Strong ports mean a strong maritime economy, as seen in the case of the Port of Gdańsk. This largest Polish seaport is continuously developing and achieving very good results. In 2024, it serviced 3,559 commercial vessels, handling 77.4 million tons of cargo. It also generated a record net profit, estimated at around PLN 264 million.

The year 2024 was one of further records, particularly in liquid fuels (a growth of over 1.8 million tons, nearly 5%) and breakbulk cargo (an increase of about 430,000 tons, nearly 2%), with a nearly 10% increase in container traffic. The handling of ore also rose by 28,000 tons, or 11%. There was also an increase in ro-ro cargo (up by 3.6%). The year also saw a 4.5% increase in the number of passengers served (cruise ships, ferries).

In the past year, the Port of Gdańsk handled 77.4 million tons of cargo. However, excluding one specific cargo group, which was exceptionally high in 2022 and 2023, the data looks a bit different, specifically regarding coal.

“Ports of key importance for the national economy handled over 136 million tons of goods in 2024. Excluding coal, it is nearly 126 million tons. When comparing these figures with those from 2023, we can see that the throughput is at a similar level. The difference is only 0.67%. Throughput in our ports is at a safe level, enabling us to continue developing and increasing our potential,” explains Arkadiusz Marchewka, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.

In the case of the Port of Gdańsk, excluding coal throughput from the statistics, the remaining cargo categories total 69.5 million tons, which represents an improvement of nearly 2 million tons (2.8%) compared to the previous year.

Not just fuel records

Since Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, there have been changes in the structure of cargo handling in Polish ports. The energy raw materials crisis has led to an increase in the handling of bulk dry and liquid cargoes, which now make up the majority of the port traffic. In 2024, liquid fuels remained the dominant cargo group at the Port of Gdańsk, totaling almost 40 million tons. For two years now, liquid fuel handling has been breaking records, representing 51% of all cargo handled. The second largest group is breakbulk (including containers) with 30.2%, handling 23.4 million tons. Following this is coal with 7.8 million tons (10.2%), other bulk items such as aggregates and sulfur with 3.5 million tons (4.5%), and grain with 2.9 million tons (3.7%).

The change in the structure of cargo handling is also linked to the average capacity of commercial vessels calling at the Port of Gdańsk in 2024. Over the year, the port serviced 3,559 vessels (43 fewer than in 2023), with an average gross tonnage (GT) in 2024 that was 1.6% higher than in 2023, amounting to 25,025 GT (the port serviced more tankers and ocean-going vessels). In 2024, the Port of Gdańsk also hosted 60 cruise ships—18 more than the previous year—and 293 ferries—6 fewer than in 2023.

“We have achieved a stable and balanced financial and investment position, which significantly contributes to the realization of the business strategies of our contractors and the results of the Port of Gdańsk. We are also carrying out our own investments and continuously commercializing previously unused spaces. We ensure the competitiveness and brand of the Port of Gdańsk by continuously improving management procedures, considering the needs of our stakeholders. All of this contributes to good financial results, even in such difficult times,” summarizes Dorota Pyć, CEO of the Port of Gdańsk. “We have also started working on the Port of Gdańsk Development Strategy for 2060. We want to be a sustainable port in the blue and green economy.”

Higher profits and stable financial situation

According to preliminary data, the Port of Gdańsk will close 2024 with a financial result of around PLN 264 million, an increase of PLN 51.7 million (24%) compared to 2023. The main factors driving this growth are nearly 6% higher sales revenues year-on-year and lower costs, including a 3% reduction in sales costs.

“The financial situation of ZMPG S.A. should be assessed as very good. Financial liquidity has been maintained at a stable, rational level. The net sales profitability is estimated at nearly 49%, which is also higher than last year,” adds Alan Aleksandrowicz, Vice President of the Port of Gdańsk for Finance and Safety. “Taking into account the long-term horizon and the scale of investments planned for the coming years, the financial condition of the company is continuously analyzed, and the generated funds, in accordance with the Ports and Harbors Act, are effectively allocated, primarily for the port's development, including infrastructure investments and repairs.”