The year 2024 was marked by significant growth in cargo handling at the Port of Klaipėda, setting new records in the handling of construction materials, minerals, and containers.
A new milestone was achieved in container handling, surpassing the 1 million TEU mark for the third consecutive year. A record-breaking 1.068 million TEUs were processed, reflecting a 2% increase compared to 2023 when 1.051 million TEUs were handled.
Container cargo handling was another major contributor to growth, increasing by 9% to 859,000 tonnes. In total, more than 10 million tonnes of containerized cargo were handled, accounting for 28% of the Lithuanian port’s total volume.
Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, mentioned: “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. Klaipėda Port’s cargo handling performance is not only a number but also a symbol of a reliable and innovative partner.”
Ro-ro cargo ranked third in terms of tonnage growth, increasing by 16% to 852,000 tonnes. This marked the second-highest result for this segment in the port’s history, second only to 2021. In total, 6.1 million tonnes of vehicles were handled, accounting for 17% of Klaipėda’s overall cargo volume.
The most notable growth was seen in the handling of construction materials and minerals, which nearly doubled, rising by 99% from 1.04 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.068 million tonnes in 2024. This surge was primarily driven by increased road and rail construction activities. It also marked the highest-ever volume of handling operations recorded at the port. The vast majority (93%) of these materials were imports, with nearly half (47%) coming from Scandinavian countries.
Other cargo categories also experienced notable growth. The handling of timber and forestry products increased by 49% to 244,000 tonnes. The volume of iron, steel, and steel structures surged by 75% to 189,000 tonnes. Fertilizer handling also saw an uptick, rising by 201,000 tonnes or 13%, bringing the total to 1.76 million tonnes.
The number of ships arriving at Klaipėda Port also saw a slight increase. In 2024, the port welcomed 5,478 vessels, 132 more than in 2023, marking a 2% rise. Passenger traffic also grew, reaching over 381,000, an increase of approximately 25,000 or 7%.
In addition to cargo handling, the European port also saw activity in ship maintenance and construction. A total of 98 ships, including 10 modernized vessels, were repaired, and one hull was built with partial outfitting.
Despite overall positive growth, some cargo categories experienced declines. Oil product handling dropped by 784,000 tonnes or 18%, bringing the total to 3.63 million tonnes. The volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) handled fell by 14% to 319,000 tonnes, with the total annual LNG cargo amounting to just over 2 million tonnes. Grain handling also declined by 70,000 tonnes, resulting in a total of 4.15 million tonnes, which made up 12% of the port’s overall cargo.
Quarterly performance analysis showed that the second half of the year was more successful for the Port of Klaipėda, with cargo volumes exceeding 9 million tonnes in both the third and fourth quarters.
Among Baltic country ports, Klaipėda led in growth and market share. Its market share expanded from 36% in 2023 to 39% in 2024, an increase of three percentage points.
In comparison, Estonia’s Port of Tallinn handled 13.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, reflecting an increase of 548,000 tonnes or 4%. This volume was less than half that of Klaipėda. Meanwhile, Latvia’s Port of Riga experienced a decline of 732,000 tonnes or 4%, handling a total of 18.1 million tonnes. Cargo handling in Latvia’s port of Liepaja fell by 3% to approximately 7 million tonnes, while another port in the country, Ventspils, saw a significant drop of 21%, handling only 8.2 million tonnes. The combined volume of all three Latvian ports amounted to 33.3 million tonnes—6% less than Klaipėda’s total alone.
