SHANGHAI - Shanghai ranks sixth out of the world's 10 largest shipping centers, according to a report published here Friday.

The Xinhua-Baltic Exchange International Shipping Centers Index 2015 was jointly published Friday by Xinhua News Agency and the London-based Baltic Exchange, an independent provider of ocean freight index.

The index measures port conditions, services and environment of each shipping center and tracks dozens of major ports across the globe.

The top 10 international shipping centers are Singapore, London, Hong Kong, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Shanghai, Dubai, New York, Pusan and Athens, according to the report.

"The release of the index is of special significance against the backdrop of a sluggish global economy and recessions in international trade," said Xinhua's vice president Yu Shaoliang.

He said Shanghai is a pivotal port on the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

"Shanghai's development will inject new vitality in the development of the ocean shipping industry in China and the world at large," Yu said.

Shanghai ranked seventh in the index last year.

"Shanghai's status in the international shipping market keeps improving, thanks to the rich resources and better services," said Yu.