A Comprehensive Victory Across All Metrics
The world’s first global ranking of container ports based on both data analytics and expert industry assessment has been released. Singapore emerged as the top-ranked port among 160 major global ports, achieving leading scores across all five evaluation pillars.
A New Global Benchmark: 35 Indicators, 5 Core Pillars
The report was jointly published by DNV and Menon Economics, featuring a holistic framework designed to evaluate port competitiveness based on:
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Enabler Capacity
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Connectivity & Customer Value
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Productivity
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Sustainability
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Overall Impact
The indicators include cargo throughput, berth productivity, emissions per TEU, availability of alternative fuels, and qualitative industry assessments — forming the most comprehensive global port evaluation system to date.
Global Rankings: Singapore Ahead of Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan & Rotterdam
The top five ports in the global ranking are:
1️⃣ Singapore
2️⃣ Shanghai, China
3️⃣ Ningbo-Zhoushan, China
4️⃣ Busan, South Korea
5️⃣ Rotterdam, Netherlands
Despite global disruptions — including the Red Sea crisis and re-routed shipping lanes — Singapore demonstrated exceptional resilience, operational reliability, automation capabilities, and network connectivity.
Tuas Port: A Model for the Future of Smart Ports
Singapore’s Tuas Port exemplifies the next generation of intelligent port operations:
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Fully automated cranes
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Autonomous electric guided vehicles
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A centralised control system for real-time coordination
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AI-driven predictive maintenance
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End-to-end visibility via digital platforms
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Data-driven operational decision-making
Together, these innovations make Tuas Port one of the most advanced automated ports in the world.
A Powerful Global Hub: 75% of Throughput is Transshipment
As the world’s leading hub-and-spoke maritime node:
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75% of Singapore’s throughput is transshipment
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20% of global transshipment volumes pass through Singapore
Its location, connectivity, and port efficiency position Singapore as a crucial link in global supply chains.
Throughput Rankings: Shanghai First, Singapore Second
In pure TEU throughput:
1️⃣ Shanghai: 51.5 million TEU
2️⃣ Singapore: 41.1 million TEU
3️⃣ Ningbo-Zhoushan: 39.3 million TEU
Shanghai benefits from the manufacturing strength of the Yangtze River Delta, while Singapore leads in efficiency, digitalisation, and green maritime strategies.
Leading the Global Green Maritime Transition
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) continues to push boundaries in:
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Alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure (ammonia, methanol)
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Establishing green and digital shipping corridors
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Emissions reduction initiatives
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Maritime innovation and decarbonisation
These efforts strengthen Singapore’s leadership in future maritime development.
12 Consecutive Years as the World’s Top Maritime Centre
In addition to this new ranking, Singapore has been named the World’s Top International Maritime Centre for 12 consecutive years in the Xinhua-Baltic Index — reinforcing its global dominance.
