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Adriatic ports lead the expansion as imports and new infrastructure projects boost performance.

Following the disruptions in global supply chains, Hungarian sea routes have gained momentum again: in the third quarter of 2025, loaded container traffic increased by more than 14%, bringing the sector to a historic peak. The southern ports achieved record-breaking volumes, driven by the ongoing wave of factory construction and rising imports along Adriatic routes. As a result, Hungary is becoming an increasingly important regional logistics hub.

Hungary’s loaded sea container traffic showed strong growth again in Q3 2025, expanding by 14.07% compared to the same period in 2024. After years of fluctuations, the sector has now entered its second consecutive year of stable growth. The main driver remains imports, boosted by demand for construction materials for new factories and by expanding household consumption.

According to data from the Hungarian Association of Logistics Service Centers (MLSZKSZ), the Hungarian intermodal loaded sea container market reached 108,900 TEU in Q3 2025 — more than 12,000 TEU above last year’s figure. Imports accounted for 72% of total traffic, exports for 28%, while the southern direction remained dominant with a 70.5% market share.

Southern Ports Continue to Strengthen

Traffic through southern ports reached 115% of the previous year’s Q3 volume, while northern routes grew to 108%. The strongest growth came from Adriatic routes — especially Koper and Rijeka — which reinforced their leading position in the Hungarian market. The launch of the new Rijeka terminal in September also contributed to the increase, as it gradually takes over part of the traffic from other Adriatic ports.

However, despite these positive trends, the market still faces challenges: congestion in the ports of Koper and Hamburg remains persistent, and rail transport continues to face delays, often leaving containers waiting for weeks. Planned railway renovations may cause further disruptions, potentially shifting even more traffic toward road transport on southern routes.

Regional Expansion and New Connections

An increasing share of sea container traffic from Western Romania and Northern Serbia is now routed through Hungarian terminals, enhancing regional intermodal connectivity. Shipments arriving from Curtici, Arad, and Teiuș further strengthen Hungary’s role as a logistics center for Adriatic freight transport.

Although sea freight rates remain more favorable than rail alternatives, the reshaping of competition among shipping lines has created new dynamics. Of the nine shipping lines active in Hungary, only four increased their quarterly volumes, a weaker ratio than in the previous quarter. According to MLSZKSZ, this is due to changes in shipping alliances and logistical adjustments related to the avoidance of the Suez Canal.

Positive Outlook for Year-End

The association expects further growth in Q4, as import demand is likely to remain strong and the effects of new infrastructure developments — such as the Rijeka terminal — will gradually materialize.

The traffic data presented in this report cover 100% of the Hungarian intermodal sea container market, as they are based on the data provided by all Hungarian terminals and shipping lines active in the market.