SIMIC

LITHUANIA's Port of Klaipeda ended 2024 with 1,068,771 TEU, surpassing the one million TEU mark for the third consecutive year, reports London's Port Technology International.

In 2024, a new record of handling 1,068,771 TEU was set, a two per cent increase from the previous year. In 2023, the Port of Klaipeda ended the year with a cargo handling result of 1,050,804 TEU.



The port also recorded 35.5 million tonnes of cargo handled, recording an eight per cent growth and a 39 per cent market share of Baltic ports.



Container cargo handling was recorded at 859,000 tonnes or nine per cent more than in 2023. Last year, the total amount of handled cargo was just over 10 million tonnes. This represents 28 per cent of the port's total cargo handling.



Ro-ro volumes were recorded at 852,000 tonnes, 16 per cent more than in 2023. This is the second-best cargo handling result in this segment Klaipeda.



Only in 2021, the result of handled ro-ro was higher. The total annual handling of vehicles transported by ferry is 6.1 million tonnes. This represents 17 per cent of the port's total cargo handling.



Last year was the most successful year for the port compared to other Baltic ports. Its market share grew by three per cent from 36 per cent in 2023 to 39 per cent last year.



The number of ships arriving at the port has also increased. Last year, Klaipeda received 5,478 of them. This is an increase of 132 or 2 per cent compared to 2023. 98 ships (including 10 modernisation projects) have been repaired in Klaipeda, and one hull has been built with partial fitting out.



"Despite the geopolitical challenges, the port has remained the first choice in the Baltic. While surrounding ports are still looking for ways to overcome their difficulties, Klaipeda is showing steady growth," said State Seaport Authority director general Algis Latakas.



"These results are due to the Port Authority's steady investment in infrastructure, the companies' determined decisions to modernise their equipment, and their persistence in working with their customers," he said.