2021 Maritime Performance: Record Throughput and Continued Leadership in Global Maritime Sector
In 2021, Singapore’s container throughput reached a new high of 37.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), securing its position as the world’s busiest container transhipment port. The Port of Singapore continued to lead the global maritime industry, with its container throughput growing despite the ongoing global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Republic also maintained its top ranking as the world’s leading bunkering port, with sales of both conventional fuels and liquefied natural gas reaching around 50 million tonnes in the same year. These achievements helped Singapore cement its reputation as a maritime hub of excellence.
Minister for Transport S. Iswaran highlighted Singapore’s exceptional performance at the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s New Year Conversations on January 13. He announced that Singapore was named the “Best Global Seaport” for the first time, in addition to winning the Best Asian Seaport award for the 33rd time at the 2021 Asia Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Singapore managed to handle 599 million tonnes of freight in 2021, a slight increase compared to 2020. However, this was still lower than pre-pandemic figures, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Vessel arrivals in 2021 reached 2.81 billion gross tonnage, slightly down from 2020.
The Singapore Registry of Ships ranked among the world’s top five, with 92.3 million gross tonnes of ships registered under its flag as of December 2021. Singapore also retained its title as the top international shipping centre for the eighth consecutive year in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index.
Minister Iswaran also announced that the MPA had awarded approximately S$3 million in funding to eight projects involving 35 companies. These projects aim to accelerate the development of digital solutions for the bunkering sector, including innovations using mass flow meter systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These initiatives are expected to save the industry over 39,000 man-days annually, further solidifying Singapore’s position as a trusted and efficient bunkering hub.
