Following the strong recovery of European container ports in 2024 after the turbulence of 2023, the first half of 2025 reveals a reshuffling of growth dynamics across the top 15 EU container ports. While overall volumes remain steady, the latest figures highlight significant regional divergences and notable winners.
PortEconomics member Theo Notteboom analyses, the data shows both continuity and shifts in Europe’s container port hierarchy.
✅ Baltic Hub propels Gdansk to the top
Gdansk leads the European ranking in terms of growth, recording a 20.5% year-on-year increase. This surge is largely driven by the launch of the newest Baltic Hub terminal, which has reinforced Gdansk’s role as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe.
✅ Gioia Tauro strengthens its position
Southern Italy’s transshipment giant, Gioia Tauro, continues its robust trajectory with double-digit growth, fueled by MSC’s sustained investments and operational expansion.
✅ Hamburg’s resurgence reshapes the North Range
Among the leading trio, Hamburg emerges as the strongest performer, posting 9.3% growth, well ahead of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, whose volumes remain neck-and-neck. After years of modest performance, Hamburg is clearly benefitting from increased port calls linked to new alliance structures (notably Gemini) and MSC’s strategic involvement in HHLA. Signs of a wider German port system revival are evident, with both Wilhelmshaven (still outside the top 15) and Bremerhaven also reporting healthy growth.
✅ Southern Europe: from momentum to moderation
The exceptional 2024 momentum of Spanish ports—boosted by Red Sea vessel reroutings—has softened. Valencia achieved a modest 3.9% increase, while Algeciras and Barcelona recorded declines. Similarly, Portugal’s Sines saw a drop compared to its 2024 highs.
✅ France and Italy diverge
French ports HAROPA and Marseille posted significantly lower growth compared to their strong 2024 performance. In contrast, the Ports of Genoa recorded a solid 7.9% growth, accelerating from just 2.9% in 2024.
✅ Piraeus shows early signs of recovery
After a subdued 2024 marked by Red Sea disruptions, Greece’s Piraeus appears to be regaining momentum, signaling a possible turnaround.
