Singapore has once again claimed the crown as the world’s leading maritime center, securing the top spot in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index for the 12th consecutive year. This annual ranking, jointly published by China’s Xinhua News Agency and the Baltic Exchange, is the gold standard for benchmarking the world’s major maritime hubs.
The ISCD Index evaluates key factors like port activity, infrastructure quality, maritime services (think shipbroking, finance, and law), and the overall business environment. For 14 straight years, Singapore has dominated this index, cementing its reputation as the global epicenter of maritime excellence.
Why Singapore Stands Out
Among 43 global maritime cities and regions, Singapore’s consistent performance as one of the busiest transshipment and bunkering hubs has kept it ahead of the pack. Its success is underpinned by a robust network of professional maritime services, a skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment that attracts top-tier talent and investment.
In 2024, Singapore shattered records, handling an impressive 41.12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container throughput. The total tonnage of vessels arriving at its ports surpassed 3 billion gross tons, while its status as the world’s largest bunkering port was reaffirmed with 54.92 million tons of marine fuel delivered.
A Future-Ready Maritime Powerhouse
Singapore’s maritime sector isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about shaping the future. With over 200 international shipping companies and a growing ecosystem of maritime tech start-ups, the industry is creating exciting career opportunities in areas like automation, sustainability, digital systems management, and maritime law.
The Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Mr. Ang Wee Keong, attributes this success to the collaboration between industry partners, unions, and the research and enterprise community. Looking ahead, Singapore is doubling down on innovation, green technologies, digital solutions, and workforce development to maintain its position as a trusted, future-ready maritime hub.
As the maritime world evolves, Singapore is not just keeping pace—it’s setting the course.
©MI News Network