Accolade highlights 10 European port cities as key hubs for the future of supply chains and industrial investment
Experts from Accolade, an international investor in industrial real estate, have identified 10 European port cities that are set to play a crucial role in the transformation of supply chains, logistics, and industrial investments in the coming years. The report features cities that combine strong infrastructure with strategic location and an openness to investment. Among them are two Polish ports – Gdynia and Szczecin–Świnoujście – whose potential is further supported by the Polish government’s “Polskie Morze” programme.
The restructuring of supply chains, accelerated digitalisation, the push for sustainable development, and new relocation strategies such as friendshoring and nearshoring are the main trends driving the growth of European ports. The largest ports that have dominated global trade for decades – such as Rotterdam or Hamburg – are approaching their capacity limits. Global challenges and new supply chain strategies mean that investors, logistics operators, and manufacturers are increasingly looking toward locations that were once considered alternatives – today, they are natural choices for expansion. Ports like Gdynia, Valencia or Rijeka respond to these trends with flexibility, land availability, and openness to automation and green investments. They are also gaining importance in strategic trade corridors from the Baltic to the Mediterranean
~ Joanna Sinkiewicz, Managing Director at Accolade Poland and Group Commercial Director.
Szczecin–Świnoujście (Poland) – Approx. 400,000 inhabitants (metropolitan area)
Poland’s second-largest port complex. Investments in deepening the fairway to 12.5 metres, container terminal expansion, and planned LNG and intermodal infrastructure are positioning the region as a logistics hub for the Baltic Sea. In 2024, container throughput reached nearly 76,000 TEU. Proximity to the German border and a rail network connecting Poland with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Scandinavia strengthen its significance. Accolade is actively investing in the region, developing several modern logistics facilities near the port.
Valencia (Spain) – 790,000 inhabitants
The fourth largest port in Europe and the largest in Spain, handling over 5.7 million TEU annually. An emerging alternative to overcrowded Barcelona, Valencia is becoming the Mediterranean’s new logistics hub. It is undergoing extensive investment in green energy, digitalisation, and terminal expansion (e.g. Valencia Port 2030). With strong links to North Africa, Latin America, and France, the port’s growth is also supported by the Mediterranean corridor. Accolade has already completed two projects in the region – the fully leased Accolade Funds Park Valencia Picassent, and the modern Park Valencia Alzira, offering development potential of over 60,000 sqm of warehouse space.
We believe ports will become key catalysts of next-generation industrial logistics across Europe. Their role is evolving from traditional transport nodes to strategic locations integrating sustainability, digitalisation, and resilient supply chains. At Accolade, we see port cities as natural centres for future expansion – for both our portfolio and our partners. Thanks to rapid infrastructure upgrades and policy support for green transition, we are ready to deepen our presence by investing in smart, future-ready logistics parks
~ Lukas Repal, Chief Operating Officer at Accolade.
Rijeka (Croatia) – 105,000 inhabitants
A strategic location on the northern Adriatic, with 2024 throughput of 600,000 TEU. Ongoing investments include a new container terminal and rail upgrades toward Hungary and Austria. Rijeka is emerging as a viable alternative to Western European ports.
Bilbao (Spain) – 350,000 inhabitants
Located in the Basque Country, Bilbao is developing into a major logistics and industrial hub in northern Spain. With throughput of 500,000 TEU in 2024, it features one of the most advanced terminals on the Atlantic coast. The port is investing heavily in decarbonisation and digitalisation, including LNG and hydrogen energy infrastructure. Its location near the French border and strong motorway and rail links make it a key logistics node between Spain, France, and Western Europe.
Gdynia (Poland) – 240,000 inhabitants
One of the fastest-growing logistics centres in the Baltic region. In 2024, the port handled a record 975,000 TEU. Ongoing investment in the new Outer Port deepwater container terminal will significantly increase capacity and enable handling of ocean-going vessels. Gdynia benefits from its integration into the Tricity area and strong road and rail infrastructure, serving cargo flows from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Baltics.
Polish ports such as Szczecin–Świnoujście and Gdynia are entering a decisive phase of their development. We are witnessing the rapid growth of their role in both regional and international logistics. Now, the government’s “Polskie Morze” initiative will further support this momentum. It includes not only port infrastructure upgrades, but also investments in intermodality, green energy, and business ecosystems around the ports. If implemented successfully, Poland could become a leader in sustainable logistics in Central and Eastern Europe. For industrial investors and logistics operators, this is an opportunity to be closer to end markets and fully leverage the Baltic’s potential
~ Joanna Sinkiewicz.
Genoa (Italy) – 580,000 inhabitants
Genoa serves as a gateway for goods entering Italy, Switzerland, and southern Germany. A long-term infrastructure transformation is underway (Nuova Darsena project), and the city’s accessibility improved significantly after the reconstruction of the Morandi Bridge. Rail investment aims to boost intermodality. In 2024, the port handled 1.8 million TEU.
Constanta (Romania) – 270,000 inhabitants
The largest port on the Black Sea, with nearly 1 million TEU in 2024. Its role is growing due to increased grain exports from Ukraine and Central Asia. EU-funded projects are modernising its rail and terminal infrastructure. The future Via Carpatia corridor could further strengthen its position as a major logistics hub connecting the Black Sea with Central and Northern Europe.
Koper (Slovenia) – 25,000 inhabitants
A small but dynamic port with 2024 throughput of around 1.1 million TEU. With a new railway line to Ljubljana and ongoing terminal expansions, Koper has emerged as an alternative to Trieste and Rijeka, serving Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and southern Germany. The port stands out for its operational efficiency and high digitalisation levels.
Piraeus (Greece) – 1.5 million inhabitants (Athens metro area)
Handling 4–5 million TEU annually, Piraeus is already one of Europe’s largest ports. Yet its growth potential remains high. Since Chinese group COSCO acquired a 67% stake, the port has undergone intensive modernisation, introducing automation, digital solutions, and sustainability projects. A key node on the Asia–Europe route.
Porto (Portugal) – 1.7 million inhabitants (metropolitan area)
Port Leixões, located near Porto city centre, is evolving into a smart container port. In 2024, it handled over 700,000 TEU. With less congestion than Lisbon and growing maritime tourism, it is also investing in green technologies such as solar panels and port automation.