The port of Gdańsk, Poland’s largest seaport, continues to record impressive results. A financial increase of 24% is expected for 2024.
The port of Gdańsk handled a total of 3,559 commercial seagoing vessels and 77.4 million tonnes of goods in 2024. A record net profit of around PLN 264 million (EUR 63 million) was also achieved.
According to the figures, 2024 was characterised by further records, particularly in the area of liquid fuels (an increase of over 1.8 million tonnes or almost 5%) and general cargo (an increase of around 430,000 tonnes or almost 2%). Container handling recorded an increase of almost 10%, while the handling of ore rose by 28,000 tonnes (11%). Ro-Ro goods also increased by 3.6 %. In addition, the number of passengers handled (cruise ships and ferries) rose by 4.5 % last year. The total cargo throughput of the port of Gdańsk amounted to 77.4 million tonnes in 2024.
Not only records for fuels
Since the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, the structure of cargo handling in Polish ports has changed. The crisis on the energy market led to an increase in the handling of dry and liquid bulk goods, which now account for the majority of throughput. In 2024, liquid fuels remained the dominant cargo group in the port of Gdańsk, with a volume of almost 40 million tonnes. In the last two years, liquid fuel transshipments reached record levels and accounted for 51% of total transshipments.
General cargo, including containerised freight, took second place with 30.2 %. Throughput in this category reached 23.4 million tonnes. Operators such as the Baltic Hub Container Terminal – the largest container terminal in the Baltic Sea – handled 21 million tonnes (2.25 million TEU).
Coal was in third place with 7.8 million tonnes (10.2 %), followed by other bulk goods such as bulk cargo or sulphur with 3.5 million tonnes (4.5 %). Grain accounted for 2.9 million tonnes (3.7%).
The change in the structure of goods is also related to the average capacity of merchant ships calling at the port of Gdańsk in 2024. In 2024, 3,559 ships were handled – 43 fewer than in 2023. However, the average gross tonne weight (GT) was 1.6 % higher and stood at 25,025 GT. The port also handled more tankers and ocean-going vessels. In addition, 60 cruise ships called at the port of Gdańsk in 2024 – 18 more than in 2023 – while the number of ferries fell by six to 293.
Port of Gdańsk want to become a sustainable port in the blue and green economy
‘We have achieved a stable and balanced financial and investment position, which has a significant impact on the implementation of our partners’ business strategies and the results of the Port of Gdańsk. We carry out our own investments and continuously commercialise previously unused areas. By improving management processes and taking into account the needs of our stakeholders, we ensure the competitiveness and reputation of the Port of Gdańsk. These efforts contribute to good financial results, even in challenging times,’ summarises Dorota Pyć, President of the Port of Gdańsk. ‘We have also started developing the strategy for the Port of Gdańsk until 2060. Our goal is to become a sustainable port in the blue and green economy.’
According to preliminary data, the Port of Gdańsk will close 2024 with a financial result of around PLN 264 million (EUR 63 million) – an increase of PLN 51.7 million (EUR 12 million), which is an increase of 24% compared to 2023. The main drivers of this growth were sales increases of almost 6% compared to the previous year and lower costs, including a 3% decrease in distribution costs.
