In 2023, Spain led European seaborne container activity, handling primarily high volumes of loaded and empty containers, showing an increase of 1.79%. Germany and the Netherlands followed, with Germany marking a slight decline. Belgium and Poland displayed notable growth, with Belgium at 3.4% and Poland at 3.39%. Iberian countries, notably Portugal and Spain, registered increments of around 2%. The UK and France had moderate increases, while Finland and Romania faced declines. Smaller countries like Ireland and Croatia experienced substantial growth at over 6% and 8%, respectively.
Future trends to watch include increased automation and digitalization in European ports and potential shifts in trade patterns due to geopolitical changes. Sustainability efforts and infrastructure investments will be critical as countries aim for higher efficiency and decarbonization. Attention to evolving trade regulations and agreements will shape container traffic, influencing future volumes and growth dynamics across Europe’s maritime boundaries.
Top countries in Volume of Loaded and Empty Seaborne Containers Handled by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Thousand Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Spain | 18,270 | 2023 | +3.13% | +1.79% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Germany | 15,090 | 2023 | +0.86% | -0.058% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Netherlands | 14,180 | 2023 | +2.59% | +1.05% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Belgium | 14,130 | 2023 | +2.84% | +3.4% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Antwerpen | 12,800 | 2023 | |||
| 6 | 6 Italy | 12,170 | 2023 | +6.97% | +1.49% | View data |
| 7 | 7 United Kingdom | 11,180 | 2023 | +1.46% | +1.62% | View data |
| 8 | 8 France | 6,270 | 2023 | +1.6% | +1.7% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Greece | 5,810 | 2023 | +1.26% | -0.011% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Algeciras | 5,070 | 2023 |
