Europe's maritime gateways: which ports have become major cargo centres

According to fresh data from Eurostat, the total weight of cargo transported via short sea shipping channels between European ports in 2023 is 1.6 billion tonnes. This figure is 5.4% lower than in 2022, reflecting a slowdown in trade and logistics amid economic instability.

Rotterdam in the Netherlands remains the undisputed leader among European ports: 159 million tonnes of cargo passed through it, which is almost 10% of the total EU volume. Second place goes to Antwerp-Brugge in Belgium with 119 million tonnes. By comparison, the third busiest port, Poland's Gdansk, handled almost half as much: 61 million tonnes. This concentration emphasises the strategic role of North Sea ports in the European trade system.

Short sea shipping covers short distances - between ports within the EU as well as with neighbouring Mediterranean and Black Sea countries. This mode of transport is particularly important for the domestic market: it relieves pressure on roads and railways, reduces emissions and ensures the sustainability of supplies.

The decline in traffic volumes in 2023 can be explained by several factors at once: high inflation and rising energy prices, slowdown in global trade and structural changes in logistics. Nevertheless, key European ports retain their status as the main "gateways" for cargo in the regional economy.