Container Port Performance Index 2025: How Did Australian Ports Perform?
The latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) has been released by the World Bank and S&P Global, providing an annual snapshot of container port performance across 400 ports worldwide.
The CPPI is one of the industry's most recognised global benchmarks, measuring how efficiently container ports handle vessels based on turnaround times and operational performance. While it doesn't measure every aspect of a port's operation, it provides a valuable indication of waterside efficiency and highlights trends across the global shipping industry.
China's Continued Strength
China once again dominated the rankings, with seven ports featuring in the global top 10. Fuzhou claimed the number one position, followed by Dalian in second place.
The report attributes the strong performance of many East and South Asian ports to sustained investment in infrastructure, automation, high cargo volumes and strong operational discipline. Supported by significant export volumes and ongoing competition between ports, the region continues to set the benchmark for container port efficiency.
Australia's Performance
Australia's highest-ranked container port was Bell Bay, which placed 171st globally. Melbourne followed closely at 182nd, representing an impressive improvement of 83 places compared with the previous year. Brisbane also recorded a significant improvement, climbing 76 places to 301st, while Fremantle was ranked 366th.
When viewed in the context of 400 ports worldwide, the rankings provide a clearer perspective. Bell Bay sits within the top 43% globally, while Melbourne ranks within the top 46%. Although Australian ports generally rank below many of the large Asian hub ports, they operate under very different conditions.
To put Australia's container ports into perspective, recent monthly throughput figures highlight the scale of cargo moving through the country's major gateways. In April, the Port of Melbourne handled approximately 291,000 TEU, followed by Port Botany with 237,122 TEU and the Port of Brisbane with 122,253 TEU. Fremantle Ports handled 76,266 TEU during May. Every one of these containers represents goods being imported, exported, stocked on retail shelves, used in manufacturing, or delivered to homes and businesses across Australia.
Understanding the Rankings
Like any performance index, the CPPI measures a specific aspect of port operations rather than the entire supply chain.
The rankings focus on vessel turnaround times and waterside efficiency. They do not assess landside performance, including road and rail connectivity, cargo dwell times, documentation processes, transport costs or the efficiency of moving containers beyond the port gate.
Several other factors can also influence a port's ranking. Australian ports generally service smaller container vessels than many of Asia's major transhipment hubs, have relatively little transhipment cargo and often sit at the end of international shipping rotations. Weather conditions, vessel size, berth availability and labour practices can also affect vessel turnaround times.
For these reasons, the CPPI should be viewed as an important measure of operational performance rather than a complete assessment of a port's overall efficiency.
Why the CPPI Matters
The Container Port Performance Index remains a valuable benchmarking tool, allowing ports to compare their operational performance against global peers and identify opportunities for improvement.
For importers and exporters, however, port performance is only one part of the supply chain. Reliable shipping schedules, inland transport, warehousing, customs clearance and distribution all contribute to the timely movement of cargo.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, benchmarking reports such as the CPPI provide useful insights into how the world's ports are performing and where investment and operational improvements are delivering results.