2023 was the strongest year for the Port of Kiel to date

PORT OF KIEL recorded the strongest year in terms of cargo and passenger traffic in its history, with 7.89 million tons of cargo and 2.82 million passengers. This record result underscores the high economic significance of the Port of Kiel for the region.

(Kiel) SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG concludes the year 2023 with a cargo volume of over 7.89 million tons and 2.82 million passengers. With a well-established passenger business in the ferry (1.64 million ferry passengers) and cruise sectors (1.19 million cruise passengers), high cargo levels on Scandinavian routes, and recovering volumes towards the Baltic Sea, the Port of Kiel recorded good growth in both cargo (+3.1 percent) and passenger traffic (+22 percent) compared to the previous year. “Last year was a successful one for the Port of Kiel. It shows that we are well positioned for the future and our growth plans in both the passenger and cargo sectors,” says Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG. The financial results for 2023 are satisfactory.

The Gothenburg connection remains at a high cargo level (total cargo result 2.23 million tons) with only slight declines compared to the previous year. The Oslo connection recorded single-digit volume increases (total cargo result 843,606 tons). While the previous year saw low double-digit volume declines on routes towards the Baltic Sea due to the war in Ukraine, cargo figures in 2023 showed a slight recovery and a positive trend (total cargo result: 2.62 million tons). The paper business also performed well, especially in the second half of the year, finishing slightly above the previous year’s result from 2022. The handling of bulk goods also developed promisingly, having particular significance for the regional construction industry due to the high demand for ongoing construction work on the Kiel Canal.

Rail remains a challenge

Combined cargo transport in Kiel continues to be heavily influenced by the high investment needs of the national rail network and the resulting consequences. “Compared to the previous year, which was already challenging for us in the intermodal sector, we now see a continuous escalation of the situation with rising prices and declining quality,” says Claus. In 2023, a total of 21,700 units were handled in combined cargo transport in Kiel. This represents a decrease of 25 percent compared to the previous year (2022: 28,900 units). While there has been a significant decline in the combined transport sector at the East Port due to the elimination of rail-related traffic to Russia, the modal split for traffic towards Sweden remains above 20 percent.

Investments in the port

The PORT OF KIEL is investing in the expansion and efficiency enhancement of its corporate areas, especially at the East Port. The 50ha cargo and logistics center of the Port of Kiel is the largest and most significant part of the port in terms of volume, accounting for nearly 45 percent of the total turnover with 3.46 million tons handled in 2023. As a multipurpose terminal, which has over 74,000m² of warehouse space, six RoRo berths, and a cruise berth, it is used for both cargo handling and passenger business. “The East Port still holds further potential for us,” says Claus.

Demand for storage space is there

In the medium term, further storage and logistics spaces are to be created at the East Port. For this purpose, the company has now acquired adjacent areas of 6.5 ha, which are to be developed gradually. “The demand from our customers for storage space is there. As a city port with limited expansion potential, we rely on efficient and smart space management. These projects at the East Port are a consistent continuation of the development of this part of the port and an important investment in the location,” says Claus. With the construction of two shore power facilities with parallel supply options for up to three sea vessels, new RoRo ramps, and the upgrading of existing areas, the most significant part of the port has been continuously optimized in recent times. By 2028, over 60 million euros are to flow into this part of the port. In addition to the cargo business, this part of the port is increasingly being frequented by cruise ships.

Photo: © Port of Kiel