Shanghai has climbed to second place among the world’s leading international shipping centers, achieving its highest-ever ranking in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index (ISCDI).
According to the latest report, Shanghai overtook London to secure the No. 2 position, behind only Singapore. It is the city’s best performance since the index was first introduced in 2014.
Jin Yu Cheong, Head of Baltic Exchange Asia, said Shanghai’s success is driven by more than its massive cargo volume. The city has developed a comprehensive maritime ecosystem that includes shipping companies, financial institutions, insurers, legal services, shipbrokers, shipyards, and maritime technology providers.
He added that continued investment in digital technologies, green port development, and modern maritime services has significantly enhanced Shanghai’s international competitiveness.
Shanghai Port handled more than 55.06 million TEUs of container throughput in 2025, setting a new global record and reinforcing its position as the world’s busiest container port.
The report also highlights China’s growing influence in global shipping, with seven Chinese shipping centers now ranking among the world’s Top 20.
Jointly published by China Economic Information Service and the Baltic Exchange, the ISCDI has become one of the world’s leading benchmarks for evaluating the competitiveness and development of major international shipping centers.
