In February this year, the seaports of Szczecin and Świnoujście handled 7.1% more cargo than in the corresponding period of 2016. The increase has been recorded virtually in all cargo groups.

Coal. Increase by 6.4%, i.e. 10.1 thousand tons. In February 2017, coal handling totalled 169 thousand tons, whereas in February 2016 it reached 158.9 thousand tons. The increase was recorded both in import, with one large ship from Colombia, and export, with two large ships carrying coke to India and coal to Germany, as well as barges with coal to Germany.     

Ore. After several years of a downturn, ore handling increased by 33.5 %, or 53.8 thousand tons.  In February 2017, the ports handled 214.6 thousand tons, whereas in February last year 160.8 thousand tons. The result was possible due to three large vessels coming with imported ore from Brazil and Liberia and one smaller vessel with copper concentrate from Germany.

Other bulk. This group, unfortunately, recorded a drop by 15%, i.e. by 40.9 thousand tons from 272.7 thousand tons in 2016 to 231.8 thousand tons in 2017 (less aggregate and chemicals).

Grain. The ports witnessed a decrease in grain handling which is typical in this time of a year, i.e. -8.4% or -17.2 thousand tons, from 204 thousand tons in 2016 to 186.8 thousand tons in 2017. Only one medium size ship called at the port complex with imported soy meal from Argentina. As regards export, ports handled four medium size ships with wheat to the Netherlands, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia.

Timber. A major increase was noted of 520% which translates into 2.6 thousand tons. It was due to large export of the cargo to Morocco.    

General cargo. Increase by 1.6% or 14.9 thousand tons, from 956.6 thousand tons in 2016 to 971.5 thousand tons in 2017. This group witnessed a steady growing trend due to general cargo transported by ferries, an increase by 1.3%, and the conventional general cargo.  

Fuel. Increase by 61.8% or 114.2 thousand tons, from 184.9 thousand tons in 2016 to 299.1 thousand tons in 2017. It was possible chiefly due to LNG delivery from Qatar to Świnoujście and increased import of fuel oil from Russia, as well as larger export to the Netherlands and Sweden.

Containers. Increase by 20.1%, from 5,933 TEU to 7,128 TEU, respectively in 2016 and 2017.

In total, after two months of 2017, the ports noted an increase in cargo handling by 5.4%, i.e. 205.6 thousand tons, from 3,804.1 thousand tons in 2016 to 4,009.7 thousand tons in 2017.  The breakdown by cargo groups has been as follows:

Coal. Further decrease in handling by -20.6%, i.e. -85.6 thousand tons, from 415.2 thousand tons in 2016 to 329.6 thousand tons in 2017. It was due to the fact that operators decided to choose other neighbouring Polish seaports.

Ore. Continued decrease by 11.9%, i.e. 46.5 thousand tons, from 391.2 thousand tons in 2016 to 344.7 thousand tons in 2017.

Other bulk. Decrease by 8.6%, i.e. 43.1 thousand tons, from 498.3 thousand tons in 2016 to 455.2 thousand tons in 2017. Drop in handling of aggregate, fertilizers, chemicals and methanol.

Grain. Major increase, i.e. by 24.8 % or 72.5 thousand tons. Increase from 291.9 thousand tons in 2016 to 364.4 thousand tons in 2017.

Timber. Major increase, i.e. by 325% or 2.6 thousand tons, mainly due to large export of timber to Morocco.  

General cargo. Increase by 4.3% or 79.9 thousand tons, from 1,866.5 thousand tons in 2016 to 1,946.4 thousand tons in 2017. This included the increase in general cargo transported by ferries by 3.3%.

Fuel. Increase by 66.4%, i.e. 225.8 thousand tons, from 340.2 thousand tons in 2016 to 566 thousand tons in 2017 (including transhipment of 93 thousand tons of LNG).

Containers. Double digit increase, i.e. by 10.9% or 1,195 TEU, from 13,227 TEU in 2016 to 14,667 TEU in 2016.

In this calendar year, the Seaports Authority expects the increasing trend to continue. Last year, seaports of Szczecin and Świnoujście recorded higher cargo volumes than in 2015 by 4.1% to reach 24.1m tons.