Regional Overview:
Europe’s maritime trade is anchored by a series of high-capacity, highly automated ports, with the Northern Range—from Le Havre to Hamburg—being the most active. These ports serve as critical entry and redistribution hubs for goods across the EU and beyond. The Port of Rotterdam remains the largest, supported by advanced logistics infrastructure. Southern European ports, such as those in Spain and Italy, are increasingly capturing traffic via Mediterranean routes due to evolving global trade patterns.
1. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Europe’s largest and most advanced port, known for its automation, deep-water access, and connectivity to inland Europe.
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Annual Container Volume: 14.1 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Machinery, chemicals, food, consumer goods
2. Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium)
A major gateway to Central Europe with strong multimodal links and specialized terminals.
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Annual Container Volume: 13.5 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Chemicals, vehicles, machinery
3. Port of Hamburg (Germany)
Germany’s largest port, located along the Elbe River, serving Northern and Eastern Europe.
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Annual Container Volume: 8.9 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, raw materials, industrial equipment
4. Port of Valencia (Spain)
The busiest port on the Mediterranean coast of Europe and a growing hub for East-West trade.
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Annual Container Volume: 5.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Tiles, furniture, food products
5. Port of Piraeus (Greece)
Controlled by COSCO, it has become a key link in China–Europe maritime trade.
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Annual Container Volume: 4.4 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Consumer electronics, textiles, machinery
6. Port of Algeciras (Spain)
A strategic transshipment point between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Annual Container Volume: 4.2 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Re-exports, petroleum, general cargo
7. Port of Bremerhaven (Germany)
Specialized in container handling and car exports, with strong rail connections inland.
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Annual Container Volume: 4.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Automobiles, machinery, containers
8. Port of Barcelona (Spain)
A dynamic and diverse port with strong growth in both containers and cruise traffic.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.6 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Fashion, food, chemicals
9. Port of Le Havre (France)
France’s largest container port, strategically located on the English Channel.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Wine, agricultural goods, industrial products
10. Port of Gioia Tauro (Italy)
Italy’s largest transshipment hub, strategically positioned in the central Mediterranean.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Transshipment containers, general merchandise