Port of Gdansk Delivers Impressive 2025 Performance

Poland’s premier maritime gateway reinforces its position as Central Europe’s fastest-growing port with nearly 80.5 million tonnes handled

The Port of Gdansk has wrapped up 2025 with results that underscore its strategic importance to regional trade networks and Poland’s energy infrastructure. The facility processed 80.4 million tonnes of cargo throughout the year, representing a solid 4% increase over 2024’s figure of 77.4 million tonnes.

These numbers cement the port’s reputation as the Baltic region’s most dynamic maritime hub, serving as a critical link between Central and Eastern European markets and global shipping routes.

Vessel Traffic Reflects Growing Capacity

Ship arrivals told a similar story of expansion. The port welcomed 4,394 vessels in 2025, up 4.2% from the previous year, with commercial vessels accounting for 3,650 of these calls—a 2.5% year-on-year increase. Perhaps more significantly, the average gross tonnage of commercial ships rose by 3.8%, indicating that Gdansk is successfully attracting larger vessels and maximizing its deep-water infrastructure investments.

Liquid Fuels Maintain Strategic Dominance

Petroleum products continued to form the backbone of operations, with 39.6 million tonnes handled—a slight uptick of 0.4% that maintained liquid fuels’ position as nearly half (49.3%) of total throughput. This cargo category remains fundamental to Poland’s energy security strategy.

The Naftoport terminal achieved a milestone by processing 37.4 million tonnes of crude oil, surpassing its 2024 performance of 36.6 million tonnes to set a new facility record. Over the course of the year, Naftoport accommodated 379 crude oil tankers plus an additional 84 vessels carrying refined petroleum products, cementing its role as a linchpin in regional energy supply chains.

Container Sector Posts Exceptional Growth

While liquid fuels held their top position, general cargo emerged as the port’s growth engine. This segment jumped from 23.3 million tonnes to 27.2 million tonnes—a remarkable 16.6% increase that brought general cargo to 33.8% of total handling volumes.

Container operations drove much of this expansion. Terminals processed nearly 2.8 million TEU in 2025, marking a 23% surge year-on-year. The Baltic Hub Container Terminal alone handled 2,766,475 TEU. In tonnage terms, containerized cargo rose 18% to reach 24 million tonnes, demonstrating Gdansk’s increasing integration into global container shipping networks.

Mixed Performance in Bulk Commodities

The dry bulk sector presented a more complex picture. Coal handling continued its downward trajectory for the second consecutive year, dropping 10.8% to just under 7 million tonnes—roughly half the volume moved in 2022. At 8.7% of total cargo, coal’s diminishing share reflects Poland’s evolving energy landscape.

Other bulk commodities showed divergent trends. Ore volumes climbed 12% to 326,700 tonnes, while miscellaneous dry bulk increased 8.5% to 3.7 million tonnes. However, significant contractions occurred in timber (down 56.5% to 31,200 tonnes) and grain (falling 14.8% to approximately 2.5 million tonnes).

The ro-ro segment also faced headwinds, with vehicle handling declining 15% to 118,000 units.

Passenger Services Show Resilience

Counter to some cargo trends, passenger traffic edged upward. The port served 171,400 passengers in 2025, a 3.1% increase that reflected sustained demand for ferry services and cruise tourism. The facility hosted 266 ferry calls alongside 57 cruise ship visits throughout the year.

Infrastructure Investment Continues

Port authorities maintained an aggressive investment agenda in 2025. Naftoport broke ground on its sixth liquid fuels berth, engineered to handle the world’s largest oil tankers—vessels exceeding 300 meters in length with drafts up to 15-17 meters. Concurrent projects included development of an offshore wind installation terminal, FSRU facilities, and Inner Port quay expansion.

The year also saw completion of several major projects, notably Baltic Hub’s T3 terminal and the extended Bytomskie Quay.

“The Port of Gdańsk’s 2025 results confirm our ability to adapt and build resilience amid changing conditions in international maritime trade and global supply chains. The Port of Gdańsk Authority continues to invest in port infrastructure in a balanced and sustainable way, while actively diversifying cargo streams. Our consistent actions are strengthening the Port of Gdańsk’s position in the Baltic Sea region and across Europe, particularly in liquid fuels and containerised general cargo handling,” said Dorota Pyć, President of the Port of Gdańsk. “As a result of these efforts, the Port of Gdańsk ranks among the key transport hubs in Central and Eastern Europe, influencing its wider environment as a port that is well prepared to meet the growing demand for specialised port services. This is supported in particular by ongoing investment projects, which are laying solid foundations for the port’s continued dynamic, yet pragmatic development.”

Regional Implications

The 2025 results highlight Gdansk’s dual character: as Poland’s energy security anchor through liquid fuel handling, and as an emerging container powerhouse connecting European markets to global trade lanes. The port’s ability to post growth despite coal’s structural decline demonstrates successful cargo diversification.

With major infrastructure projects either completed or underway, Gdansk appears positioned to maintain its growth trajectory and strengthen its competitive position in the Baltic maritime landscape.