Port of Gdansk handles over 77 million tons, nears US$70 million in profit

Port of Gdansk, Poland’s largest seaport, has experienced steady growth in recent years and reported a strong performance in 2024.

The port handled 3,559 commercial seagoing vessels and processed 77.4 million tons of cargo, achieving a record estimated net profit of approximately US$68.6 million.

Significant growth was recorded across multiple cargo categories. Liquid fuel handling increased by over 1.8 million tonnes (nearly 5%), while general cargo saw a rise of around 430,000 tonnes (almost 2%).

Additionally, Gdansk port’s container traffic surged by nearly 10%, ore handling grew by 11% (up 28,000 tonnes), and rolling cargo (ro-ro) saw a 3.6% increase. The number of passengers on cruise ships and ferries also rose by 4.5%.

While total cargo throughput in 2024 stood at 77.4 million tonnes, excluding coal—which saw exceptionally high volumes in 2022 and 2023—the port handled 69.5 million tonnes across other cargo groups. This represents an increase of nearly 2 million tonnes (2.8%) compared to the previous year.

Preliminary financial estimates indicate that the Port of Gdańsk will close 2024 with a net profit of approximately US$68.6 million, marking a year-on-year increase of US$13 million (24%). This growth was driven by a nearly 6% rise in sales revenue and a reduction in costs, including a 3% decrease in the cost of sales.

Furthermore, the Port of Gdańsk Authority has inked an agreement with the general contractor, Budimex, to reconstruct the Węglowe Quay in the Inner Port.

The agreement was finalized on 10 March and aims to enhance the port’s appeal to logistics operators and carriers.

The contract was signed by the Port of Gdańsk Management Board, including President Dorota Pyć, Vice-President for Finance and Security Alan Aleksandrowicz, and Vice-President for Infrastructure Krzysztof Kaczmarek. Representing Budimex was Antoni Ciepielewski.

This initiative is part of the broader project, “Improvement of the infrastructure of the Port of Gdańsk together with an analysis of the implementation of the OPS low-emission system for the sustainable development of the TEN-T network,” which is 85% co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF 2).

Also, the project involves the comprehensive modernization of nearly 2 km of quays in the Inner Port, including ongoing upgrades to the Rudowe III and Bytomskie Quays. The Wiślane Quay is next in line for redevelopment.

“This investment is sure to bring huge benefits to our region and the Port of Gdańsk. It should significantly increase operational flexibility and cargo handling efficiency, increasing port turnover. Moreover, preparing the infrastructure for the implementation of green technologies is sure to raise our ecological standards,” stated Dorota Pyć, president of the Port of Gdańsk.

Located in the Górniczy Basin, Węglowe Quay has historically played a crucial role in bulk cargo handling. Due to its deteriorating condition, parts of Węglowe Quay are currently out of service for ship operations and cargo handling. Under the new agreement, a modern 540-meter-long quay with a slab structure will be constructed in two phases: the first covering 252 meters, followed by a 294-meter section.

The upgrade will include a reinforced concrete pavement, rail tracks, crane rails, 1000 kN bollards, and spot fender equipment. Additionally, new water supply systems, a rainwater drainage system with purification, and an upgraded electricity grid will be installed. Dredging will deepen the quay from approximately 8 meters to 11.20 meters.

The modernization aims to accommodate LHM 550 and Mantsinen 300 self-propelled cargo-handling equipment. Currently, the quay lacks the necessary surface to support such machinery. Once complete, the upgraded quay will be able to serve vessels with a maximum draught of 10.60 meters and a carrying capacity of up to 100,000 DWT.

The investment, valued at US$33 million, is set for completion by the end of 2027.

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