Singapore Tops Global Maritime Rankings for 12th Consecutive Year
Port city maintains leadership position as world's premier shipping hub, handling record container volumes
Singapore has once again secured its position as the world’s leading maritime centre, marking an unprecedented 12th consecutive year at the top of the prestigious Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index.
A Decade-Plus of Maritime Dominance
The annual index, jointly published by the Baltic Exchange and China’s Xinhua News Agency, serves as an independent benchmark for the world’s premier maritime hubs. It evaluates 43 maritime cities and regions across multiple criteria including cargo throughput, port infrastructure, maritime services such as finance, law and shipbroking, and the overall business environment. The index has become a crucial tool for shipping lines, port investors, and maritime service providers in making strategic decisions about investments and service development.
Record-Breaking Performance
Singapore’s continued dominance is backed by impressive operational statistics. In 2024, the Southeast Asian nation handled a record-breaking 41.12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container throughput, while total vessel arrival tonnage exceeded 3 billion gross tons. These figures underscore Singapore’s vital role as one of the world’s busiest transhipment hubs, connecting global trade routes between East and West.
The Port of Singapore also maintained its position as the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying 54.92 million tonnes of marine fuel in 2024. This achievement highlights Singapore’s strategic importance as a refuelling stop for vessels traversing some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Beyond the Numbers: An Ecosystem of Excellence
Singapore’s success extends beyond impressive throughput figures. The city-state has cultivated a comprehensive ecosystem of professional maritime services and expertise that sets it apart from competitors. More than 200 international shipping groups have established operations in Singapore, creating a critical mass of industry knowledge and networks.
The maritime sector in Singapore is also embracing innovation, with a growing number of maritime technology start-ups choosing the island nation as their base. This vibrant ecosystem is creating new career opportunities in emerging fields such as port automation, digital systems management, maritime law specialising in new technologies, and sustainability initiatives aimed at decarbonising the shipping industry.
Preparing for the Future of Shipping
As the global shipping industry undergoes transformation driven by digitalisation and environmental concerns, Singapore is positioning itself at the forefront of these changes. The nation’s maritime sector is actively developing solutions for a more digital and decarbonised future, ensuring its continued relevance in an evolving industry landscape.
Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, acknowledged the collective effort behind this achievement. “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,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ang emphasised Singapore’s commitment to maintaining its leadership position through continued innovation. “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.
A Strategic Advantage in Global Trade
Singapore’s consistent performance at the top of the ISCD Index reflects its strategic advantages: a prime location along major shipping routes, world-class infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and a skilled workforce. These factors combine to make Singapore an indispensable node in global maritime networks.
As international trade continues to grow and evolve, Singapore’s role as a maritime hub becomes increasingly critical. The nation’s ability to adapt to industry changes while maintaining operational excellence suggests that its reign at the top of global maritime rankings is likely to continue for years to come.
