handled over 51.5 million TEUs, maintaining its status as the busiest container port on the planet. Several other Chinese ports also recorded impressive gains. Ningbo-Zhoushan climbed to its highest-ever ranking at seventh place, while Qingdao, Guangzhou, and Tianjin made notable upward movements, reflecting China’s strategic investments in port development and modernization.
Jin Yu Cheong, Head of Asia at the Baltic Exchange, highlighted Shanghai’s consistent rise and the broader expansion of China’s maritime influence. He emphasized the rapid adoption of smart port technologies, including AI-driven systems and automation, as well as growing commitments to environmentally sustainable operations. According to Cheong, these developments are playing a vital role in improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and positioning Chinese ports as global leaders in innovation.
The forum also underscored the importance of international collaboration, particularly between the Chinese and UK maritime sectors. Industry leaders from both countries discussed shared goals in accelerating digital transformation, promoting green shipping, and enhancing infrastructure through cross-border cooperation. These efforts are seen as crucial in navigating the changing dynamics of global trade and in supporting the broader decarbonisation of the shipping industry.
As the global maritime sector continues to evolve, the ISCDI remains a valuable tool for tracking performance, guiding investment, and highlighting emerging trends in port competitiveness and logistics. The 2025 report provides insights into how cities are adapting to new technologies, sustainability targets, and geopolitical shifts, with China firmly positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation.
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Source: Baltic Exchange
