The performance of EU container ports during the first nine months of 2025 shows a clear shift in regional growth patterns. After a strong rebound in 2024, several ports have either accelerated further or lost momentum. New terminal investments, alliance restructuring, and the fading effects of last year’s Red Sea rerouting all contributed to a mixed but insightful picture of Europe’s container economy.
Northern Ports Continue to Drive Growth
Northern Europe remained the strongest performer in early 2025, with several major ports recording notable gains.
• Gdansk, Gioia Tauro & Bremerhaven post double-digit growth
Only three ports achieved double-digit growth in 2025 so far, with Gdansk leading at 21.7%, supported by the launch of a new terminal at the Baltic Hub. Gioia Tauro continued gaining from large-scale MSC operations, and Bremerhaven surpassed the 10% mark, likely rising to fifth place in annual rankings.
• Hamburg records strong recovery
Hamburg delivered 8.4% year-on-year growth, outperforming both Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges. The port benefited from more alliance-driven calls and the involvement of foreign terminal operators. Wilhelmshaven also crossed its one-millionth TEU mark, reflecting renewed strength in the German port system.
Southern Europe Faces Slowdowns After an Exceptional 2024
Many Southern European ports struggled to repeat their 2024 success.
• Mixed performance across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece
Valencia saw a mild 3.7% increase, while Algeciras and Barcelona experienced declines. Sines in Portugal also dropped from its 2024 peak.
In Italy, Genoa improved from 2.9% to 5.4%, but French ports like Marseille showed weaker growth and are expected to drop out of the EU top 15.
Greece’s Piraeus remained negative, still affected by the 2024 downturn and lingering Red Sea disruptions.
• Las Palmas shows strong upward movement
Las Palmas delivered a 15.7% rise, set to enter the top rankings as container transshipment grows in the Canary Islands.
Europe’s container port landscape in early 2025 reflects a redistribution of growth, with Northern European hubs leading recovery while many Southern ports cool after an exceptional 2024. Investment in terminals, shifting trade routes, and evolving alliance structures continue to reshape the competitive balance. As more ports outside the top 15 approach the one-million TEU mark, Europe’s container traffic is becoming increasingly diversified setting the stage for a more regionally balanced future.
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Source: CONTAINER NEWS
