Singapore has been named the world’s leading container port in the first edition of the ‘Leading Container Ports of the World’ (LCP) report, an independent global analysis published by DNV and Menon Economics. Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan follow in second and third place, with Rotterdam and Busan completing the global top five.

Maritime transport carries close to 90 per cent of global trade by volume, and container ports alone handle more than 80 per cent of non-bulk merchandise. Today, these ports are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising trade flows, rapid advances in technology, and mounting pressure to meet climate targets.

Bangladesh inks port development deal

Bangladesh has signed a landmark agreement to develop the Laldia container terminal in Chattogram — one of its largest-ever port infrastructure investments.

Backed by more than $550 million, the terminal will be delivered through a public–private partnership between Chittagong Port Authority and APM Terminals. Once completed, it will add more than 800,000 TEUs of annual capacity, ease congestion, and lower logistics costs, helping manufacturers and exporters move goods faster and more efficiently.

Sustainability is built in, with electrified equipment, solar power and shore power-ready systems supporting Bangladesh’s climate goals.

Global air cargo demand up in October

In October 2025, global air cargo demand rose by 4.1 per cent, and capacity increased by 5.1 per cent, compared to last year, marking eight straight months of growth, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The global goods trade grew by 5.3 per cent year-on-year in September. Global industrial production rose 3.7 per cent year-on-year in September, the fastest since March 2025 and the strongest monthly reading since late-2022.

Further, jet fuel prices increased 2.5 per cent in October even as crude fell, with a tightening diesel market driving the jet crack spread to nearly double last year’s level.

Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened slightly in October, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising for the third consecutive month to reach 51.45.

New export orders deteriorated slightly to 48.31, remaining below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid tariff uncertainty, said IATA. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line 

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