Singapore tops new global container port rankings

Singapore has emerged as the world’s leading container port in the inaugural Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report, released by DNV and Menon Economics. The assessment places Shanghai and Ningbo–Zhoushan in second and third positions, followed by Rotterdam and Busan, underscoring Asia’s dominance in global maritime logistics.

The findings come at a time when nearly 90% of global trade by volume moves by sea, and container ports alone handle over four-fifths of all non-bulk goods. The sector is in the midst of sweeping change, shaped by expanding trade volumes, rapid digitalisation, and rising pressure to decarbonise operations.

The country also led all five pillars of the index: enablers, connectivity and customer value, productivity, sustainability, and overall impact.

The report credited Singapore’s performance to its world-class infrastructure, transparent governance, and best global connectivity, with links to every major shipping line and the highest number of mainline services.

It also highlighted the port’s advanced automation, as well as early investments in alternative-fuel bunkering, green shipping corridors, and emissions-reduction measures, giving Singapore a clear edge in both technology and sustainability.

The new ranking evaluates 160 container ports using 35 indicators that blend hard data, including throughput, berth productivity, emissions per TEU, and alternative-fuel availability, with expert assessments.

Container ports handle more than 80% of non-bulk merchandise and roughly 930 million TEUs a year, underscoring the need for sharper benchmarking.

Behind Singapore, the global top five comprise Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Rotterdam, and Busan. Shanghai remains the busiest port worldwide with 51.5 million TEUs in 2024, supported by strong ultra-large vessel handling, shore-power deployment, and green-corridor initiatives.