Singapore Surpasses Hong Kong To Become World’s Fourth-Largest Ship Registry

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Singapore has overtaken Hong Kong to become the world’s fourth-largest ship registry, after a surge in vessels reflagged to the city-state amid US-China geopolitical tensions.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Singapore Registry of Ships had 4,230 vessels with a combined gross tonnage of 127.8 million by the end of September.

By contrast, the Hong Kong Shipping Registry reported 2,162 ships totalling 120.6 million gross tonnes over the same period. Ship registries are ranked by gross tonnage.

Singapore’s gross tonnage rose from 108.7 million to 134.9 million in the first ten months of 2025, marking a 24.1 per cent increase. October alone added 114 ships, contributing 7.1 million gross tonnes.

In contrast, Hong Kong’s registry has been steadily declining, falling from 132.2 million gross tonnes in January to 120.6 million by September. Figures for October have not yet been published.

The rise in Singapore-flagged vessels shows that shipowners are trying to deal with geopolitical and regulatory uncertainties.

Hong Kong-based Pacific Basin Shipping reportedly moved around half of its dry bulk fleet to Singapore, while also relocating its headquarters to the city-state. The reflagged vessels are intended for voyages calling at US ports, avoiding fees imposed on China-linked ships.

Similarly, container shipping company Seaspan reportedly transferred its headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore. Company filings indicate that 82 Singapore-based companies were incorporated in July and August to facilitate the reflagging of its 100-vessel fleet, amid US port fee regulations.

Although the United States and China agreed on 30 October to suspend the mutual port fees for a year, many vessels had already been reflagged to Singapore by that time.

Globally, Liberia remains the largest ship registry, followed by Panama and the Marshall Islands, according to data from Clarksons. Singapore’s strong growth allowed it to surpass Hong Kong, which has now slipped to fifth place in global rankings.

References: businesstimes

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