Singapore has retained its title as the world’s leading maritime centre, as per the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index. This marks the 13th consecutive year that Singapore has achieved this distinction.
Celebrating Three Decades of Partnership
The recognition coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), revealing the significant contributions of collaborative efforts between MPA and the maritime community. This partnership has fortified Maritime Singapore’s ecosystem, ensuring strong connectivity and a comprehensive suite of maritime services.
Impressive Port Performance
According to the latest data, in 2025, the Port of Singapore handled record-breaking metrics including 44.66 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in container throughput and 3.22 billion gross tons in vessel arrivals. Additionally, Singapore continues to excel as the largest bunkering port in the world, supplying 56.77 million tonnes of marine fuel, which includes increasing volumes of alternative marine fuels.
The Port of Singapore’s expansive global reach is evident, being connected to more than 600 ports worldwide and housing over 200 international shipping groups. Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, emphasized this achievement by stating that it reflects a strong commitment from industry partners and the broader maritime community.
Global Influence and Future Directions
As the maritime industry evolves, Singapore is poised to continue enhancing its competitiveness while generating value for the global maritime community. The collaboration between the MPA and various stakeholders aims to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain Singapore’s established leadership in maritime services.
Behind the Headline
Singapore’s sustained dominance in the maritime sector underscores the operational effectiveness of its ports and the adaptability of its services to emerging trends in global shipping and fuel supply. The significance of being the world’s leading maritime hub is not merely in the statistics but in the reliability and partnerships that facilitate international trade. Future industry developments, particularly in alternative fuels and digitalisation, are critical areas for ongoing investment and focus. Operators should monitor Singapore’s continued innovation in maritime services as a benchmark for competitive practices in the sector.
