by InTrieste
The Port of Trieste closed the first half of 2025 with stable cargo volumes, moving a total of 28.7 million metric tons, marking a marginal decrease of 0.21 percent compared to the same period in 2024. The results come amid a backdrop of international economic uncertainty and a structural shift in container shipping following the dissolution of the 2M Alliance between shipping giants Maersk and MSC.
Liquid bulk cargo—primarily crude oil and petroleum products—totaled 19.77 million tons, down slightly by 0.34 percent year over year. General cargo, including containerized and non-containerized goods, saw a modest uptick of 0.15 percent, reaching nearly 8.92 million tons.
One of the standout performers in the first six months was the Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) sector, which recorded 155,391 transited units, up 5.28 percent from the previous year. This growth was bolstered by increased activity along the so-called “Motorway of the Sea” shipping routes, with 477 port calls—an 18.95 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Officials attributed the strong performance in Ro-Ro traffic to the ongoing strength of commercial links with Turkey and the full operational capacity of the Adriatic corridor, which continues to serve as a vital artery for trade between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Despite the near-flat overall figures, port authorities described the results as encouraging in light of global economic headwinds and shifts in maritime logistics. Trieste, one of the largest and most strategic ports on the Adriatic Sea, remains a key player in European trade, particularly in energy and intermodal transport.
