Setúbal, Portugal, Jan. 30, 2025 (Lusa) - The Port of Setúbal handled 6.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 3.7% compared with 2023, the port administration announced on Thursday.
"In 2024, the Port of Setúbal recorded sustained growth in various segments of activity, with a total of 6.5 million tonnes handled (+3.7% compared to 2023), consolidating the port as one of the main drivers of the regional and national port economy," a statement said.
"The public service terminals handled 4.7 million tonnes, an increase of 4.6% compared to 2023 (...), with the Liquid Bulk Terminal growing by 40.6% and the Setúbal Port Terminal (TPS) registering an increase of 14.2%. Other terminals also had positive performances, such as Sadoport (+2.9%), the Coelho da Mota Terminal (Ro-Ro, +2.3%) and the Tersado Terminal (+1.8%)", according to the statement.
The Port de Setúbal also highlighted the positive performance of the private use terminals, which recorded a growth of 1.3% in total cargo handled.
According to the statement, "the liquid bulk sector stood out with a significant growth of 41.3%, mainly due to energy products from the Port of Sines and acids handled at SAPEC's Liquid Bulk Terminal (TGL)", but there was also significant growth in dry bulk (+5%), Ro-Ro cargo (+2.4% in tonnes and +4.6% in units) and containerised cargo (+1.2% in tonnes)", with the breakbulk sector recording a decrease (-2.7%) compared to last year.
On the other hand, "national cabotage (navigation between maritime ports without losing sight of the coast) also stood out in 2024, with a 10.8% increase in entries, especially in energy liquids for supplying ships, and a 16.6% increase in exits, driven by the transport of bagged cement and bulk cement".
The Port of Setúbal also emphasised the "increase in the average size of ships in commercial activity, which grew by 8% in gross tonnage (GT), accompanied by an increase of 5% in the average size of all ships calling at the port".
The president of the Administration of the Ports of Setúbal and Sesimbra (APSS), Carlos Correia, said, "the results achieved reflect the commitment and competence of the entire team that contributes to the operation of this strategic port".
"The increase in the average size of ships and the positive evolution of the various cargo segments demonstrates the market's confidence in the Port of Setúbal and its ability to respond. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, innovation and sustainability to strengthen our position as one of the country's main logistics hubs," adds the head of Setúbal's port administration.
According to data provided by the Port of Setúbal, "trade with European Union ports also grew by around 5%, driven by a 9% increase in the movement of imports".
"Overall, foreign trade increased by 2.7%, with imports growing by 8.2%, while exports fell slightly by 3.1%," reads the statement, in which the Setúbal port administration considers these figures to demonstrate the “strategic role of the port of Setúbal in boosting the regional and national economy”.
GR/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
