Luka Koper closed 2024 with growth in key indicators, despite the challenges at the beginning of the year related to the crisis in the Red Sea. Total seaborne cargo turnover increased by 3%, container cargo by 6% and general cargo by 8%. Net revenue amounted to €330.1 million, which is 6% higher than the 2023 level and 2% above the planned figures. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached €67 million, 33% higher than the plan, and net profit amounted to €60.3 million, 26% higher than the forecast.
Koper’s container terminal set a new record of 1,133,340 TEU, which is 6% more than in 2023. The passenger terminal also reached a historical maximum of 125,276 arrivals. Growth was seen in the general and liquid cargo segments, but bulk cargo volumes declined. The automotive sector handled 884,666 vehicles, down 3% due to lower demand for cars in key markets. However, Koper set a new monthly record in November, handling 90,548 vehicles.
Despite a difficult start to the year, the situation stabilized by April, and new business opportunities allowed the port to strengthen its position. Luka Koper President of the Management Board Nevenka Krzan noted that the company had managed to implement most of the investments and launch a strategic development cycle.
In 2024, Koper launched large-scale investment projects to increase the port’s capacity. Key initiatives include the construction of berth 12 for general cargo and cars, an automated warehouse for steel products (Warehouse 54) and a new parking area for 3,000 cars. Construction of a new passenger terminal building also began in the fall.
In addition, two berths with a total length of 326 meters and seven hectares of storage space are being built in the northern part of Pier I. In the coming years, it is planned to expand the indoor parking for 12,000 cars, create a new parking lot (cassette 7A) and build a berth for RO-RO vessels, which will ensure further growth in cargo turnover and strengthen the strategic importance of the port.