Shanghai has climbed to second place in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI) Report, published in collaboration between Baltic Exchange and Xinhua News Agency.
After years of steadily closing the gap, Shanghai (with a score of 84.27) overtook London (81.80) to become second in the 2026 index.
This annual report, which is now in its 13th year, ranks the world’s leading shipping centres based on a comprehensive evaluation of port factors, professional business services, and general environment.
Singapore retained top spot for the 13th consecutive year, scoring 99.32 out of 100. According to the report, its position at the top reflects its strategic location and established maritime services spanning finance, insurance and legal expertise, as well as its importance to alternative fuel development and technological innovation.
London ranked third in this year’s index, followed by Hong Kong in fourth with 80.87 and Dubai in fifth with 77.13. All three shipping centres have remained in the top five alongside Singapore and Shanghai for nine consecutive years.
Ningbo-Zhoushan climbed to sixth place ahead of Rotterdam, while New York/New Jersey rose two places to eighth. Athens/Piraeus and Hamburg both remain in the top 10.
The report said Shanghai’s rise coincides with strengthened performance across China’s major shipping centres.
The report also showed Guangzhou, Qingdao and Tianjin improving their positions, highlighting China’s growing maritime connectivity and service capabilities.
The index evaluates 43 international shipping centres using a comprehensive framework covering port performance, professional maritime services and the wider business environment, Baltic Exchange said in its release.
Indicators include cargo throughput, crane numbers, container berth length and port draught, alongside shipbroking, ship management, ship finance, insurance and legal services. The index also considers customs efficiency, digital government services and logistics performance.
Mark Jackson, chief executive of Baltic Exchange, said, “This year’s Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report is a reflection of the growth and importance of our global shipping hubs amid a continuing period of volatility in shipping markets.”
Cao Zhanzhong, head of the Xinhua Index Research Institute of China Economic Information Service, added, “Our long-term research shows that competition among international shipping centres has evolved beyond port scale and route networks to encompass broader capabilities in green transition, digital innovation, maritime governance and global resource allocation.”
