Singapore has been named the world’s top container port in the first edition of the Leading Container Ports of the World (LCP) report, an independent benchmark study released by DNV and Menon Economics on 25 November.

The inaugural ranking places Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan in second and third place, followed by Busan in fourth and Rotterdam in fifth.

The assessment compares 160 container ports using 35 indicators organised into five categories: enablers, connectivity and customer value, productivity, sustainability, and overall impact. These are drawn from objective measures, such as throughput levels, berth efficiency, emissions per TEU and the availability of alternative fuels, supported by expert evaluations from leading industry stakeholders.

Maritime transport carries close to 90% of global trade by volume, with container ports alone handling more than 80% of non-bulk merchandise. According to the report, these ports are undergoing transformation driven by rising trade flows, technological advances, and pressure to meet climate targets.

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."

Breakdown of the global top five ports

Singapore achieved the highest overall score, leading in all five pillars of the ranking. The port serves all major shipping lines and offers the most mainline services. According to the LCP report, advanced automation and early investments in alternative-fuel bunkering, green shipping corridors, and emissions-reduction measures reinforce its position in sustainability.

Shanghai, which came second, processed 51.5 million TEUs in 2024, making it the world's busiest container port by volume. It holds the highest Liner Shipping Connectivity Index score and offers extensive mainline services (serving over 700 ports worldwide). The port ranked second in sustainability thanks to shore power infrastructure and green corridor initiatives.

Ningbo-Zhoushan, the world’s fastest-growing major container port, moved 39.3 million TEUs in 2024 and has expanded throughput by 26% over the past three years. Its performance is underpinned by its strategic role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and widening international connections.

Busan ranks fourth, serving as a key transhipment hub for Northeast Asia and a pivotal link between Chinese, Japanese and Korean trade routes.

Finally, the LCP report places Rotterdam, Europe’s largest container gateway, fifth. The port continues to invest in alternative fuel infrastructure, shoreside power and advanced digitalisation tools, including digital twin technology.

Several of these ports, Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, and Rotterdam, are also featured in DNV's Leading Maritime Cities of the World (LMC) report.

Regional port leaders and the strategies driving future success

Alongside the global standings, the LCP report highlights regional leaders, naming New York & New Jersey, Hamburg, Tanger Med, Jebel Ali and Sydney as top performers in their respective areas.

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."

The report encourages ports to invest in scalable infrastructure, accelerate digitalisation, strengthen sustainability efforts and maintain strong customer relationships. Clear strategic planning and transparent communication are highlighted as essential to long-term competitiveness.

By focusing exclusively on container port performance, the LCP ranking complements broader studies, such as the LMC report. It provides stakeholders with a detailed view of how global ports are adapting to shifting expectations and intensifying operational pressures.