The global port construction industry is experiencing a major investment surge, with Southeast Asia leading the charge at the forefront of this growth.
According to MEED magazine, citing data from British economic analysis firm GlobalData, port projects worth approximately $113.1 billion are currently in planning or execution stages across the region.
Spending in Southeast Asia is expected to climb to $7.1 billion in 2025 and further to $12.6 billion by 2026, as development accelerates.
Countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam are among the largest contributors to this boom.
Notably, government investments make up 52.3% of the total value of port projects in Southeast Asia, reflecting strong state-backed infrastructure initiatives.
South Asia follows closely behind, with around $81 billion in projects underway. India dominates this figure, accounting for 80.2% of the regional total.
This growth is driven by the Indian government’s ambitious plan to transform six major ports into “mega ports” by 2047, positioning the country as a key trade hub.
The International Monetary Fund sees significant long-term potential in South Asia’s port infrastructure to support increased trade.
In Eastern Europe, ongoing port development is valued at around $32.8 billion, with Russia and Poland leading efforts — together representing more than 60% of the region’s investments. Governments are the main financiers, contributing nearly 69.6% of the total.
In North America, the United States is ramping up public spending on ports, with projects like the $662 million Nome Port in Alaska set to begin construction in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting renewed federal focus on maritime infrastructure.
While Western Europe has relatively low new port investment due to existing overcapacity and underutilization, recent global trade surges have caused significant congestion in European ports, revealing vulnerabilities in handling sudden spikes in demand and supply chain disruptions.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, port development is a strategic priority, particularly for GCC countries that rely heavily on the export of oil, commodities, and LNG. Port projects in the region are expected to exceed $7.4 billion between 2025 and 2027, with new construction making up 82.9% of the total, and expansions contributing 13.5%.
Despite global challenges — such as regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and economic uncertainties — the port construction sector remains resilient. Analysts expect infrastructure investments in ports to be a crucial driver of economic growth and international trade in the near future.
