Klaipeda Port leads Baltic States in cargo growth

(Posted on 21/07/25)

In the first six months of this year, nearly 19 million tons of cargo were handled at Klaipeda Port. Compared to the same period last year, this marks an increase of 16%. Positive trends are observed in most cargo segments.

“The decision not to back down during challenging times, not to freeze vital projects, and to continue investing in port modernisation is paying off. Cargo volumes at Klaipeda Port continue to grow. The first half of this year saw a 16% increase over the same period last year. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, there’s probably no doubt that we will remain among the ports reaching the 1 million TEU threshold. We’re also anticipating the peak of the grain shipping season,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.

The most notable growth – 48% – occurred in the mineral and construction materials segment, with 1million tons handled. This increase reflects intensive road and railway construction projects in Lithuania.

Scrap metal volumes dropped by a quarter compared to the first half of last year. Grain shipments reached 1.4 million tons – 14% lower than during the same period in 2024. Timber cargo also declined slightly: 354,000 tons were handled in the first half of the year, which is 11% less than last year. Fertilizer cargo volumes fell by 4% to 783,000 tons.

The increase in cargo during the first half of this year was primarily driven by a significant rise in containerised cargo, stable ro-ro and oil product flows, and marked growth in the liquefied natural gas (LNG), mineral, and construction material segments.

Containerised cargo volumes through Klaipeda Port grew by 38% – 6.5 million tons were handled. Nearly 700,000 TEUs were processed in the first half of the year. It is therefore likely that the port will surpass the 1million TEU mark this year.

Compared to last year, liquefied natural gas (LNG) volumes grew by 47%, reaching 1.1 million tons. In May last year, the FSRU Independence was taken to a dry dock for inspection, suspending cargo operations for a month – an impact clearly reflected in last year’s statistics.

The growth was marked in the ro-ro and oil product segments. The number of passengers arriving and departing through the port also increased.

During 2025, two ships were built and 35 repaired at Klaipeda Port shipbuilding and repair companies.

Total cargo volumes at all Baltic Sea ports reached 46.4 million tons in the first half of this year – a 5% increase.

Among the Baltic States, Klaipeda Port performed the best, achieving the highest growth rate at 16%. Klaipeda Port also increased its market share: Lithuania’s only seaport now holds 40.8% of the Baltic States’ market, up from 37.1% a year ago.

In the first half of 2025, Klaipeda Port maintained trade shipping connections with 56 countries. The largest cargo flows were to and from Germany, Sweden, Poland, the United States, and the Netherlands.