A high rate of throughput in the Port of Gdansk

26.01.2006

Processes taking place on the markets in the year 2005 had been reflected in the changed structure of cargoes processed in the Port of Gdansk. However, the overall high rate of throughput recorded in 2004 was successfully maintained - the year 2005 saw a year-on-year growth by 26.1 thou. tons, which gives a volume of 23.3 million tons.

In 2005, similarly to 2004, liquid fuels accounted for the largest cargo group. However, its share in the overall volume of cargo handled was significantly decreased. This was due to the fact that 2 million tons of fuel had been taken over by the Gdansk Refinery, instead of the previously planned exportation. Notwithstanding, the volume of throughput in this group dropped by merely around 350 thou. tons and amounted to 11.4 million tons. On the other hand, there was a significant growth in a throughput of coal, contrary to limitations expected for this cargo group. In 2005, Gdansk stevedores handled over 6.9 million tons of coal - a year-on-year growth by 1 million tons.

Despite a drop in the general cargo group, an unusually dynamic growth was observed for the turnover in containerized cargo. In 2004, the Gdansk Container Terminal processed 41.2 thou. TEU - in 2005, this volume totaled 69.1 thou. TEU, thus showing a growth by 67.7%. This indicates the need for improvement in a container throughput capacity of the Port of Gdansk.

Figures remained virtually unchanged for the "other bulk" group - in 2005, a volume of nearly 2.7 million tons of this cargo was processed - a year-on-year growth by 86.4 thou. tons.

With no significant changes in the market situation predicted for the year 2006, the Port of Gdansk has adopted forecasts at a level similar to those reported for the past year, namely 24 million tons of cargo. This year will bring new development projects in the Port of Gdansk, such as the construction of a deepwater container terminal, expansion of the Gdansk Container Terminal and building a throughput capacity for Ro/Ro traffic. Additionally, the development plans include the construction of the Lotos Group liquid fuel storage terminal and, should the Gdansk location be decided on, the construction of a LNG terminal. Over the years to come, these investments will boost the volumes of cargo traffic in individual cargo groups.