Singapore has been recognised as the top container port worldwide, according to the first edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report by DNV and Menon Economics.
Following closely are Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan in second and third place, respectively, with Rotterdam and Busan completing the top five. These ports facilitate nearly 90 percent of global trade by volume, with container ports managing over 80 percent of non-bulk goods.
The industry is experiencing significant change, driven by increasing trade, technological advances, and pressures to comply with climate goals.
Introduction of global container port ranking
These criteria are informed by quantitative data, including throughput volumes and berth productivity
In response to these transformative trends, the LCP report introduces the industry's first global container port ranking. The report evaluates 160 ports using 35 indicators across five categories: enablers, connectivity and customer value, productivity, sustainability, and overall impact.
These criteria are informed by quantitative data, including throughput volumes and berth productivity, supplemented by expert evaluations from prominent maritime stakeholders.
The LCP ranking offers a focused assessment, complementing existing industry standards like the Leading Maritime Cities of the World (LCM) report.
Insights on container ports
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of Maritime at DNV, emphasised the crucial role of container ports in global trade, noting, "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 the industry evolves, the report proposes that ports invest in scalable infrastructure and digitalisation while prioritising sustainability, customer relationships, and resilience against disruptions.
Adaptation and investment strategies
Port authorities are pivotal in crafting the future of container ports through strategies that focus on productivity, service quality, digitalisation, and sustainability. While some ports did not rank among the top due to overall performance metrics, many are making strides to improve, reflecting proactive investment trends.
Dr. Erik Jakobsen, Partner and Chair of Menon Economics, pointed out, "The top-performing container ports are both expanding capacity and rethinking how technology shapes daily operations."
Global leaders in container port performance
Among the ports highlighted:
- Singapore excels across all ranking pillars, underpinned by advanced infrastructure and progressive sustainability measures.
- Shanghai, the busiest port globally, integrates smart technologies and efficient management of massive vessels, ranking second in sustainability initiatives.
- Ningbo-Zhoushan, noted for its rapid growth, plays a strategic role in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
- Busan and Rotterdam also make the top five, recognised for their pivotal positions in regional and global trade networks and commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The LCP report also includes regional rankings, identifying leaders like New York & New Jersey, Hamburg, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali, and Sydney in their respective areas. Many of these top-tier ports, such as Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, and Rotterdam, also appear in the LCM report, highlighting their dual roles as major global trade gateways and integrated maritime hubs.
Singapore is named the world’s top container port in the first edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report, an independent global benchmark published by DNV and Menon Economics. Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan follow in second and third place, with Rotterdam and Busan completing the global top five.
Maritime transport carries close to 90 percent of global trade by volume, and container ports alone handle more than 80 percent of non-bulk merchandise. Currenlty, these ports are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising trade flows, rapid advances in technology, and mounting pressure to meet climate targets.
Industry’s first global container port ranking
Against this backdrop, DNV and Menon Economics have introduced the industry’s first global container port ranking. The LCP report benchmarks 160 ports against 35 indicators grouped into five pillars: enablers, connectivity and customer value, productivity, sustainability, and overall impact.
These indicators are based on objective data, such as throughput volumes, berth productivity, emissions per Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), and alternative fuel availability, and are complemented by expert assessments from leading shipping stakeholders.
The LCP ranking complements other industry benchmarks, such as the Leading Maritime Cities of the World (LCM) report, by providing a focused assessment of container port performance.
Trusted insights
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, commented: “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. This report aims to provide trusted insights that help ports and stakeholders navigate these changes with confidence.”
Scalable infrastructure
The report recommends that ports invest in scalable infrastructure, accelerate digitalisation, and lead on sustainability, while maintaining strong customer relationships and building resilience against disruptions. Clear strategic planning and transparent communication are essential for ports aiming to secure long-term competitiveness.
Port Authorities play a critical role in shaping the future of container ports. Forward-thinking strategies that prioritise productivity, service quality, digitalisation and sustainability are essential for long-term competitiveness.
While some ports did not rank among the top due to overall performance indicators, many port authorities across regions demonstrate a forward leaning mindset and are actively investing to close these gaps, a trend clearly reflected in the report.
Top-performing container ports
Dr. Erik Jakobsen, Partner and Chair of Menon Economics, added: “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.”
“Investments in cleaner energy and integrated transport links are also making a difference, helping ports operate more efficiently and adapt to new demands.”
Global top five container ports:
Singapore
Singapore achieved the highest overall score, leading in all five pillars of the ranking. Its world-class infrastructure, transparent governance, and strong connectivity make it a global benchmark.
The port serves all major shipping lines and offers the most mainline services. Advanced automation and early investments in alternative fuel bunkering, green shipping corridors, and emissions reduction measures reinforce its leadership in sustainability.
Shanghai (China)
Shanghai is the world’s busiest container port, processing 51.5 million TEUs in 2024. It holds the highest Liner Shipping Connectivity Index score and offers extensive mainline services.
The port combines smart technologies with efficient handling of Ultra Large Container Vessels and ranks second in sustainability thanks to robust shore power infrastructure and green corridor initiatives.
Ningbo-Zhoushan (China)
Ningbo-Zhoushan 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 (South Korea)
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 (Europe)
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest container port and 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.
Notably, several of these ports (Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, and Rotterdam) are also featured in the LCM report, underscoring their dual role as global trade gateways and integrated maritime hubs. In addition to the global ranking, the LCP report features regional rankings, with New York & New Jersey, Hamburg, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali and Sydney recognised as leaders in their respective regions.
