Top 10 Ports in Europe

Seaports in Europe are a pillar of European trade, foreign relations, economy, tourism, and transportation. Currently, there are a total of 340 ports that connect Europe from within as well as with the outside world. Besides connecting Europe with 848 Far East ports and 629 Central and South American ports, these European trade hubs also link mainland Europe with peripheral regions.

Here’s a list of the top 10 European ports

1. Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands handles the heaviest pressure influx of European trade and commerce. Around 12,500 hectares in size and spanning over 40 kilometers, the port facilitates a spectrum of industrial activities and is one of the finest examples of European trade advancement. Due to its easy access and departure geography, this port is recognized as one of Europe’s trade giants.

2. Port of Havre

Located in the city of Le Havre, France, this one has been active for almost five centuries now. It accepts boats 24⁄7, has space for all sizes of cruise liners, and is one of the largest cargo handling ports.

3. Port of Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium, houses Europe’s second most important commercial port after Rotterdam. Located in the smack center of Europe, the port of Antwerp is one of the fastest-growing and developing regions for trade and employment.

It’s spread over 13,000 hectares, welcomes companies from all around the world, and provides an increasing number of employment opportunities with strong skills’ development changes.

4. Port of Trieste

The Port of Trieste lies in the Adriatic Sea in Italy and is a bustling hub for both land and sea trade and travel. It has acquired the status of a free port. It is split into five subdivisions: three of which are for commercial purposes, and two others are allocated to industrial activities.

5. Port of Paloukia Salamina

Paloukia Salamina has a rich history of tourism receives a handsome chunk of European tourists every year. Located in Greece, this passenger port is a magnet that instantly boosts the country’s tourism revenue.

Though Salamina is mainly known for its tourist influx, it’s also important to note that it resides on the borders of Greece’s largest industrial facilities, which means that there are abundant employment opportunities as well.

6. Port of Hamburg

A port that offers intermodal transportation and commerce, the Port of Hamburg resides in Germany. It has been a trade hub since 1189 AD, so the regional popularity has evolved pretty well in terms of trade and economic development.

Also known as the Gateway of the World, the Hamburg port resides upon a territory of 73.99 sq. km. It also offers railway transportation for loaded and unloaded goods at the docks, facilitating easy and quick trade.

7. Port of Felixstowe

The Port of Felixstowe in the UK is the largest and busiest container port in Britain and is one of the largest in Europe. The port is connected to a further 700 ports across the globe and offers promising employment opportunities.

8. Port of Algeciras

The port of Algeciras is located in the province of Cádiz, an autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. This port handles the heaviest trade and tourist influx in Spain and is one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe.

Besides trade, the port of Algeciras is also recognized as a passenger and a fishing port. It is spread over an area of 68 hectares as well as the ten kilometers of quays it occupies in different basins. The port is best known for automobile trade and transport.

9. Port of Valencia

After Algeciras, the Port of Valencia is another landmark in Spanish trade infrastructure. It is one of the largest seaports on the Mediterranean strip and is also one of the busiest trade sites in Europe.

The Port of Valencia is located in one of the most fertile geostrategic trade routes. It handles a sound proportion of the cargoes that enter and exit Europe. The port also has a storage facility of 1.2 sq. km.

10. Port of Bremerhaven

This port is located in Germany and is located on the outskirts of the Weser River. The port is one of the most crucial transshipment centers for German exports and imports. However, it’s also ideally located for tourism and interregional travel due to its closeness with other countries.