The Port of Klaipėda is experiencing significant growth, handling nearly 36 million tonnes of cargo over the first eleven months of the year – a double-digit increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is fueled by increases in containerised cargo, ro-ro freight, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), solidifying Klaipėda’s position as the leading port in the Baltic States.
Container Traffic Soars
Containerised cargo has seen a particularly strong surge, reaching almost 12 million tonnes – a 29% increase year-on-year. This segment now represents 33% of the port’s total cargo throughput. Notably, the port surpassed one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in October, a milestone traditionally reached in December.
Ro-ro cargo, consisting of freight vehicles transported by ferries, also contributed to the port’s success, increasing by 7% to just over 6 million tonnes. Combined, containerised cargo and ro-ro freight now account for half of all cargo moving through Klaipėda.
Energy and Other Cargo
The handling of LNG has also risen, with volumes up 17% to 2.2 million tonnes. Oil products saw a 4% increase, reaching 3.4 million tonnes, while minerals and construction materials increased by 7% to nearly 2 million tonnes. Fertiliser volumes also experienced growth, rising 3% to 1.6 million tonnes.
Passenger numbers are also on the rise, with 399,155 passengers arriving by sea so far this year. Cruise ships accounted for 76.6 thousand of those passengers, surpassing the 2017 record by nearly 2 thousand tourists.
While most cargo categories are growing, grain volumes have seen a slight decrease of 5%, handling 3.6 million tonnes compared to 3.8 million tonnes during the same period last year. Volumes of scrap metal and timber have declined by 13% and 17% respectively.
Regional Performance
Klaipėda stands out among its regional peers, currently being the only Baltic port to demonstrate double-digit growth. Ports in Riga and Liepāja have experienced declines of 7% and 2% respectively, while Ventspils recorded an 8% increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cargo are driving growth at the Port of Klaipėda?
Containerised cargo, ro-ro freight transported by ferries, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are the primary drivers of growth at the Port of Klaipėda.
How does Klaipėda compare to other Baltic ports?
The Port of Klaipėda remains the leader among the ports of the Baltic States and is currently the only port demonstrating double-digit growth. Cargo volumes in the ports of Riga and Liepāja have declined, while the Port of Ventspils recorded an 8% increase.
When did the Port of Klaipėda reach one million TEUs?
The Port of Klaipėda reached one million TEUs in October of this year, earlier than ever before in the port’s history.
As Klaipėda continues to demonstrate strong performance, will this trend continue into the final months of the year and into the next, and what further investments might be needed to support sustained growth?
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