BUSINESS

Exclusive: Shanghai Recasts Shipping Exchange to Bolster Global Hub Ambitions

Published: Feb. 27, 2026 12:36 a.m. GMT+8

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The Shanghai Shipping Exchange. Photo: VCG

China’s sole national-level shipping exchange is set for a sweeping restructuring, as the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) is converted into a state-owned enterprise and folded into the Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG), reshaping its governance and commercial mandate.

SEG confirmed to Caixin that it will assume control of the shipping bourse’s corporate entity, marking a significant institutional shift for the 30-year-old platform.

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Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) is being restructured into a state-owned enterprise under Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG), shifting its governance and commercial mandate.
The SSE’s commercial businesses are integrated into SEG, while key regulatory functions like freight rate filings remain with the Ministry of Transport.
The changes aim to attract domestic and international ship trading, support Shanghai’s ambitions as a global shipping hub, and drive future growth in ship trading and finance.

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Who’s Who

Shanghai Shipping Exchange: The Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) is China's national-level shipping exchange, established in 1996. It's undergoing a major restructuring, converting into a state-owned enterprise under the Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG). This aims to professionalize its commercial operations, focusing on vessel trading, shipping finance, and index development, while its freight rate filing authority remains with the Ministry of Transport. The SSE is also known for launching the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI).

Shanghai Exchange Group: The Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG) is a state-owned enterprise established in September 2023 by the Shanghai municipal government. It consolidates various trading platforms, including the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange and the Shanghai Data Exchange. SEG recently assumed control of the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), integrating its commercial operations into the broader state-owned trading system to professionalize and commercialize the exchange.

Shanghai Futures Exchange: The Shanghai Futures Exchange introduced Europe Container (EC) futures contracts in August 2023. These contracts use the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), launched by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE), as their underlying benchmark. This connection highlights the role of the Shanghai Futures Exchange in facilitating commodity trading based on key shipping industry indicators.

Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange: The Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange (SEEE) is one of several trading platforms consolidated under the Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG). Established in September 2023, the SEG is a municipal government-owned enterprise. The inclusion of SEEE within this group reflects Shanghai's broader strategy to integrate various trading platforms and upgrade its high-end service capabilities.

Shanghai Data Exchange: The Shanghai Data Exchange is a trading platform that was established in September 2023. It is consolidated within the Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG), a municipal government-owned enterprise. The SEG aims to integrate and develop various trading platforms, including the Data Exchange, as part of Shanghai's broader strategic goal to enhance its position as a world-class financial and shipping hub.

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What Happened When

1996：: Shanghai Shipping Exchange (SSE) established by the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai municipal government.

2008：: After the global financial crisis, SSE's role expanded markedly.

2009：: Ministry of Transport introduced a filing regime for international container liner rates and designated SSE as the sole filing agency.

August 2023：: Europe Container (EC) futures contracts introduced on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, benchmarked to the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) launched by the SSE.

September 2023：: Shanghai Exchange Group (SEG) established as a municipal government-owned enterprise.

December 2023：: Five government bodies, including the central bank and the Ministry of Transport, issued guidelines calling for reforms to the SSE’s governance structure.