The Port of Kiel recorded a new all-time high in freight volumes in 2025, according to figures released on Thursday by Seehafen Kiel GmbH.
Total freight throughput reached almost 8 million tonnes for the first time, representing an increase of around 5% year-on-year. Nearly half of this volume was handled at the East Bank Port (Ostuferhafen). Growth was driven primarily by expanding trade with the Baltic states and continued strength in the Swedish paper trade.
Strong Growth on Key Routes
- Traffic to Klaipėda (Lithuania) with DFDS reached 3 million tonnes, up 8% compared with 2024.
- Stena Line transported 2.3% more freight between Kiel and Gothenburg.
- SCA Logistics handled 5.2% more paper volumes from its Swedish mills at the East Bank Port.
- Color Line recorded slightly lower freight volumes but saw growth in passenger numbers.
- Passenger traffic rose slightly in 2025, with 2.7 million passengers handled in total. Of these, around 1.1 million were cruise passengers, underlining Kiel’s growing importance as a cruise hub.
Outlook
Managing Director Dirk Claus remains optimistic, citing strong early booking volumes for 2026 and positive market signals across both freight and passenger segments. The Port of Kiel expects continued growth, supported by infrastructure investment, sustainability initiatives, and robust demand in Baltic and Scandinavian trade lanes.
