Singapore emerged once again as the world's top maritime centre in the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index report for the 12th consecutive year.
This annual report, now in its 12th year, ranks the world's leading shipping centres based on a comprehensive evaluation of port factors, professional business services, and the general environment.
Published jointly by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua and global maritime data provider Baltic Exchange, the report lists Singapore as the leading global maritime centre, followed by London and Shanghai — unchanged from 2024's ranking.
Singapore scored 99.50 out of a possible 100 points (up from 96.23 in 2024), while the maritime support services powerhouse of London once again secured second place with 81.02 points (from 82.50 points in 2024). Shanghai retained third place, with a score of 81.01 points (from 81.84 points), highlighting its significant role as a major port city in Asia.
"For the 12th consecutive year, Singapore has been recognised as the world’s leading shipping centre, achieving a score of 99.50 out of 100. Singapore's enduring success is attributed to its strategic location, robust international outlook, and a well-established ecosystem of professional maritime services," the ISCDI report said.
It noted that London and Shanghai have maintained their positions within the Index for the past five years.
The index provides an independent ranking of 43 maritime locations' performance on factors including cargo throughput, port facilities, maritime services, and business environment.
[Source: Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development]
"We thank our industry partners, the research and enterprise community, and our unions who have been instrumental in Singapore's journey to become a leading international maritime centre and global hub port," said Ang Wee Keong, chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
"We will continue to build on this momentum by innovating and investing in digitalisation, green technologies, and workforce development to strengthen Singapore's position as a trusted and future-ready international maritime centre," he added.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong (80.77) and Dubai (75.97) rounded out the top five, emphasising the strength and importance of these key global shipping hubs. Rotterdam solidified its position as a European leader by maintaining its strong sixth place from 2024 to 2025.
Ningbo Zhoushan and Athens/Piraeus swapped positions this year, with Ningbo Zhoushan moving up to seventh and Athens/Piraeus settling in eighth, while Hamburg remains steady in ninth.
New York/New Jersey rounded out the top 10 owing to its strong cargo handling despite major disruptions and strikes, continued investment in port infrastructure, and its leading role as a global centre for shipping finance and maritime services.
"This year's rankings reaffirm the crucial role of established maritime centres like Singapore, London, and Shanghai, alongside emerging hubs, in providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to keep supply chains efficient and reliable amid persistent geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty," said Mark Jackson, chief executive of Baltic Exchange.
"We congratulate all the leading shipping centres recognised in this report and remain committed to partnering with the global maritime community to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for shipping."
Cao Zhanzhong, head of Xinhua Index Research Institute of China Economic Information Service, noted that the shipping industry is undergoing a "transformative shift."
"Although facing many challenges, the dry bulk market hit a new record, fueled by iron ore and coal demand. Container shipping normalised post-pandemic, while the tanker and LNG sectors faced headwinds from oversupply and shifting trade patterns. Meanwhile, decarbonisation accelerated, with the EU ETS implementation, IMO’s CII framework, and wind-assisted propulsion technologies signalling a greener future," he said.
