Transshipment hub · Singapore
Port of Singapore
Singapore is a transshipment hub on the Singapore Strait in Singapore (Southeast Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Singapore
- UN/LOCODE
- SGSIN
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Waters
- Singapore Strait
- Coordinates
- 1.26°N, 103.72°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 39.0 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 650 nm
About the port of Singapore
Singapore is the world’s largest transshipment hub and the second-busiest container port overall. Most containers handled are relayed between mainline and feeder services rather than imported or exported by Singapore itself.
Terminals are operated mainly by PSA and are being consolidated at the new Tuas mega-port in the west of the island. For Vietnam, Singapore is a key relay point for cargo to South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania and Europe.
Singapore works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Singapore handled approximately 39.0 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam is connected by frequent short-sea and feeder services, typically with several sailings a week and transit times of a few days; ATIGA and RCEP preferences apply to much of this trade.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Singapore | 650 | 2–3 days |
| Hai Phong → Singapore | 1,350 | 3–5 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Singapore that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
- MSC
- Maersk
- CMA CGM
- COSCO Shipping Lines
- Hapag-Lloyd
- ONE
- HMM
- Yang Ming
- PIL
- X-Press Feeders
- Sealead
- Emirates Shipping Line
- Unifeeder
- Samudera
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Singapore that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: ATIGA, RCEP, CPTPP. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Singapore
Where is the port of Singapore?
Singapore is in Singapore, on the Singapore Strait, in the Southeast Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Singapore?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Singapore is SGSIN. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Singapore?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 650 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 2–3 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Singapore?
According to published rankings, Singapore handled approximately 39.0 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Singapore?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Singapore?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Singapore through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.