Singapore is world’s top transhipment, bunkering port

The Port of Singapore remained open and connected to the world in 2021 despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore’s port performance saw a record high container throughput of 37.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Bunker sales also remained strong, crossing 50 million tons for only the second time.

Singapore has also been ranked the top Leading Maritime City of the World for a fifth consecutive time in the international benchmarking study by Norwegian classification society, DNV; and Norwegian consultancy, Menon Economics AS. This is a strong testament of Singapore’s performance in not only the port sector, but also as an international maritime center in shipping services and maritime technology.

Record-high container throughput, cargo throughput and vessel arrival Tonnage Remained Resilient

Singapore remains the world’s busiest container transhipment port, handling a record high of 37.5 million TEUs of container throughput in 2021. In total, Singapore handled 599.0 million tons of cargo in 2021. Vessel arrival reached 2.81 billion gross tonnage (GT).

Strong bunker sales in 2021

Singapore also kept its position as the top bunkering port, registering total bunker sales volume of 50.04 million tons in 2021. This comprised 49.99 million tons in conventional bunkers sales and 0.05 million tons in LNG bunker sales. 

Singapore commenced regular ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations from March 2021 and will continue to diversify our fuel offerings in line with our push for maritime decarbonization. 

Singapore Registry of Ships amongst top registries

The Singapore Registry of Ships continued to rank amongst top ship registries globally, reflecting Singapore’s reputation as a quality flag of choice for international ship owners. The total tonnage of ships under the Singapore flag stood at 92.3 million GT, as of December 2021.

Government’s strong support

S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, announced the 2021 performance of the Port of Singapore at the Singapore Maritime Foundation New Year Conversations event on January 13. 

He also said the four thrusts – resilience, digitalization, decarbonization and talent – will guide the government’s efforts to advance the maritime sector and consultations with the industry and unions on the refreshed Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map.  

“Maritime Singapore has shown itself to be resilient despite the challenges of the pandemic over the past two years. I am confident that the continued strong tripartite partnership between the government, industry and unions will see us through the recovery phase and allow Maritime Singapore to emerge even stronger,” said Iswaran.

Iswaran also announced that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) awarded close to S$3 million of funding to eight projects involving 35 companies working together to accelerate the development of digital products and solutions for the bunkering sector. 

These projects are part of the first industry transformation map to digitalize the maritime industry, and will support the effort of SGTraDex in data sharing across bunkering stakeholders. 

The best maritime news and insights delivered to you.

subscribe maritime fairtrade

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Event offers and discounts
  • News & key insights of the maritime industry
  • Expert analysis and opinions on corruption and more