Baltic Exchange, in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency, proudly announces the release of the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report. This annual report, now in its 12th year, ranks the world’s pioneering shipping centres based on a comprehensive evaluation of port factors, professional business services, and the general environment.
For the 12th consecutive year, Singapore has been recognised as the world’s pioneering 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.
Maritime support services
Rotterdam solidified its position as a European pioneer by maintaining its strong sixth place
London once again secured second position with a score of 81.02, demonstrating its continued prominence as a maritime support services powerhouse. Shanghai, with a score of 81.01, retained third place, highlighting its significant role as a major port city in Asia. London and Shanghai have maintained their positions within the Index for the past five years.
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 pioneer by maintaining its strong sixth place from 2024 to 2025.
Investment in port infrastructure
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 pioneering role as a global centre for shipping finance and maritime services.
Key findings of the 2025 ISCDI Report:
- Top Performers: Singapore, London, and Shanghai continue to lead the rankings, underscoring their global leadership in shipping.
- China’s Shipping Centres on the Rise: Guangzhou, Qingdao and Tianjin all have improved their rankings, while Ningbo-Zhoushan climbed to seventh — marking its third consecutive year of upward movement. The strong showing reflects China’s sustained investment and growing global influence as a maritime powerhouse.
- Top 20 New Entrants: Los Angeles and Vancouver were new features to this year’s list, taking 19th and 20th position, marking two new North American ports in the global rankings.
ISCDI Report
ISCDI Report evaluates a total of 43 maritime locations, considering various port metrics
The ISCDI Report evaluates a total of 43 maritime locations, considering various port metrics such as cargo throughput, crane count, container berth length, and port draught. It also assesses the presence of professional maritime support businesses, including shipbroking, ship management, ship financing, insurance, and legal services, alongside hull underwriting premiums.
Additionally, the evaluation considers general business environment factors like customs tariffs, the level of electronic government services, and overall logistics performance.
Prosperous future for shipping
Mr. Mark Jackson, Chief Executive of Baltic Exchange, commented, "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."
Mark Jackson adds, "We congratulate all the pioneering 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."
EU ETS implementation
Mr. Cao Zhanzhong, Head of Xinhua Index Research Institute of China Economic Information Service, said, "The shipping industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Although facing many challenges, the dry bulk market hit a new record, fuelled by iron ore and coal demand."
Cao Zhanzhong adds, "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."
innovating and investing in digitalisation
Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said, "We thank our industry partners, the research and enterprise community, and our unions who have been instrumental in Singapore’s journey to become a pioneering international maritime centre and global hub port."
Ang Wee Keong adds, "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."
