The Port of Klaipėda started the year with growing cargo volumes. In the first quarter of this year, cargo handling increased by 9% compared to last year, with some segments reaching record highs. During the first three months, Klaipėda Port was the only port among the Baltic states to achieve positive results, further strengthening its role in the region.
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“Three months of stable and sustainable cargo growth – that’s how we can describe the first quarter of this year. Consistent investments in infrastructure and terminal capacity have allowed Klaipėda Port to diversify cargo, adapt to the changing geopolitical situation, and respond to new market conditions. Nearly 11 million tonnes handled, 9% growth, and the best container handling results in the port’s history mark a strong start to the year. Behind these figures are high-quality port services, efficiently developed infrastructure, and reliable companies operating in the port,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Compared to last year, the most significant growth – 38% – was recorded in container handling during the first quarter. More than 4 million tonnes of cargo were handled in containers over the first three months of the year. Since the beginning of the year, over 374 thousand TEU have been handled at Klaipėda Port. Looking at monthly results, March stands out with the best performance in the port’s history both in tonnes and in TEU.
Positive trends are also seen in the second-largest cargo segment. Compared to last year, ro-ro cargo increased by 5%, reaching nearly 1.7 million tonnes.
Steady growth is also recorded in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment. During the first three months of the year, 827 thousand tonnes were handled – 26% more than in the same period last year. One of the key reasons behind this growth is strong regional demand. The Baltic states and neighboring markets continue to diversify energy supply and reduce dependence on Russian gas. Klaipėda LNG terminal plays a strategic role in this process by ensuring reliable supply.
Fertilizer handling also increased by 27% compared to the first quarter of last year, reaching over half a million tonnes. The port mainly handles bulk and liquid fertilizers produced by Lithuanian companies, as well as packaged fertilizers for export, which make up about 75% of total fertilizer volumes.
The growth in fertilizer cargo is driven by export volumes from Lithuanian producers. Klaipėda Port remains the main gateway for their products to international markets. Growth is also supported by stable demand in the agricultural sector and efficient logistics chains. In addition, new supply flows have emerged after sanctions on Russia and Belarus, partly taken over by EU producers.
Oil product handling is close to last year’s level. This year, just over 1.03 million tonnes have been handled, compared to 1.05 million tonnes during the same period last year.
Not all cargo segments showed growth. Compared to last year, grain handling decreased in the first quarter. During the first three months, 752 thousand tonnes were handled, compared to 971 thousand tonnes last year.
Compared to last year, 146 thousand tonnes less of minerals and construction materials were handled (447 thousand tonnes this year vs. 592 thousand tonnes last year). Scrap metal volumes also declined to 261 thousand tonnes (343 thousand tonnes last year). Timber cargo decreased similarly – 97 thousand tonnes this year compared to 199 thousand tonnes last year.
At the beginning of the year, 1,123 vessels called at Klaipėda Port – 7% fewer than last year. Passenger numbers also slightly decreased, with just over 36 thousand passengers compared to more than 41 thousand during the same period last year.
Despite declines in some segments, strong growth in others has offset losses and allowed Klaipėda Port to deliver the best results among Baltic ports. In the first quarter, Klaipėda was the only port to record growth (+9%), while Riga, Tallinn, Ventspils, and Liepāja all saw declines.
Currently, Klaipėda Port holds nearly 46% of the Baltic market. Riga accounts for 17%, Tallinn for 13%, Ventspils for 7.6%, and Liepāja for 6.5%.