Global container volumes exceeded expectations in 2025, with major ports recording an estimated 5.2% growth. According to Alphaliner, transshipment hubs demonstrated the strongest performance brought on by increased trade demand and disruptions within the liner shipping network.
Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) recorded the fastest growth among the world’s top container gateways. Throughput rose by 14.5% to more than 14 million TEU, moving up the port up three places from 16th to 13th, according to Alphaliner’s global container port rankings. The port’s volumes are now roughly 55% above pre-pandemic levels, as transshipment flows continue to shift toward Southeast Asia.
As reported by ShippingWatch, PTP intends to expand capacity to approximately 16 million TEU by 2027. The port continues to benefit from its role as the central hub for the Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd Gemini Cooperation.
Singapore also posted strong gains, handling 44.7 million TEU in 2025, registering an 8.6% year‑on‑year increase that outpaced Shanghai’s 6.9% growth. According to Alphaliner, Colombo port in Sri Lanka remained a key redistribution point in the region, seeing throughput rise 6.5%, while India’s Nhava Sheva port grew 12.6%. Earlier in January, India and the European Union finalized a landmark Free Trade Agreement, linking markets which together represent 25% of global GDP and a combined population of 2 billion.
Mediterranean hubs also experienced similar momentum. Morocco’s Tanger Med port recorded growth of 8.4%, while Spain’s Valencia port also saw improved throughput. Meanwhile, the port of Hong Kong recorded another decline in 2025 with volumes down -5.4% to 13 million TEU following a -4.9% drop in 2024.
Source: Alphaliner, ShippingWatch