Philadelphia Ranks #1 in North America for Productivity for the Second Year in a Row

Philadelphia, October 9, 2025 —

For the second year in a row, The Port of Philadelphia has been recognized as the most productive port in North America, according to the 2024 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) released by the World Bank Group and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Philadelphia also distinguished itself on the global stage, rising from 55th to 26th place worldwide in the CPPI. It is the only U.S. port ranked in the top 50 out of 403 container ports measured and recorded the fourth-highest growth in global rankings since 2020.

The CPPI, now in its fifth year, measures vessel turnaround efficiency at 403 container ports worldwide, analyzing metrics such as docking time, crane operations, and departure schedules. Philadelphia outperformed all other American ports, including New York/New Jersey (139th), Los Angeles (359th), and Long Beach (318th).

“This ranking reflects the exceptional efforts of our labor, management, and partners at Holt Logistics,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director & CEO of PhilaPort. “Being recognized as the most productive port in North America for the second consecutive year reflects the excellence and collaboration that define the Philadelphia port community and shows that Philadelphia is not just competing, but leading.”

“This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable men and women of the International Longshoremen’s Association,” added Theobald. “Their skill, dedication, and work ethic are the driving force behind our success. Every container moved and every vessel turned efficiently is a testament to the professionalism of our labor force.”

PhilaPort has continued to invest heavily in modernization, with over $1 billion in public and private investments over the past decade. These improvements have strengthened the Port’s ability to serve ocean carriers and shippers efficiently while driving economic growth for the region.

In a further sign of continued growth and long-term vision, PhilaPort recently acquired the 152-acre Mustin Yard property from Norfolk Southern Corporation, adjacent to the SouthPort Marine Terminal. The acquisition of the last major deep-water, rail, and highway-connected tract in the city will expand cargo capacity, support new intermodal operations, and create additional jobs, further strengthening Philadelphia’s position as a global trade leader.

“The CPPI, and its underlying data, serves as a diagnostic tool, enabling stakeholders to pinpoint structural inefficiencies and develop strategies for enhancing port operations,” said Turloch Mooney, Global Head of Port Intelligence & Analytics at S&P Global Market Intelligence¹.

Ocean carriers and major shippers use the CPPI, among other factors, to make port choice decisions.

“This honor belongs to everyone who makes the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal run at such a high level,” said Eric Holt, Chief Commercial Officer of Holt Logistics Corp., an independently managed affiliate of Greenwich Terminals LLC, operator of PAMT. “From the ILA workforce to our management and carrier partners, the collaboration here is second to none. Together we are proving that Philadelphia can compete with and outperform the largest ports in North America.”

As the Philadelphia region prepares for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and anticipates continued growth, including new cruise operations, PhilaPort leaders see this ranking as both recognition and motivation.

“Ports are economic engines,” added Theobald. “We are proud of this achievement, and we are committed to building on it to keep Philadelphia competitive on the world stage.”