- Seven EU ports show significant double-digit growth in container volume in 2024.
- Greece’s Port of Piraeus faces a notable decline in container throughput, risking its competitive position.
- Benelux ports remain dominant while Spain’s Valencia is set to overtake Piraeus in EU port rankings.
According to PortEconomics member Theo Notteboom, the first half of 2024 showed promising growth in European container ports, reports Container News.
Notable Growth in European Container Ports
“The first half of 2024 brought double-digit growth in seven of the top 15 ports,” said Notteboom, highlighting that these ports include Sines (Portugal), Valencia and Barcelona (Spain), HAROPA (France), Bremerhaven (Germany), Gioia Tauro (Italy), and Gdansk (Poland).
Decline in Greek Port of Piraeus
Contrasting the positive growth in other EU ports, Greece’s Port of Piraeus saw a significant decline in container throughput, mainly due to reduced traffic from the Suez Canal. “Piraeus incurred hefty traffic losses as the East Med became a maritime cul-de-sac due to the dramatic drop in Suez Canal transits,” noted Notteboom. This drop may cause the port to fall in ranking, potentially down to the seventh position.
Stability in Leading EU Ports
Belgium’s port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Netherlands’ Port of Rotterdam maintained their positions as the largest EU container ports, with modest growth. Antwerp-Bruges recorded a 4.1% increase, and Rotterdam reported a 2.2% rise. Meanwhile, Hamburg’s container volumes remained stable with a slight dip (-0.3%).
Forecast for the End of 2024
Notteboom predicts that “the top 15 ranking will see some changes by the end of the year,” with Valencia set to overtake Piraeus to become the fourth-largest EU port.
Other ports like Algeciras and Bremerhaven may also surpass Piraeus, pushing it to seventh place. Additionally, HAROPA is expected to gain two spots, reaching the tenth position.
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Source: Container News
