The Port of Klaipėda delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2026, demonstrating resilience amid a changing market environment and further consolidating its position as the leading port in the Baltic States. The gains come as EU sanctions on Russia and Belarus continue to reshape Baltic Sea trade routes, redirecting cargo flows that once moved through Russian ports toward non-Russian alternatives. Cargo handling volumes increased across most key segments, driven by growth in container traffic, maritime transit, and the ship repair industry.

"The Port of Klaipėda is highly diversified, and that is one of the key elements of its success," Latakas said in a statement. "Despite everything that is happening — not only the war but also its consequences, including sanctions and tariffs — the first half of the year was very good in terms of cargo handling."

Containerised cargo, the port's largest cargo segment, remained the principal growth driver. During the first six months of the year, Klaipėda handled 7.2 million tonnes of containerised cargo, a 12% increase compared with the same period in 2025. In terms of container throughput, the port entered the second half of the year having processed nearly 700,000 TEU. The increase was fuelled by rapidly growing sea transit volumes, the launch of a new deep-sea shipping service linking Klaipėda directly with Asia, the continued expansion of short-sea shipping services, and sustained long-term investments in port infrastructure. The new Asia service reduces reliance on transshipment through larger Western European hub ports, positioning Klaipėda as a more direct gateway for Asian goods entering the Baltic region.

The Ro-Ro segment also continued to expand. Cargo carried by ferries reached almost 3.4 million tonnes, representing a 4% increase. The number of freight vehicles transported through Klaipėda Port rose to 173,505 units, up from 169,280 during the same period last year. Growth was particularly noticeable on ferry services connecting Klaipėda with Germany and Sweden.

Oil products delivered solid results as well. The port handled 2.3 million tonnes, an increase of 12% or 242,000 tonnes compared with the first half of last year, driven primarily by stronger export volumes.

One of the strongest growth rates was recorded in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment. Throughput reached nearly 1.6 million tonnes, 37% higher than a year earlier, supported by stable regional demand and growing cargo flows destined for Ukraine. The increased LNG flows to Ukraine reflect the country's ongoing need for alternative energy supplies amid conflict-related damage to domestic energy infrastructure.

Fertiliser handling continued its recovery, reaching 894,000 tonnes — up 14%, or 112,000 tonnes, year-on-year. Vegetable oils and fats posted one of the fastest growth rates among all cargo groups, surging 58% to 294,000 tonnes. Scrap metal volumes remained stable at 565,000 tonnes, matching last year's performance.

The ship repair and shipbuilding industry remains a key contributor to the port's resilience and competitiveness. During the first half of the year, 46 vessels were repaired or modernised at Klaipėda Port, a 31% increase compared with the same period last year.

Not all segments recorded gains. Grain exports reached almost 1.3 million tonnes during the first six months of the year, slightly below last year's level of 1.4 million tonnes. Timber cargo declined by 153,000 tonnes compared with the same period in 2025. The construction materials and minerals segment also recorded lower volumes, with 943,000 tonnes handled, down from more than 1 million tonnes in the first half of last year. These declines largely reflect the normalisation of market conditions following an exceptionally strong first half of 2025, when infrastructure development projects in Lithuania generated unusually high demand.

Klaipėda was the only Baltic seaport to increase cargo volumes during the first half of the year. As a result, the port expanded its market share among Baltic ports to 44%. When measured at the country level rather than by individual ports, Lithuania — combining the results of Klaipėda Port and the Būtingė Oil Terminal — now accounts for more than 54% of the entire Baltic States cargo handling market.

Source: Port of Klaipėda