Europe Container Transshipment Market Size & Share 2024 - 2032

Europe Container Transshipment Market Size

The Europe container transshipment market size was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% between 2024 and 2032. Considerable spending on the development and modernization of ports will positively impact on the market growth. Increased trade activities between Asia and Europe call for augmented container handling capabilities at major ports.

Ports are increasingly adopting digitalization, automation, and other AI technologies to improve operational efficiency, while at the same time investing in environmentally friendly electric and hybrid port cranes. These and other trends are opening new opportunities for industry players who are looking to meet the rising demand for container transshipment services. In July 2024, the Port of Koper began embarking on public procurement for the northern extension of Pier I.
 

The USD 107 million investment will comprise 326 meters of new quayside construction, the dredging of new power and electrical infrastructure, and the development of seven hectares of new stacking and operational zones. The quay extension will use longitudinal, transverse, and rail girders that connect to piles to support a reinforced concrete frame. A concrete slab will be placed on top of the girders, incorporating rails for STS cranes with a 30-meter rail gauge.
 

The Europe container transshipment market is also poised for growth due to the planned expansion of multimodal transport facilities development strategies. The evolution of logistics systems has made it possible to employ multiple transport modes, including railways and marine and car shipping, which increases the economy and efficiency of cargo transportation. This system helps in reducing delivery times and expenses associated with transportation, meeting the requirements for the current supply chain fast delivery services.
 

European ports are modernizing their intermodal facilities to ensure that there is smooth switching between different modes of transport, which improves throughput and operational efficiency. Adopting multimodal strategies will enable ports to meet the demand for fast and responsive logistics services that is growing across the continent.
 

Europe Container Transshipment Market Trends

Strengthening of port infrastructure is set to drive expansion in the European container transshipment market because of major investments in port infrastructural development as new investments are made towards increasing capacity and operational efficiency. Enhanced facilities, such as specialized terminals for oversized and complex cargo, allow ports to adapt to the advancing dynamics of global trade. It does not only enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness but strengthens Europe’s position as an important transit point capable of servicing growing international shipping traffic while boosting economic activity in the region.
 

In May 2024, a Romanian logistics company was notified that the DP World, a company engaged in global port and logistical activities, had plans to allocate later USD 141 million in investments in their home country through 3 independent projects.
 

DP World also proposed to Constanta, the biggest container port on the Black Sea, that around USD 70 million is set aside for the creation of a new 5- hectare project cargo terminal for big and diverse cargo in addition to a modern RORO terminal capable of processing 80 thousand automobiles annually. Furthermore, around USD 54 million has been earmarked for the new multi−transport platform in Constanta which is expected to be operational by 2025.
 

Diminishing supply chain logistics towards perishables and temperature-sensitive items is implementing great opportunity in the business container transshipment market. With an increase in fresh produce, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive items in container preload, port expansions tend to change for better supporting cold and specialized storage. This not only cater for substantial bulk of transshipment volume but augments efficiency of the entire supply chain. Owing to changes in consumers' choice toward high-quality and new products, cold chain logistics will certainly drive an increase in the market.
 

Europe Container Transshipment Market Analysis

Based on size, the market is segmented into small containers and large containers. In 2023, the large containers segment accounted for USD 1.8 billion and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast time frame.
 

• Wider containers, especially 40-foot-long ones, have become quite popular in the Europe container transshipment market lately as they have a higher demand for bulk transportation, which has led to a rise in larger container units. These containers are built to optimize space and reduce the cost of shipping single units.
   
• E-commerce along with global trade is a great contributor to the demand for larger shipments which aids in the expansion of this trend. In addition, the broad units are being moved through the shipping ports at a quicker pace due to better modern technologies in container handling while simultaneously increasing the traffic at ports and improving overall operational efficiency.
   
• As companies continue to hunt down cheaper and better means of transport and shipping logistics, 40-foot containers will become increasingly common.
   

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Based on the end use, the Europe container transshipment market is divided into food & beverages, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial products, oil & gas, chemicals and others. The industrial products held 32% of the market share in 2023. 
 

• The industrial products segment is growing fast in the market due to increasing requirements from the construction, manufacturing, and energy industries. The growth of the European automotive and machinery industries, along with the expansion of the European economy, is increasing the need for the transport of industrial commodities.
   
• At the same time, the growth of inventory practices based on need increases the demand for competent and timely logistical services, including container transshipment. Ports are adapting to these needs and challenges by modernizing the industrial products facilities and services, which is important for maintaining competitiveness in this crucial part of the market.
   

In 2023, the Netherlands accounted for a Europe container transshipment market share of over 22% in Europe.
 

• The Netherlands holds a major market share in the market, owing to its position at the global intersection to Europe. The Port of Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world, is a key logistical node in that it enables the transfer of goods between Europe and the rest of the world.
   
• The Netherlands boasts new and modern infrastructure like extensive railroad systems and extensive road networks, allowing for further trafficking the vast mainland. Global shipping lines are also more attracted to the Netherlands due to the constant investment into port automation and modernization, resulting in increased operational abilities. Last but definitely not least, the modernization of logistics enables the Netherlands to place itself in serval more favorable positions as a container transshipment center.
   
• The Spain market is fostered by the growth of its ports and logistics infrastructure. Some of the large ports, Barcelona and Valencia, focus on modernizing their infrastructure, such as automated handling systems and improving road and rail connections. This leads to improving efficiency and the capacity to handle increased shipping volumes.
   
• Moreover, the location of Spain within important shipping routes makes the country attractive for international shipping companies. The expansion of automobile and agricultural industries also increases the necessity for container transshipment and makes the southern logistics center of Spain important.
   

Europe Container Transshipment Market Share

In 2023, PSA International, APM, Hutchison, DP World, CMA, and Eurogate shared a massive 19% market share of Europe container transshipment along with one another. Continuing with this, the reason PSA International has an advantage in the European container transshipment market is due to joint ventures sought all across the region alongside the purchases made towards the overall port developments. The operational effectiveness of the firm cuts across also as it embraces new age automation and digitized logistics.
 

Collaborating with shipping lines and other logistic companies is how PSA International simplifies processes and improves service delivery. More so, trust in timeless business principles anchored on the eco-friendly practices appeal to the modern-day shipping thereby placing him at a competitive edge in the European market of container transshipment.
 

• PSA International sets the firm apart from competition because he collaborates with shipping lines and logistical providers which help in service delivery and improvement of processes. Furthermore, the firm’s competitive advantage stems from strategic investments in port infrastructure which serves to enhance service delivery.
   

• With further investments and automation of efficient technologies, they focus on boosting operational efficiency. Also, these changes assist them in gaining investment buying power. Lastly, the desire by modern shipping companies for eco-friendly practices makes the firm a preferred service provider in Europe. Thus, aiding the firm in maintaining power in the aggressive European container transshipment market.
   
• The flexibility, as well as the customer-oriented services provided at Eurogate, allow them to retain a competitive edge in the market. The company is regularly modernizing and increasing its terminal capacity to serve a higher volume of mixed cargo.
   
• By integrating modern technologies such as automation and real time tracking, Eurogate is in a position to increase efficiency along with reducing turnaround time. Being present at the majority of shipping ports in Germany and Italy enables servicing for a variety of routes which indeed gives Eurogate an advantage over other international shippers that need reliable transshipment services.
   

Europe Container Transshipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the Europe container transshipment industry are:

• APM Terminals
• CMA CGM
• COSCO Shipping Ports
• DP World
• Eurogate
• Hamburger Hafen und Logistik
• Hutchison Ports
• MSC
• PSA International
• Terminal Investment Limited
   

The Europe container transshipment market is made up of large port operators, logistic firms, as well as smaller companies and startups that offer new and innovative solutions. While the formerly mentioned companies tend to benefit from economies of scale, the latter add competition in terms of focusing on specialized and niche services.
 

The Europe container transshipment markets remain highly contestable as older and new firms try to capture substantial portions of an ever-changing and fast-paced market. Using their logistics know-how and their resources, companies improve operations and decrease costs related to container handling, making it more effective. Firms are now concentrating on adopting these new technologies within the entire supply chain as the focus on sustainability increases.
 

Trends of the customer centric approach in today’s market have compelled companies to become more flexible to the changes taking place in the market. Businesses nowadays can offer more than just basic container transshipment facilitation services, as they now provide complex port logistics and multi-modal transport with tracking and monitoring systems for greater customer convenience. The speed of the transshipment processes has increased dramatically due to artificial intelligence systems and mechanized container handling. To remain competitive globally, there is a need for investment in advanced infrastructure, technology, and human resources.
 

Europe Container Transshipment Industry News

• In August 2024, Liebherr Maritime Cranes made a shipment of four Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes to Marport. Marport is Turkey’s third-biggest container terminal and is located at the Ambarli Port Facility, which is about 20km from Istanbul on the European side of the Bosphorus. The terminal has a handling capacity of 2.3 million TEU.
   
• In January 2023, SANY launched its electric port machinery in the European market, with deliveries expected in the first half of the year. With fully electric machines, SANY launched a hybrid reach stacker. This machine features a simple hydraulic drive and a combustion engine which cuts emissions by 20%, according to the company.
   

The Europe container transshipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and Volume (TEUs) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Size

• Small containers (20 feet)
• Large containers (40 feet)

Market, By Container

• Dry storage
• Flat rack
• Refrigerated
• Special purpose
• Others

Market, By End-Use

• Food & beverages
• Consumer goods
• Healthcare
• Industrial products
• Oil & gas
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Port

• Deep-water
• Shallow-water

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• Europe
  • Netherlands
  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • France