The Drewry Container Port Throughput Indices provide a detailed overview of global port activity by measuring volume growth or decline across a sample of over 340 ports, which account for more than 80% of global volumes. The indices are calibrated based on a baseline of January 2019, set at 100. To enhance predictive capabilities, Drewry employs a nowcasting model that uses data on vessel capacity and terminal duration.
According to Drewry’s latest assessment, the Global Container Port Throughput Index experienced a decline of 1.4% month-over-month in February, though it remains 8.8% higher compared to the same month last year. The rolling 12-month average growth rate for global port handling has slightly risen to 6.5%. Looking ahead, Drewry’s nowcasting model predicts a potential increase of 2.8% month-over-month for March 2025, translating to a year-over-year rise of 6.5%.
The Greater China Container Port Throughput Index faced a significant drop of 9.2% month-over-month, reaching 113.1 points in February. However, there was an increase of 12.8% year-over-year. Following record traffic in January, the usual slowdown caused by the two-week Chinese New Year holidays led to decreased volumes in key ports, with Shanghai down 22%, Ningbo down 27%, and Shenzhen down 16%.
In Europe, the Container Port Throughput Index surged by 6.9% in February, reaching 111.5 points—the highest level recorded in over two years. The rolling 12-month average growth rate in Europe rose to 5.9%. Notably, Spanish ports saw mixed results, with Valencia experiencing an 8.3% month-over-month rise, while Algeciras reported a 6.0% decrease.
Lastly, the Middle East and South Asia Container Port Throughput Index increased by 0.4%, showing a year-over-year growth rate of 9.7%. This low growth was primarily attributed to significant declines in Indian port throughput during February, with notable reductions at Mundra, Chennai, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Colombo also experienced an 8% drop in throughput month-over-month.