Page 130 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Maritime hubs

handling, draft, and length of container insurers, and financial institutions,
berths. Additionally, the index assesses many of which continue to offer green
the overall business climate, taking into finance solutions to the maritime sector.
consideration customs duties and the The UK government has launched a series
performance of the supply chain. of funding rounds to support the green
According to the 2025 report, Singapore, and digital transition of the maritime
London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, transport sector. It has also announced
and Rotterdam maintained their posi- a number of important laws to protect
tions in the top six shipping hubs due to seafarers’ rights, including the Sea-
their continued important role in provid- farers’ Wages Act to improve working
ing essential shipping services, advanced conditions and protect wage rights, and
port infrastructure, and alignment with the launch of the Seafarers’ Charter, in
global environmental regulations. partnership with France, to strengthen
Singapore, with an impressive score of employment protection for crews.
99.5/100, maintained its dominance for Following the challenges of COVID-19,
the twelfth consecutive year, marking a China’s ports are once again demon-
series of firsts across the shipping value strating their resilience and significant
chain, particularly at its renowned port. role as major shipping hubs. In this con-
The report notes that, amid geopolitical text, it is not surprising that Shanghai
upheavals and changing trade patterns, ranks third (81.01) in the ISCDI Report’s
Singapore continues to maintain its ranking of the top shipping centres. In
unwavering commitment and strate- 2024, container traffic increased by
gic vision. In 2024, its container traffic 4.8% to more than 51.5 million TEUs.
increased by 5.4% to reach its highest The continuing expansion and upgrad-
level at 41.12 million TEUs. The previous ing of its port facilities have played a
record was set in 2023, with 39 million decisive role in this growth. The com-
TEUs. At the same time, marine fuel sales pletion of new berths at the Yangshan
also set a record, reaching 54.92 million Deep Water Port, together with the
tonnes, surpassing the 2023 record (51.82 introduction of additional automated
million tonnes). Moreover, it is worth not- handling equipment, significantly
ing that Singapore’s maritime potential increased the management capacity
extends beyond its port. Last year, 30 and operational efficiency of the Port of
maritime industry companies were estab- Shanghai. In addition, the port’s proac-
lished or opened branches in Singapore, tive approach to environmental sustain-
and, according to the report, around 200 ability is noteworthy. In 2024, Shanghai
international shipping groups are based made significant strides in reducing its
in the country. carbon footprint by adopting green
London, which found itself in second technologies and practices. Initiatives
place with a score of 81.02, remains one such as the use of shore-side power for
of the world’s leading maritime centres ships at berth, the investment in elec-
for maritime services, including a world- tric and hybrid port equipment, and the
class legal system. Moreover, the UK implementation of energy-efficient sys- Table 1:
capital hosts some of the world’s larg- tems have helped reduce emissions and The top five shipping centres (2021-2025)
est shipbrokers, ship managers, marine promote sustainable port operations. Source: International Shipping Centre
Development Index Report
Ranking 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021

1 Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore

2 London London London London London

3 Shanghai Shanghai Shanghai Shanghai Shanghai

4 Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong

5 Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai Dubai

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