Singapore Retains Title As World’s Leading Maritime Centre For 13th Consecutive Year

Singapore has secured the top position in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index, marking its 13th consecutive year as the world’s premier maritime hub. The ranking, jointly published by the Baltic Exchange and China’s Xinhua News Agency, evaluates global hubs based on port performance, maritime business services, and the general commercial environment. This achievement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), highlighting the city-state's enduring role as a critical node in global trade and maritime connectivity.

The 2026 Xinhua-Baltic ISCD Index recognition underscores Singapore's robust maritime ecosystem, which is built on high connectivity and a comprehensive suite of professional services. According to the report, the Port of Singapore achieved significant operational milestones in 2025, handling a record 44.66 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in container throughput. Additionally, the port recorded 3.22 billion gross tonnage in vessel arrivals, reinforcing its status as a primary gateway for international shipping and a vital link in the global supply chain.

Beyond cargo handling, Singapore maintained its dominance as the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying a record 56.77 million tonnes of marine fuel. This figure includes an increasing volume of alternative marine fuels, reflecting the hub's adaptation to the industry's evolving environmental standards and decarbonization efforts. The maritime center currently serves as a home to more than 200 international shipping groups and maintains links to over 600 ports globally, providing a trusted platform for international collaboration and maritime business services.

Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), attributed the continued success to the collective efforts of industry partners and the broader maritime community. He noted that the MPA remains committed to strengthening the sector's competitiveness and creating value as the global industry evolves. This milestone is particularly significant as it aligns with the MPA’s 30th anniversary, representing three decades of strategic development aimed at fostering a world-class maritime environment that supports global trade.