Singapore ranks as the world's leading container port, followed by Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, according to the first Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report. The top five ports also include Rotterdam and Busan, with Singapore achieving the highest overall score in all five pillars of the ranking.
World's Top Container Ports Ranked
Singapore has been named the world's leading 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 Undergoes Transformation
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. Today, these ports are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising trade flows, rapid advances in technology, and mounting pressure to meet climate targets.
Global Container Port Ranking Introduced
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.
"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." - Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV
Recommendations for Ports
The report recommends that ports invest in scalable infrastructure, accelerate digitalization, 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
Port Authorities play a critical role in shaping the future of container ports. Forward-thinking strategies that prioritize productivity, service quality, digitalization, 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.
"The top-performing container ports are both expanding capacity and rethinking how technology shapes daily operations." - Dr. Erik Jakobsen, Partner and Chair of Menon Economics
Global Top Five Container Ports
The global top five container ports are:
- Singapore: Achieved the highest overall score, leading in all five pillars of the ranking.
- Shanghai (China): The world's busiest container port, processing 51.5 million TEUs in 2024.
- Ningbo-Zhoushan (China): 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.
- Busan (South Korea): Serves as Northeast Asia's logistics hub and a key transshipment point linking Chinese, Japanese, and Korean markets.
- Rotterdam (Europe): Europe's largest container port and a leader in sustainability and innovation.
About Menon Economics and DNV GL SE
Menon Economics is an economic analysis and advisory firm, with 85 economists on master and PhD level. DNV GL SE is the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance, driven by its purpose to safeguard life, property, and the environment.
DNV is the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry, enhancing safety, quality, energy efficiency, and environmental performance of the global shipping industry.