Growth in container throughput: results for the first half of 2025
Following a decline in 2024, logistics operators are experiencing higher demand for transportation services. The Port of Hamburg has published its results for the first half of 2025. According to the document, container throughput growth amounted to more than 9%. During the specified period, 4.2 million TEU passed through the port.
This growth contributed to a rise in the total volume of maritime transport, which reached nearly 58 million tons. This figure is 3.6% higher than in the same period of 2024. In particular:
- container imports grew by 11.6%;
- exports grew by almost 7%;
- the share of containerized general cargo increased by almost 7% to 41.2 million tons;
- the volume of conventional general cargo fell by 3.7% to 0.6 million tons;
- bulk cargo decreased by 3.8% to 16 million tons.
Additionally, the volume of liquid cargo transported jumped 10.3% to 4.7 million tons. However, coal and ore shipments declined by 6.6%, totaling 8.5 million tons. The volume of agricultural products transported also diminished. This is due to a drop in grain exports. Meanwhile, imports of oilseeds rose.
Overview of popular routes
One of the key factors in the growth of container traffic in the first half of 2025 was the significant boost in trade between Asia and the Baltic region. Traffic on the Far East route reached 1.8 million TEU. This figure represents an 11% uptick. Traffic to China reached 1.2 million TEU, an increase of 10.5%. Cargo turnover with India grew by nearly 42%, demonstrating impressive expansion. Trade with Malaysia skyrocketed, rising by over 93%. These figures indicate a significant upsurge in interest in these destinations.
As for the Baltic countries, the total volume of shipments climbed nearly 21%. Denmark became the leader, with shipments up 36%. Finland came in second with a 20% hike. Poland also recorded growth of nearly 29%.
The Port of Hamburg noted an influx of large vessels. In the first half of 2025, the number of container ship calls to the port increased by 0.7%. This was particularly noticeable among vessels designed to carry 10,000 TEU or more. The number of these vessels soared by 52%, reaching 285 calls. Container ships with a capacity of more than 24,000 TEU began calling at the port almost 30% more often. These figures confirm the high demand for servicing large ships and the growth of container traffic.
Hamburg has also introduced several new routes. These primarily concern the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Connections to the Far East and India from the port are also available.
