TLDR

This guide shows what the biggest port in Europe is and how it ranks worldwide. It explains how major European ports work, why they matter for supply chain stability, and how their cargo volumes shape global trade. You’ll see how the top 10 ports compare by containers, total tonnage, and infrastructure. The article also connects these insights to ecommerce growth and the role of modern fulfillment partners like Bezos.ai, which help brands move goods through Europe with speed and clarity.

Key takeaways

• Rotterdam retains its position as Europe’s largest container port, handling 13.82 million TEUs in 2024.
• For 2024, Rotterdam’s total tonnage was ~435.8 million tonnes.
• Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Valencia, and Piraeus rank among the top container ports in Europe.
• European ports play a central role in connecting Europe to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
• Ports impact ecommerce by shaping import speed, customs flow, inland routing, and shipping costs.
• Green logistics and digitalisation are accelerating across Europe, making ports more efficient and sustainable.
• European ports together process over 3 billion tonnes of goods per year.
• Ecommerce brands can lower storage and shipping costs by partnering with a fulfillment provider like Bezos.ai, which optimises inbound logistics from major European ports.

Why are ports a lifeblood of the economy?

Ports are a lifeblood of the economy because they keep trade moving. They link countries, industries, and buyers through steady flows of goods. Without them, Europe’s shelves, factories, and supply chains would slow down or shut down. Ports matter to global trade because almost all long-distance cargo still travels by sea, and the biggest shipping routes connect Europe directly to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Every container that enters or leaves the EU touches a port at some point, so these gateways decide how fast goods move and how much they cost to move.

Their economic role goes deeper than ships and cargo. Major ports support energy imports, raw materials for manufacturing, vehicle exports, and everything from electronics to fashion. They host thousands of jobs in logistics, warehousing, construction, and maritime services. They also anchor inland supply chains through rail and road links that feed factories, ecommerce hubs, and high-street retailers. When a port runs well, the economy feels stable and predictable. When a port slows down, supply chains feel the shock very quickly.

Europe operates several world-class ports with advanced cranes, deep-water terminals, and digital systems that keep cargo moving at scale. Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, and Valencia work with some of the largest vessels in the world and offer high-capacity rail and barge connections. Their infrastructure helps Europe stay competitive by supporting faster turnaround times, greener operations, and efficient customs clearance.

Ecommerce and retail brands should care because ports shape the entire customer journey. They influence lead times, freight rates, customs checks, and how quickly goods reach a warehouse. A delay at the port can slow down restocks and raise final shipping costs. A smooth port experience keeps inventories stable, supports accurate delivery promises, and protects margins. This is why many brands rely on strong fulfillment partners. A provider like Bezos.ai can help route inbound stock through major European ports and reduce storage, handling, and shipping costs while keeping goods moving on time.

Looking for a European fulfillment partner that integrates with major EU ports? Explore Bezos.ai for automated, scalable ecommerce logistics.

Biggest port in Europe

Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe by both tonnage and container volume. It handled about 13.8 million TEUs and more than 430 million tonnes of cargo in 2024. 

• Located in the Netherlands.
• Connects to more than 1,000 ports worldwide.
• Largest deep-sea port in Europe.
• Key hub for Asia–Europe trade routes.
• Supports energy, chemical, container, and bulk cargo markets.
• Highly automated terminals.
• Rotterdam handles up to 30 percent of all container traffic entering Europe.
  
  

Top 10 biggest ports in Europe

Europe’s busiest ports move millions of containers and hundreds of millions of tonnes of cargo each year, and their scale shapes how fast goods flow across the continent. This ranking highlights the top 10 largest ports by throughput and container volume, and it also gives a clear view of which gateways drive Europe’s trade, supply chains, and ecommerce logistics.

Store your inventory closer to major European ports with Bezos.ai’s multi-warehouse fulfillment network.

Biggest container port in Europe 

Rotterdam remains the biggest container port in Europe and sets the benchmark for capacity, automation, and global connectivity. Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg follow as major hubs, while Valencia and Piraeus continue to grow quickly in the Mediterranean.

• Rotterdam: largest by TEU and known for highly automated container terminals.
• Antwerp-Bruges: major distribution zone with strong links to European manufacturing and chemicals. 
• Hamburg: central hub for rail, inland logistics, and cargo moving to Central and Eastern Europe.
• Valencia and Piraeus: two of the fastest growing Mediterranean ports with strong Asia–Europe connections.

Major European ports and what they specialise in

Rotterdam

• Global energy and container hub.
• Largest Dutch port in Europe and a global leader outside East Asia.
• Features a draft depth of 24 metres, accommodating some of the world's largest ships.
• Stretches over 40 kilometres, incorporating a mix of historic and modern harbour areas.
• Employs advanced automation, including robotic cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for container handling.
• Uses smart technology and IoT for efficient port management.
• Aims for zero emissions by 2050, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

Antwerp-Bruges

• Chemical industry, containers, and large warehousing zones.
• Antwerp-Bruges has over 1,000 companies operating within its port ecosystem.
• Second-largest seaport in Europe.
• Located at the upper end of the tidal estuary of the Scheldt, enabling navigation by large ships over 100,000 Gross Tons up to 80 km inland.
• It features a strategic inland location, offering a more central European access point than most North Sea ports.
• Connected to the hinterland via rail, road, and river/canal waterways, ensuring efficient cargo movement.
• Offers liner services to 800 maritime destinations, demonstrating its extensive global network.

Hamburg

• Germany's largest port, known as the "Gateway to the World".
• It spans an area of 73.99 square kilometres, with 43.31 square kilometres of land.
• Located on the River Elbe, 110 kilometres from the North Sea, ideal for large vessels.
• Historically, it has been Central Europe's main port for centuries, dating back to 1189.
• Transitioned from a traditional free port to modern logistics and container handling.

Valencia

• Shorter inbound times for Mediterranean shipping and fast container handling.
• The fifth busiest port in Europe and the top port in the Mediterranean.
• Annual cargo volume reaches approximately 79.3 million tonnes (2022).
• Serves over 1.73 million passengers.
• Employs around 15,000 people.
• Operated by the Port Authority of Valencia.
• It features 40 berths and 72 piers and is equipped to handle a vast range of vessels.

Piraeus

• Largest Mediterranean port for Asian imports and a major link in the Asia–Europe corridor.
• The Greek port of Piraeus increased its container capacity by over 150 percent in the past decade.
• The chief port in Greece and a significant hub in the Mediterranean.
• Ranked as the fifth largest passenger port in Europe.
• Handles about 4.37 million passengers annually as of 2020.
• Serves as a crucial gateway for international trade and passenger travel.
• Plays a vital role in Greece's economy and the Eastern Mediterranean's maritime logistics.

Optimise your EU supply chain with Bezos.ai’s automated fulfillment workflows aligned with Europe’s key ports.

What are the biggest ports in Europe by cargo volume?

Cargo volume can be measured in tonnes or in TEU, and the two metrics show different things. Tonnage reflects the total weight of goods, while TEU measures containerised cargo only. Rotterdam leads Europe in both categories, with the highest total tonnage and the largest container volume of any European port.

Which European ports handle the most container traffic?

These ports move the highest container volumes in Europe and act as key gateways for global trade. 

What is the busiest port in Europe?

The busiest port in Europe is Rotterdam. It leads the continent in total cargo volume and container traffic.

The port has a draft (water depth for vessels) of about 24 metres (78 feet) which allows some of the world’s largest ships to call there. 

Its nautical infrastructure is described as “accessible 24/7 … even to maximum-size vessels” thanks to wide basins, minimal tide constraints and no locks. 

The channel route into the port (Eurogeul / Nieuwe Waterweg) is dredged and maintained to depths of around 23–24 metres so that ultra-large carriers (draft >20 m) can safely enter.

In short, the main features of Rotterdam port are:

• Largest container volumes
• Deep-water access
• High automation
• Millions of TEU handled yearly

How do European ports compare globally?

The Port of Rotterdam ranks among the world’s top ports in both size and efficiency, but the biggest container gateways globally are still in Asia, such as Port of Shanghai or Port of Singapore.

What makes European ports different is their level of digitalisation, sustainability, and strong inland connectivity. They are also global leaders in intermodal transport—where sea-rail-road links combine—and in adopting green logistics practices like electric handling equipment and low-carbon bunkering.

Bezos.ai can help businesses ship globally with seamless EU fulfillment integrated into major port hubs.

What infrastructure supports major European ports?

Europe’s largest ports rely on advanced infrastructure that keeps cargo moving at scale. These systems help reduce delays, improve routing, and support fast links to inland regions.

• Deep sea terminals for large vessels and high-volume container handling.
• Rail freight networks that move cargo quickly to inland Europe.
• Inland waterway systems such as the Rhine, Danube, and Scheldt for low-cost, low-carbon transport.
• Logistics parks with warehousing, cross-docking, and value-added services.
• Automated container cranes that speed up loading and unloading.
• Customs processing facilities designed for smooth EU and non-EU clearance.
• Smart port initiatives that use digital tracking, sensors, and automation to improve planning and reduce congestion.

What role do European ports play in international trade?

• European ports act as key nodes in global shipping routes that connect the continent with Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. 
• They handle energy imports, chemicals, consumer goods, vehicle exports, food products, and the full range of retail and manufacturing cargo that Europe depends on every day. 
• These ports support millions of jobs across shipping, logistics, warehousing, transport, and supply chain services. 
• They are also central to supply chain resilience because they keep goods flowing smoothly, reduce bottlenecks, and help businesses respond quickly to changes in global demand.

How are European ports adapting to green logistics?

‍

• Renewable energy in port operations
  Many major ports now run cranes, lighting, and buildings on wind and solar power. This lowers operating emissions and makes daily port activity cleaner.
• Clean shore power
  Ships can plug into electricity while berthed instead of running diesel engines. This cuts noise, fuel use, and local air pollution around the port.
• Automated, energy-efficient cranes
  Modern cranes use smart systems and electric drives that consume far less energy. Automation also reduces idle time, which keeps emissions even lower.
• Green shipping corridors
  These are routes where ports and carriers work together to support cleaner vessels and fuels. They create predictable, low-emission pathways for international trade.
• Zero-emission goals
  Many European ports plan to reach net-zero operations within the next decade or two. These targets guide investments in cleaner equipment, power sources, and vessels.
• Hydrogen projects (Rotterdam and Antwerp are leaders)
  Ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp are building large hydrogen hubs to fuel future ships, trucks, and industrial users. These projects position Europe as a leader in next-generation green energy.

Which countries have the most active seaports in Europe?

If you look at where Europe’s shipping traffic concentrates, a few countries stand out quickly. Their ports handle huge trade volumes and act as the main gateways between Europe and the rest of the world.

• Netherlands

The Netherlands handled the most maritime freight in Europe in 2023, with around 545 million tonnes passing through its ports. The country benefits from key seaports like Port of Rotterdam and excellent inland waterway and rail links which feed goods into the heart of Europe.

• Belgium

Belgium’s port of Port of Antwerp‑Bruges is among Europe’s busiest container hubs (~13.4 million TEU in 2023). Its location and infrastructure make it a major logistics platform for Western and Central Europe.

• Germany

Germany hosts major seaports like the Port of Hamburg and accounts for one of Europe’s largest inland freight movements via rail and waterways. Its strong inland distribution network gives its ports extra reach beyond the coast.

• Spain

Spain’s seaports such as Port of Valencia show growing container volumes (~4.8-5.0 million TEU in recent years). The country acts as a key entry point for the Mediterranean region and southern Europe.  

• Greece

Greece’s seaports (for example Port of Piraeus) play a strategic role in connecting Europe with Asia via Mediterranean shipping routes. Its position provides access to the Balkans and Southeast Europe, which many other ports do not offer.

• Italy

Italy is another country with significant seaport activity and inland connectivity that supports trade across southern Europe. While not always at the very top of container lists, Italy’s geography and network make it vital for regional flows.

• France

France hosts multiple ports across its coastlines, and its infrastructure supports both Atlantic and Mediterranean trade lanes. It also benefits from being one of Europe’s largest economies.  French seaports feed into large domestic markets and serve as gateways for neighboring countries.

• Poland

Poland is emerging as an active seaport country with ports that serve northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region. It is part of the top-10 lists for ports in Europe. Its ports support trade flows into Eastern and Central Europe.

Reduce costs and improve EU delivery times with Bezos.ai’s European fulfillment network.

‍

What are the top-rated shipping and logistics companies based at the leading European port?

Ports like Rotterdam host a wide range of major shipping lines, freight forwarders, and integrated logistics providers that support global trade. These companies manage vessel operations, container transport, customs processing, warehousing, and inland distribution. 

• DHL Global Forwarding

This branch of DHL remains among the largest freight forwarders servicing major European ports. It’s known for end-to-end logistics, customs handling, multimodal transport and strong digital tools. It offers flexibility and scale, which is ideal for companies that need reliable global shipping whether by sea, air or land.

• Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel stands out for professionalism, technological adoption and sustainability-oriented logistics. Their network spreads through major European ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg. Their global presence and integrated services make them a go-to for complex supply-chain demands.

• DSV Panalpina

After integrating Panalpina, DSV expanded significantly across European maritime gateways. It excels in ocean freight, container consolidation (especially LCL shipments), project logistics and flexibility. This is all appreciated by industries with variable cargo types or special handling needs.

• DB Schenker

DB Schenker leverages rail, road and sea transport infrastructure. They are particularly active in Germany and neighbouring regions. They provide efficient, time-sensitive freight solutions. Their strength lies in inland connectivity combined with port operations for broader supply-chain coverage.

• Katoen Natie

Based at the Port of Antwerp, this company specializes in warehousing, port-side handling, commodity logistics, and integrated supply-chain services. It’s a strong pick for clients dealing with bulk goods, petrochemicals, consumer goods or industrial cargo needing port-side logistics support.

• Hapag‑Lloyd

From its headquarters in Hamburg and operations across key European and global routes, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the top container-shipping companies worldwide. It is known for reliable container transport, global schedule coverage, and connectivity directly to major ports.

How do I arrange import and export services through the largest port in Europe?

To move goods through Europe’s biggest port, you usually work with a customs broker or freight forwarder who handles the paperwork and guides you through the full process. They help prepare core documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations. 

A forwarder can also book container space on vessels, organise trucking or rail transport, and coordinate storage if your goods need to wait at a warehouse. 

For imports, a customs broker ensures your shipment clears EU checks correctly, pays the right duties, and meets any product-specific rules. 

For exports, they help lodge declarations and arrange the final loading slot.

You can also contact terminal operators if you need to schedule container pickup, arrange unloading times, or access specialised facilities, though most businesses let their forwarder manage these steps. Working with a trusted logistics partner keeps everything smooth, from vessel booking to inland delivery.

Connect to Bezos.ai: you can store and distribute goods after import.

What investment opportunities are available at the biggest port in Europe for international businesses?

Europe’s largest port offers a wide range of investment opportunities for companies that want a strong foothold in global trade. One of the most attractive areas is logistics parks, where businesses can set up distribution centres, cross-docking facilities, or fulfilment operations close to major terminals. These zones provide fast access to vessels, rail corridors, and highways, which helps reduce transit times and improve supply chain control.

There are also many opportunities in warehousing development, where brands can invest in modern storage space, temperature-controlled facilities, or value-added services like packaging and assembly. With large volumes of cargo passing through the port every day, demand for flexible and scalable warehouse capacity remains high.

International companies are also looking at green energy projects, since leading ports are expanding hydrogen hubs, clean bunkering stations, solar fields, and wind-powered infrastructure. These areas offer long-term growth potential as Europe moves toward cleaner logistics and low-carbon supply chains.

The port continues to develop transport links, including rail upgrades, inland waterway connections, and last-mile distribution networks. Investors can participate in projects that improve intermodal transport, enhance cargo routing, or support digitalisation across the logistics ecosystem. These investment paths make the port an attractive base for companies that want strong access to European and global markets.

Schlussfolgerung

Rotterdam stands as the biggest port in Europe, supported by world-class infrastructure and strong global connections. Across the continent, Europe hosts several major container hubs that play a central role in international trade. These ports keep supply chains stable, support manufacturing and retail, and help ecommerce brands deliver faster and more reliably. Green logistics and digital systems will shape how ports grow over the next decade, improving efficiency and lowering emissions. Brands that work with a fulfillment partner connected to major EU ports can reduce import times, manage costs, and keep goods moving smoothly across Europe.

Boost your EU logistics performance with a fulfillment partner built for modern ecommerce. Visit Bezos.ai to streamline your supply chain.

FAQ

What is the biggest port in Europe?

Rotterdam.

Where is the biggest port in Europe located?

In the Netherlands.

Which port handles the most containers in Europe?

Rotterdam, followed by Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg.

How many major ports does Europe have?

More than 200, with around 20 considered major global hubs.

Which country has the busiest ports in Europe?

The Netherlands and Belgium lead based on container throughput.

Is Felixstowe the biggest port in Europe?

No. Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK but significantly smaller than Rotterdam.

What makes European ports globally important?

Strong inland networks, energy terminals, top-tier container hubs, and high sustainability standards.

‍