-
Singapore ranked first in the initial edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World report, an independent global analysis published by DNV and Menon Economics
-
It was cited for its world-class infrastructure, transparent governance, and strong connectivity
-
Chinese ports Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan came in second and third place, respectively
-
Busan in South Korea was fourth, followed by Rotterdam in The Netherlands to complete the global top five
-
These top performing ports are expanding capacity and leveraging technology in all daily processes and operations
-
They are also investing in cleaner energy and integrated transport links
Singapore ranked first in the initial edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report, an independent global analysis published by DNV and Menon Economics.
“Its world-class infrastructure, transparent governance, and strong connectivity make it a global benchmark,” DNV, a global company providing classification and advisory services in the maritime industry, said in a news release.
Two Chinese ports, Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, came in second and third place, respectively.
Busan in South Korea was fourth, followed by Rotterdam in The Netherlands to complete the global top five.
According to the LCP report, Singapore achieved the highest score in all five pillars used for the ranking.
The pillars, with their corresponding indicators, are: Enablers, Connectivity and Customer Value, Productivity, Sustainability, and Overall Impact.
The report cited the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for its lead role in pioneering investments in alternative-fuel bunkering, establishing green shipping corridors, and implementing emissions-reduction measures. Tuas Port – a new highly automated facility that started operations in 2022 and is expected to be fully completed by the 2040s – is also a key factor in Singapore’s strategy as it will become the world’s largest, handling over 65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) yearly.
READ: Singapore port sets new record with over 40M TEUs in 2024
“These initiatives have reinforced Singapore’s leadership, ensuring the port remains at the forefront of global maritime innovation,” the LCP report said.
Shanghai, the world’s busiest container port processing 51.5 million TEUs in 2024, holds the highest Liner Shipping Connectivity Index score and offers extensive mainline services, the report said. The port combines smart technologies with efficient handling of Ultra Large Container Vessels and ranks second in sustainability given the robust shore power infrastructure and green corridor initiatives.
Ningbo-Zhoushan, meanwhile, is the fastest-growing container port globally, handling 39.3 million TEUs in 2024 and recording a 26% increase in volume over the past three years. Its growth reflects its strategic role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its expanding global connectivity.
Busan serves as Northeast Asia’s logistics hub and a key transshipment point linking Chinese, Japanese, and Korean markets. Its strategic position and operational efficiency make it a critical node in regional and global supply chains.
Rotterdam, which continues to be Europe’s largest container port, is a leader in sustainability and innovation. It invests heavily in alternative fuel infrastructure, onshore power supply, and digital twin technology, consistently ranking as the top maritime gateway in Europe.
“Container ports quietly underpin much of the global economy. Every year, they move more than 930 million TEUs, supporting the flow of goods that keep businesses running and communities supplied. As global trade patterns shift and the industry faces new pressures, ports that are able to adapt, communicate clear strategies, and invest in future-proofing their operations will continue to lead and set the pace for the sector’s evolution,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV.
“This report aims to provide trusted insights that help ports and stakeholders navigate these changes with confidence,” he said.
Maritime transport carries close to 90%of global trade by volume, and container ports alone handle more than 80% of non-bulk merchandise.
Today, these ports are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising trade flows, rapid advances in technology, and mounting pressure to meet climate targets, according to the LCP report.
“The top-performing container ports are both expanding capacity and rethinking how technology shapes daily operations. We see ports where automation and digital tools are woven into every process, from vessel scheduling to cargo handling,” said Dr. Erik Jakobsen, partner and chair of consultancy firm Menon Economics.
“Investments in cleaner energy and integrated transport links are also making a difference, helping ports operate more efficiently and adapt to new demands,” he added.
The report compares leading practices of 160 ports against 35 indicators grouped into five pillars. The LCP ranking complements other reports, such as the Leading Maritime Cities of the World (LMC) report, by providing a focused assessment of container port performance.
READ: 7 largest terminal operators handle over 40% of global port throughput in 2023
