According to Informall BG, in 2024, the volume of loaded containers handled in the Black Sea ports of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine increased by 12% and exceeded 1 million TEU. The highest growth was recorded in Ukraine – by 78% to 86.7 thousand TEU, while in Romania the growth was 9.5% (to 695.8 thousand TEU), and in Bulgaria – 4.5% (to 233.1 thousand TEU).
Container imports to the region increased by 21%, with Ukrainian ports showing a record increase in imports of 154%. At the same time, exports from the ports of Ukraine and Bulgaria increased by 47% and 5%, respectively, while Romania recorded a drop in exports by 3%. In terms of market structure, Romania retains its leadership in the share of loaded containers handled (67%), followed by Bulgaria (23%) and Ukraine (10%).
The largest terminals in the region remain DPW (Constanta), Varna and Burgas. Among container carriers, the leaders are Maersk (28.7% of the market), MSC (21.8%) and CMA CGM (12.7%). However, despite the positive dynamics in Ukraine, container turnover volumes remain significantly below pre-war levels: in 2021, Ukrainian ports handled 12 million tons of container cargo.