Breaking: Shanghai Surpasses London in Global Shipping Center Rankings for the First Time – A Historic Milestone
On July 10, 2026, the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report (2026) was released at the China Maritime Day Shanghai event. Shanghai overtook London for the first time to rank second globally in comprehensive strength, breaking the six-year pattern of Singapore, London, and Shanghai holding the top three positions.
The index, jointly compiled by China Economic Information Service and the Baltic Exchange, has been published annually for 13 consecutive years. It evaluates 43 international shipping centers worldwide across three dimensions: port conditions, shipping services, and the general business environment – with shipping services accounting for a 50% weighting.
2026 Top 10 Global Shipping Centers:
| Rank | City | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 99.32 |
| 2 | Shanghai | 84.27 |
| 3 | London | 81.80 |
| 4 | Hong Kong | 80.87 |
| 5 | Dubai | 77.13 |
| 6 | Ningbo-Zhoushan | 71.09 |
| 7 | Rotterdam | 70.22 |
| 8 | New York-New Jersey | 69.50 |
| 9 | Athens-Piraeus | 68.76 |
| 10 | Hamburg | 67.36 |
Shanghai’s score of 84.27 officially surpassed London‘s 81.80. Since the index launched in 2014, Shanghai has climbed steadily from seventh place, marking the continued strengthening of its position as a global maritime center for containerized trade.
From “Scale Leadership” to “Capability Leadership” – A Strategic Transition
Industry experts note that Shanghai’s ascent represents a critical transition from “scale leadership” to “capability leadership” in the global shipping center competition. The Baltic Exchange‘s Asia regional head commented that “this overtaking of London is precisely because Shanghai has been closing the gaps in high-end shipping services – particularly in finance, insurance, and arbitration – while continuously upgrading its service capabilities”.
In the shipping services sub-index – which carries a 50% weighting – London continues to lead globally, followed by Singapore and Shanghai. Shanghai ranked third in shipping services and placed in the top five across all five sub-categories.
Key Drivers Behind Shanghai’s Rise:
- World-leading container throughput: Shanghai has held the title of the world’s busiest container port for 16 consecutive years
- Continuously upgraded port infrastructure: Ongoing expansion of deep-water berths and smart port capabilities
- Mature green and low-carbon port systems: Leading the industry in environmental sustainability
- Expanding high-end shipping service ecosystem: Rapid development in maritime finance, insurance, and arbitration
58 Million TEU Target: Shanghai‘s “15th Five-Year Plan” for Shipping (2026-2030)
Just 12 days later, on July 22, 2026, the Shanghai Municipal Government held a press conference to officially release the “Plan for Accelerating the Development of the Shanghai International Shipping Center During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period (2026-2030)”.
Shanghai Vice Mayor He Qing announced at the press conference that in 2025, the Port of Shanghai handled over 55.06 million TEUs, securing its position as the world’s largest container port for the 16th consecutive year. Shanghai‘s two airports recorded 135 million passenger trips (ranking third among global cities) and 4.537 million tons of air cargo (ranking second globally).
Core “15th Five-Year Plan” Targets by 2030:
| Indicator | 2025 Baseline | 2030 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Annual container throughput | 55.06 million TEUs | >58 million TEUs |
| Water-water transshipment ratio | 52.7% | 55% |
| Sea-rail intermodal volume | 1.099 million TEUs | ~2 million TEUs |
| Airport passenger throughput | 135 million | 150 million |
| Air cargo throughput | 4.537 million tons | ~4.7 million tons |
| Green ship insurance coverage | RMB 2.3 billion | RMB 10 billion |
| Maritime arbitration annual value | RMB 1.9 billion | >RMB 3 billion |
| Automated port operations | – | 15 million TEUs |
| Bonded LNG bunkering volume | – | 1 million cubic meters |
Multi-Modal Network Upgrade: Sea-Rail Intermodal Volume to Double
The “15th Five-Year Plan” places strong emphasis on multi-modal logistics system upgrades:
- Water-water transshipment ratio to reach 55% – up from 52.7%
- Sea-rail intermodal volume to reach approximately 2 million TEUs – doubling from the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period
- Key infrastructure projects include: Waigaoqiao Container Railway Center Station, Luchaoang Central Station expansion, and accelerated construction of the Huzhahang Railway and Situan Hub
- Pudong Airport Phase IV and Oriental Hub Shanghai East Railway Station to be completed and operational during the 15th Five-Year Plan period
High-End Shipping Services: Green Insurance to Quadruple, Arbitration Targets RMB 3 Billion
In shipping finance and insurance, the plan sets ambitious targets:
- Green ship insurance risk coverage to increase from RMB 2.3 billion to RMB 10 billion – a 335% increase in five years
- Maritime arbitration annual case value to reach over RMB 3 billion
- Shanghai will leverage the China Maritime Data Center (Level 1) to build a “Maritime + Finance + Insurance” service chain
In shipping finance, Shanghai has already launched China‘s first shipping futures product – the Container Freight Index (Europe Route) Futures. By the end of May 2026, cumulative trading volume had reached nearly RMB 6 trillion, far exceeding similar overseas derivatives.
Digital and Green Transformation:
- Automated port operations: 15 million TEUs
- Bonded LNG bunkering: 1 million cubic meters
- Passenger travel: Full paperless airport experience
- Green marine fuel: Building an international center for certification, bunkering, and trading of green marine fuels
Shanghai Port has already become one of the few ports globally capable of simultaneous “ship-to-ship” bunkering of both bonded LNG and green methanol.
H1 2026 Performance: Shanghai Port Handles 28.74 Million TEUs – Up 6.2%
Shanghai’s momentum continues into 2026. In the first half of the year, the Port of Shanghai handled:
- Container throughput: 28.74 million TEUs – up 6.2% year-on-year
- Coastal cargo throughput: 412 million tons – up 4.6%
- Foreign trade coastal cargo: over 246 million tons – up 4.8%
The Yangshan Deep-Water Port alone contributed 15.19 million TEUs in the first half, setting a new half-year record. High-value exports such as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products (“New Three” exports) continued their rapid growth, serving as key drivers of container throughput growth.
What This Means for Your Supply Chain
Shanghai’s historic rise and the “15th Five-Year Plan” targets send clear signals for global shippers and freight forwarders:
| Signal | Implication for Your Business |
|---|---|
| 58 million TEU capacity target | Shanghai’s throughput will continue expanding – more capacity, more routes, more options |
| Sea-rail intermodal doubling to 2M TEUs | Inland connectivity improving – easier access to China‘s interior manufacturing hubs |
| Water-water transshipment to 55% | More efficient feeder networks – faster cargo distribution |
| Green insurance growth (RMB 2.3B → 10B) | Green shipping incentives expanding – opportunities for eco-friendly supply chains |
| Automated port ops to 15M TEUs | Faster turnaround times – reduced port delays |
| LNG bunkering to 1M cubic meters | Alternative fuel infrastructure growing – future-proof your shipping choices |
The Opportunity: Why This Is Your Moment to Partner with PRO Supply Chain
When the world‘s second-largest shipping hub sets a 58 million TEU target and rolls out massive infrastructure upgrades, experienced, agile supply chain partners become essential.
This is where XIAMEN PRO SUPPLY CHAIN CO., LTD. comes in.
Who We Are
XIAMEN PRO SUPPLY CHAIN CO., LTD. is a Class A international freight forwarding company approved by the Ministry of Commerce of China, holding NVOCC qualification. Based in Xiamen – one of China’s most important port cities and a key node in the national logistics network – we specialize in providing end-to-end supply chain solutions for businesses navigating complex and rapidly evolving international trade environments.
How We Leverage Shanghai‘s Growth for Your Benefit
1. Access to the World’s Largest Port Network
With Shanghai handling 28.74 million TEUs in H1 2026 alone and targeting 58 million TEUs annually by 2030, we help you secure reliable capacity on the world’s busiest and most connected shipping routes.
2. Multi-Modal Connectivity Expertise
With Shanghai‘s sea-rail intermodal volume set to double to 2 million TEUs and water-water transshipment reaching 55%, we leverage these expanded networks to provide seamless door-to-door logistics – from inland factories to global destinations.
3. Green Shipping & Alternative Fuel Readiness
As Shanghai builds its green fuel bunkering infrastructure – targeting 1 million cubic meters of LNG bunkering – we help you future-proof your supply chain with eco-friendly shipping options.
4. Supply Chain Resilience
With Shanghai‘s automated port operations set to reach 15 million TEUs, we offer faster turnaround times and real-time tracking to keep your cargo moving efficiently.
5. Competitive Freight Rates
Our long-standing partnerships with major shipping lines calling at Shanghai – including MSC, COSCO, and others – give you access to the best rates on all major global trade routes.
Why Partner with PRO Supply Chain?
| Your Need | Our Solution |
|---|---|
| Access Shanghai’s 58M TEU capacity | Reliable capacity allocation + priority space |
| Leverage multi-modal networks | Sea-rail intermodal + door-to-door delivery |
| Export high-value manufactured goods | Specialized handling + route optimization |
| Future-proof with green shipping | Eco-friendly options + alternative fuel logistics |
| Mitigate port congestion risks | Real-time monitoring + contingency planning |
| End-to-end visibility | Real-time tracking across all modes |
The Time to Act Is Now
Shanghai‘s historic rise to world No. 2 and the 58 million TEU “15th Five-Year Plan” target mark a new era of opportunity for businesses moving cargo through China’s premier gateway.
If your business relies on China‘s manufacturing and export ecosystem – whether shipping electronics, machinery, automobiles, consumer goods, or specialty products – you need a logistics partner who understands Shanghai’s evolving capabilities and can help you capitalize on them.
XIAMEN PRO SUPPLY CHAIN CO., LTD. is that partner.
Contact Us
XIAMEN PRO SUPPLY CHAIN CO., LTD.
📧 hugh@proschain.cn
📞 +86 15960250195
Shanghai has just become the world‘s No. 2 shipping hub – don’t let logistics complexity hold your business back. Partner with PRO Supply Chain for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective freight solutions from China‘s most dynamic port to the world. Request a quote today – and discover why leading global shippers trust us to keep their cargo moving through every route, to every market, no matter what.