SINGAPORE, July 12 (The Straits Times/ANN): For the ninth consecutive year, Singapore has been ranked the top shipping centre by the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index.
The ISCD index is published by the Baltic Exchange, a global maritime data provider, in collaboration with Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
The index provides an independent ranking of the performance of 43 maritime locations, taking into account factors such as cargo throughput, port facilities, maritime services and business environment.
Singapore clinched the top spot due to its robust port infrastructure, comprehensive range of maritime services and supportive government policies, according to the index released on Monday (July 11).
The Republic scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, while stronghold London came second with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world's largest port, took third place with 82.79 points.
Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat said in a statement on Monday that the continued success of Singapore as a leading maritime hub was the result of strong collaboration between the sector's tripartite partners.
"We will continue to innovatBaltic Exchange chief executive Mark Jackson said on Monday that the report served as a valuable reminder of how intrinsic shipping is to global trade and prosperity.
"It also illustrates that shipping does not exist in silos. The success of the maritime hubs included in the top 10 list has for the most part been borne out of collaboration and synergies across different sectors of the shipping industry," he added.
Quah Ley Hoon, CEO of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, said on Monday: "During the pandemic, we are also reminded of the global nature of shipping and the need for close collaborations to address global challenges such as crew change."
She added: "As the maritime sector continues to build up resilience and future-ready capability, we will continue to work with our maritime colleagues around the world to drive transformation, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation, digitalisation and talent development." - The Straits Times/ANNe and grow together, and bring Maritime Singapore to greater heights," he said.
The Star — 13 Jul 2022