Hong Kong remains the fourth-ranked international shipping hub in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic Index, trailing Singapore, Shanghai, and London.
Hong Kong has retained its position as the world's fourth-ranked international shipping centre in the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.
The city scored 80.87, placing it behind Singapore, Shanghai, and London, but ahead of Dubai. Hong Kong has held fourth place since 2020, after ranking third from 2014 to 2017 and second in 2018 and 2019.
Singapore remained at the top for the 13th consecutive year with 99.32 points, supported by its strategic location, maritime services in finance, insurance, and legal expertise, as well as its role in alternative fuel and technology development.
Shanghai climbed to second place with 84.27, overtaking London, which scored 81.80. The report indicated that Shanghai's rise reflects its growing strength in containerised trade. Dubai ranked fifth with 77.13.
China's other hubs also advanced in the rankings. Ningbo-Zhoushan rose to sixth, while Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Tianjin improved their standings. No new centres entered the top 20, but the report noted intensifying competition among established hubs.
The index, now in its 13th year, evaluates 43 shipping centres worldwide based on port performance, maritime services, and business environment. Indicators include cargo throughput, crane numbers, berth length, port draught, shipbroking, ship finance, insurance, legal services, customs efficiency, digital government services, and logistics performance.
