Singapore is the world’s leading container port according to a new report published by DNV and Menon Economics.
The first edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report also showed that Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan 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. Today, these ports are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising trade flows, rapid advances in technology, and mounting pressure to meet climate targets.
Against this backdrop, DNV and Menon Economics have introduced the industry’s first global container port ranking. The LCP report compares leading practices of 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 reports, such as the Leading Maritime Cities of the World (LMC) report, by providing a focused assessment of container port performance.
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.”
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 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, a trend clearly reflected in the report.
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
- Shanghai (China)
- Ningbo-Zhoushan (China)
- Busan (South Korea)
- Rotterdam (Europe)
Download the report: DNV – The Leading Container Ports of the World 2025