Singapore is named the world’s leading container port in the first edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World report, according to DNV and Menon Economics.
The study ranks Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan in second and third place, followed by Rotterdam and Busan in the global top five.
The report notes that maritime transport carries close to 90 percent of global trade by volume, with container ports handling more than 80 percent of non-bulk merchandise.
According to the authors, ports are undergoing transformation due to rising trade flows, advances in technology, and the need to meet climate targets.
DNV and Menon Economics assessed 160 ports using 35 indicators grouped into five pillars, based on data including throughput volumes, berth productivity, emissions per TEU and alternative fuel availability, supported by expert evaluations from shipping stakeholders. The ranking is positioned as a complement to the Leading Maritime Cities of the World report.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, said container ports move more than 930 million TEUs annually and must adapt through clear strategies and investment. The report recommends scalable infrastructure, accelerated digitalization, sustainability measures and strong customer relationships as drivers of long-term competitiveness. It states that Port Authorities play a central role in shaping future operations and that many are investing to close performance gaps.
Dr. Erik Jakobsen, Partner and Chair of Menon Economics, said top-performing ports are expanding capacity, adopting automation, digital tools and cleaner energy, and improving integrated transport links.
The report highlights Singapore’s leadership across all five pillars, citing infrastructure, governance, connectivity, automation and early alternative-fuel investments. Shanghai’s ranking reflects 51.5 million TEUs processed in 2024, its high connectivity and sustainability measures. Ningbo-Zhoushan is described as the fastest-growing port, with 39.3 million TEUs in 2024 and a 26% three-year increase linked to its role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Busan is characterized as a regional logistics hub and transshipment point, while Rotterdam is presented as Europe’s largest port and an investor in alternative fuels, onshore power and digital twin technology.
The report also features regional leaders, including New York & New Jersey, Hamburg, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali and Sydney.
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management company that provides services across sectors including maritime, energy and healthcare. It issues standards, conducts certification, and delivers technical advisory services.