European Outwards and Inwards Short Sea Shipped Goods Gross Weight by Country

In 2023, Italy, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom led in short sea shipping gross weight, with moderate 5-year compound annual growth rates (CAGR). Italy saw minimal growth, whereas the Netherlands experienced nearly 1% growth. Spain had the highest recent annual increase at over 4%, indicating a robust upward trend. Germany and France had declining volumes, with Germany slightly and France significantly down. Poland and Bulgaria saw notable improvements, suggesting strengthening positions. Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland experienced marginal declines.

Looking into the future, attention should be on the Mediterranean and Eastern European markets, which show potential for growth. Innovations in sustainable shipping and evolving trade agreements may impact these dynamics, offering opportunities for countries to enhance their competitive positions in short sea shipping. Monitoring environmental regulations and technological advancements will be crucial in understanding future shifts.