Shanghai Overtakes Rotterdam to Rank Second in Leading Maritime Cities Ranking
Shanghai has climbed two positions to overtake Rotterdam as the world’s second-leading maritime city, according to the 2026 Leading Maritime Cities report published by classification society DNV and consultancy Menon Economics.
Singapore maintained its position at the top of the global port city ranking, while London retained third place, Rotterdam slipped to fourth, and Tokyo entered the top five.
Shanghai’s rise reflects its expanding influence across global shipping hubs and overall maritime center competitiveness. In the report’s pillar evaluations, Shanghai secured the top rank in Maritime Technology, while placing second in Ports and Logistics and third in Shipping. The city’s performance is driven by its position as the world’s busiest container port, substantial shipbuilding capacity, and a high volume of maritime tech patents. Strong integration with China’s manufacturing base has further established Shanghai as a premier international shipping hub.
London sustained its third-place ranking due to its strength in high-value professional services, securing top marks in maritime finance, legal frameworks, insurance, and dispute resolution.
Rotterdam slipped to fourth place overall but remains a key leader in port infrastructure, alternative fuel bunkering, and port digitalization.
The assessment evaluated cities using 48 objective and subjective indicators, incorporating feedback from maritime industry professionals. Updated benchmark criteria emphasized fleet energy efficiency, shore-power infrastructure, alternative fuel adoption, and human capital.
For shipowners, vessel operators, and maritime professionals, Shanghai’s ascent underscores a continuous shift of commercial gravity toward Asia-Pacific hubs. The convergence of massive cargo volume, shipbuilding infrastructure, and technology research in East Asia is actively shaping global routing, bunkering strategies, and decarbonization investments across the international shipping industry.
