Piraeus Port Fifth in Europe, Posts Rise in Container Traffic

The Piraeus Port retained its spot as one of the top five European ports that posted positive results in the first half of 2025, compared to last year, with container movement on the rise.

An increase in demand for consumer goods is driving the uptick in commercial freight transport across all major European ports, sustaining Piraeus port as a crucial hub in the global supply chain across the Mediterranean basin.

Terminals I and II at the Port of Piraeus, both managed by the Chinese Cosco Shipping Ports company, posted a 4.9% increase in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), reaching over 2 million for the first six months in 2025, compared to 1.9 million in 2024.

At the same time, the Port of Rotterdam regained its position as Europe’s leading port, a title it had lost in the first quarter, posting a 2.7% increase in container traffic (TEUs) in the first half of 2025, reaching 7 million TEU. The rise reflects a rebound in European consumer demand, with imports from Asia up 8.4% and trade with North America up 9.1%. However, total cargo volume in tons fell by 1%, mainly due to increased movement of empty containers, which the port authority said highlights structural weaknesses in Europe’s industrial sector.

Defense Logistics Role

Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Boudewijn Siemons described the period as “turbulent,” stressing the need to maintain Europe’s strategic autonomy and strengthen supply security, particularly in energy and essential goods. He said the port is preparing to play a supporting role in Europe’s defense logistics, which will require additional infrastructure and capacity.

Source: tovima.com