10 Major Ports In Europe

Europe has a long history of shipping, going back to the Vikings Era (793 AD onwards). The start of ship trading saw wooden ships with wind sails explore the unknown world.

However, the discovery of merchant trading possibilities promoted business at the 10 biggest ports in Europe.

On the natural front, the Atlantic provides direct access to major countries like Portugal, the UK, Spain, France, etc. The Arctic extends through the Northern part of the continent with selective trading opportunities. The Mediterranean Sea marks the Southern end while the Baltic, North Sea, and Norwegian Sea mark the North.

These water bodies provide a 360-degree opportunity for ship trading. Europe consists of over 1200 major and minor ports across such diverse and rich waterways.

Three of these, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg, collectively handle the world’s 12% cargo goods. However, the progress is not exclusive to these major countries and locations. A few surprising names pop up amongst Europe’s leading cargo ports.

Hence, we bring an in-depth list of the 10 biggest ports in Europe (in no particular order).

1. Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands)

UN/Locode: NL RTM

Latitude: 51.943306

Longitude: 4.14181232

The Port of Rotterdam is one of the oldest seaports, dating back to the year 1283 for establishment. Rotterdam holds the distinction of being the busiest port for over 40 years before Shanghai’s rise to prominence. This port covers an area of 105 sq. km and has widespread pipelines over 1500 km long.

Cargo Handling

The highest amongst the 10 biggest ports in Europe, Rotterdam, has a bulk liquid cargo handling of 192 million metric tons. The total throughput of almost 437 million MT of cargo also contains 192 million MT of liquid cargo.

Over 151 million MT of container goods is a standard demonstration of the port’s ability. The port sees an average of 28 thousand sea-going vessels and well over 90 thousand in-land vessels annually.

Network and Layout

The Rotterdam port’s internal network has over 90 terminals for handling loading and unloading operations. These terminals connect through direct roads that allow container movement and truck transport across 40 kilometres in length.

The local staff transportation relies on the cycle and pedestrian network for daily movement. The Rotterdam port service employs digital and automated control of traffic and personal identification.

2. Port of Antwerp (Belgium)

UN/Locode: BEANR

Latitude: 51.30249°

Longitude: 4.3114605°

The Port of Antwerp spans 120 sq. km with commercial and cargo operations. The port’s infrastructure widely differs from its initial appearance in the 1800s. The overall control is under the port authority of Antwerp, with certain private controllers, too.

Cargo Handling

Antwerp handles around 14,000 seagoing vessels annually, making it one of the 10 biggest ports in Europe, with a handling capacity of over 12 million TEUs. Container vessels share 33% of the arrivals, while tankers share 30%.

Network and Layout

The Antwerp port has a unique construction layout that holds over 7 locks. Daily operations take place with over 86 terminals for containers and various cargo handling. Meanwhile, a widespread piping network has over 1000 km of pipes for cargo operations and routine work, too.

A robust rail network spreads well over 1000 km for efficient container handling. The port uses digital security monitoring systems for efficient operations.

3. Port of Hamburg (Germany)

UN/Locode: DEHAM

Latitude: 53.507°

Longitude: 9.9619°

The port of Hamburg operates for a range of dry and wet cargo coming from global locations. The port is spread over 74 sq. km and has an additional area of 90 sq. km for future expansion. The inception of this global marvel dates back to the year 1189 with sea travel across the river Elbe.

Cargo Handling

The cargo operations at Hamburg port in 2020 come from more than 7300 vessels. This also translates to nearly 236 million MT of dry and liquid goods of various types. The Hamburg port is the biggest in Germany, with a sea-going cargo of more than 126 million MT.

Network and Layout

Hamburg’s amazing railway network for cargo handling is the biggest in Europe. A total of 50.7% of shipments and cargo handling occurs through the internal railways. The port service also has 3 separate cruise terminals capable of handling the largest cruise ships.

A total of 320 small and big cargo berths are available for round-the-year operations. The facility also holds roadways over 170 km and includes a staggering 170+ bridges.

4. Port of Bremerhaven (Germany)

UN/Locode: DEBRV

Latitude: 53.55088°

Longitude: 8.5488755°

The BREMERHAVEN Port stands firmly amongst the 10 biggest ports in Europe for merchant cargo. This port city is spread across an area of 93.8 sq. km, with eight different terminals. The historical operation of this port dates back to the middle of the 13th century.

The port holds the distinction of having 14 mega terminals for handling the largest sea-going vessels. An overall work power of 75 thousand+ staff run the port throughout the year.

Cargo Handling

The largest quay reaches over 5 km, with cranes handling more than 40 containers per hour. The container handling capacity of this mega port is about 55 million MT per year.

Network and Layout

Bremen ports and Bremerhaven together consist of 186 km long railway tracks. This consists of a total of 56 bridges and 5 locks of different sizes. The major ports, including the cruise terminals, are under the management of Bremerhavenports GmbH & Co. KG. Bremerhaven is one of the biggest ports to have a majority of private management control.

5. Port of Algeciras (Spain)

UN/Locode: ESALG

Latitude: 36.13672°

Longitude: -5.434271°

The Port of Algeciras in Spain is a combination of major terminals with high cargo capacity. This port stands at the Southern tip of Spain in the beautiful company of Gibraltar. As a result, high traffic density is a common sight for the Algeciras port with 17.114 m total quays. The establishment of the port terminal dates back to 1760. The major terminals within the port limits belong to:
• APM Terminals
• TTI Algeciras
• CEPSA Refinery Jetties

Cargo Handling

The liquid cargo handling across the major terminals at Algeciras nears 30 million MT every year. Such high traffic makes Algeciras the busiest port in Spain, with 25% of effective traffic share.

Network and Layout

The railway network at Algeciras terminal has 3 branches and is spread across 6 km in total length. The terminal T1 shares the majority of its length leading to the South gate for container handling. The facility holds more than 800 cars at once and has 1200 berths for pleasure boats.

6. Port of Piraeus (Greece)

UN/Locode: GRPIR

Latitude: 37.94606°

Longitude: 23.615965°

The port of Piraeus comes under the direct management of COSCO shipping. The port committee formation dates back to 1911, with effective overtaking in 2016 by COSCO. The North-East Mediterranean traffic passes mostly through the Piraeus port facility.

Along with commercial cargo, Piraeus handles over 17 million passengers annually, owing to Greece’s famous tourism. The 2020 turnover for the Port of Piraeus stands close to 150 million Euros. The total port area is over 39 sq. km, with a further expansion margin of 20 sq. km.

Cargo Handling

Piraeus port handles over 6 million TEUs (over 130 million laden) every year. The terminal’s ever-growing automobile handling handles an average of half a million automobiles. COSCO engages over 1200 staff members for the upkeep and daily running of the terminal.

Network and Layout

At present, the port lease stands up to 2052 under COSCO’s authority with further extension rights. The passenger quays extend over 3 km in length with increasing drafts of 11 meters and more. The port terminal has a direct connection with European rail, handling a dozen trains every day.

7. Port of Valencia (Spain)

UN/Locode: ESVLC

Latitude: 39.44231°

Longitude: -0.31646595°

The port of Valencia is a cluster of 3 port terminals run by the state authority of Valencia ports. The port has provided a trade and tourism boost to Spain’s economy since starting in 1483. An average of 8500 vessels arrives per year across the 40 available berth slots. The actual construction of port facilities is spread over an area of 6 sq. km.

Cargo Handling

Average cargo handling (arrival and departure) across this port ranges around 85 million MT. Exclusive terminals for handling cruise traffic see an inflow of a million tourists.

Valencia port also stands right behind Algeciras in terms of total GT cargo handling. The larger vessels arrive within the 12k quay stretch capable of handling heavy container operations.

Network and Layout

The port facility employs 15,000 direct staff and extends up to 75000 employment opportunities every year. Over 650 trains travel across the port facility for manpower and cargo handling in an efficient manner.

8. Port of Felixstowe (United Kingdom)

UN/Locode: GBFXT

Latitude: 51.959055°

Longitude: 1.2981075°

The foundation of Felixstowe Port dates back to the colonial years of the 1870s. The total spread of this facility ranges over 34 sq. km, with further extensions in patches. The port facility’s initial use was that of a dock facility for railway handling and expansion.

Cargo Handling

The total cargo operation across the 9 berths stands at approximately 90 million MT+. On average, over 3500 vessels arrive on these berths annually. Felixstowe is one of the first users to adopt a 0-emission policy for port operations.

29 gantries operate continuously, extending over a 2.5 km run of quay for year-long cargo operations. Felixstowe easily accommodates the largest Maersk Triple E class with its deep draught and fast loading facilities.

Network and Layout

Every terminal has an individual railway line connecting to the central network. The facility connects to English midlands and London and extends towards Rugby too. Almost 50% of the UK’s container handling and trading happens through this port.

9. Port of Barcelona (Spain)

UN/Locode: ESBCN

Latitude: 41.352375°

Longitude: 2.158441

The Port of Barcelona has a total operational area of 10.7 sq. km, with its deepest side at 16 meters. The facility has been in existence for over 2000 years, with commercial cargo operations starting in 1882.

Barcelona port cluster is the richest textile handling location in Spain and also has 7 cruise terminals. Two container terminals with four berths across 3 km handle container operations for international liners.

Cargo Handling

The Muelle de la Energia terminal can handle 4 million cubic meters of oil, chemicals, and biofuels. It has 18 berths for ships up to 275 LOA and 150,000 deadweight tons. It also boasts an LNG dock. The Barcelona container terminal has a capacity of 2.3 million TEUs annually.

The terminals also handle half a million automobile units throughout the year. Diverse cargo facilities handle energy sources, food, minerals, and other valuable cargo. An average of 3 million tourists arrives through these seaways for pleasure and business.

Network and Layout

The logistics port, along with the commercial port, handles the major cargo operations. Approximately 13-km-long roads connect the backbone of transport and trucking operations throughout the facility.

The port has automation facilities for short-distance transport and monitoring. Over 850 employees work across the robust working infrastructure for daily operations.

10. Port of Le Havre (France)

UN/Locode: FRLEH

Latitude: 49.472655°

Longitude: 0.14620419°

The port of Le Havre sits within a total area of 10 sq. km, established in the year 1524.

Le Havre is also a UNESCO city, along with being in the 10 biggest ports in Europe. This port facility has 3 commercial cargo terminals with a dozen berths and gantry facilities.

Cargo Handling

More than 6500 vessels arrive at Le Havre with cargo handling statistics of over 65 million MT. The port connects to 12 major international destinations through direct routes. Crude oil operations constitute over 55% of the total capacity within the facility.

Network and Layout

13% of container handling activities take place through the train network stretching over 6 km. 14% of industrial goods connect through the river network leading to the Le Havre terminal.

5 separate facilities for handling sensitive liquid cargo are present within the port network. The barges handle 16% of cargo duties through remote locations with draft restrictions.

Europe’s Global Shipping Presence

Three of the 10 biggest ports in Europe also make the global top fifteen lists of biggest ports. Such dominance shows Europe’s importance in the global trade market. Key elements like the Suez Canal also have a pivotal role in this share of trade. With private enterprises acquiring a large section of port facilities, the growth rate is exponential. The 10 biggest ports in Europe collectively provide impetus to the continent’s economy and global connectivity.

You might also like to read:

• 10 Major Ports in France
• 10 Major Ports In India
• 10 Major Ports in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
• 10 Major Ports In The Dominican Republic
• 10 Major Ports In China

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About Author

Saurabh Sinha is an active marine engineer, sailing with one of the leading shipping companies across the globe. A keen interest in exploring beautiful destinations across the globe and immortalising them in words motivates him for professional writing ventures. He values connecting with the readers and sharing his personal experiences.

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