It has been a very strong start to the year for Port of Gdańsk. In the first quarter of 2026, total cargo throughput reached 20.9 million tonnes, representing an increase of 13.6% compared with the same period in 2025. These results confirm a clear upward trend in cargo handling and a strengthening of the port’s position as a key transhipment hub and transport node in the Baltic Sea region.

Liquid fuels accounted for the largest share of total cargo handled at the port, at 47.7%. In the first quarter of 2026, nearly 10 million tonnes were transhipped, marking a 7% increase year-on-year. Growth in this segment directly reinforces the strategic importance of the port for the energy security of the Pomorskie region and Poland as a whole.

– The Port of Gdańsk’s results for the first quarter of 2026 confirm its resilience, pragmatically built through the implementation of well-planned and carefully considered investments. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and unpredictable changes in international maritime trade and supply chains affecting resource security, the port remains a key transhipment and transport hub, ensuring stability of supply and security – said Dorota Pyć, President of the Management Board of the Port of Gdańsk.

General cargo continues to show strong growth, with volumes increasing by 15.7% to exceed 7.2 million tonnes. This segment accounts for 34.6% of total throughput. Performance in containerised cargo is even stronger. In the first quarter of 2026, the port handled 761,896 TEU, representing a 22% increase. In tonnage terms, container throughput rose by 17.2%, exceeding 6.5 million tonnes.

– The significant increase in general cargo volumes, including record growth in the container segment, is a clear signal of increasingly intensive economic activity and the resilience of the Polish economy to global turbulence. At a time when global trade is experiencing major disruptions due to armed conflicts, sanctions, and unpredictable shifts in trade policy, the consistently high cargo volumes at the Port of Gdańsk reflect stable domestic demand, growing export activity, and the port’s role as a key link in meeting the real needs of Polish businesses and the wider socio-economic environment – emphasised Dorota Pyć.

Due to a long and cold winter, which led to increased energy demand, the coal segment recorded growth of 70% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching nearly 2 million tonnes. Record growth was observed in ore handling, with an increase of 111%, indicating rising activity in the heavy industry and metallurgical sectors. High growth rates were also recorded for timber (+89%) and grain (+21%), confirming the port’s growing role in supporting agri-food exports.

Declines were recorded in the segment of other bulk cargo (-11%) and ro-ro traffic (-29.6%). The number of ferry passengers also decreased (by 20.8%), which can be attributed to seasonal factors and changes in the structure of road-sea transport.

The data for the first quarter of 2026 confirm that the Port of Gdańsk is developing effectively and in a balanced manner, while responding flexibly to changing market conditions. Growth in key segments—particularly fuels and containers—demonstrates that the port is not only maintaining its position but consistently strengthening it.

If current trends continue, 2026 may prove to be another record year for the Port of Gdańsk.

– Caution is required in making projections, and a pragmatic approach should be taken, bearing in mind that results after three quarters of the year are key. Only in October or November will we be able to better assess where we stand in terms of achieving the annual plan. I analyse throughput results on an ongoing basis, essentially every day. Even now, it is clear that there is a real possibility of breaking another record – concluded Dorota Pyć.