The Europe Container Transshipment Market is expected to witness market growth of 2.9% CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The Spain market dominated the Europe Container Transshipment Market by country in 2024, and is expected to continue to be a dominant market till 2032; thereby, achieving a market value of $1.16 billion by 2032. The UK market is exhibiting a CAGR of 1.2% during 2025-2032. Additionally, the Germany market is expected to experience a CAGR of 1.8% during 2025-2032.
Adoption of container transshipment has surged as global trade volumes continue to expand. Major ports in regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America have embraced transshipment to capitalize on their strategic geographic locations and bolster their roles as global trade hubs. Furthermore, countries with burgeoning economies, such as those in the Middle East and Africa, are increasingly adopting transshipment to position themselves as key players in international logistics.
The uses of container transshipment extend beyond mere cargo transfer, encompassing a range of strategic and operational functions. Transshipment hubs act as consolidation points, allowing shipping companies to aggregate cargo from multiple origins before redistributing it to final destinations. This consolidation reduces the number of direct voyages required, lowering fuel consumption and operational costs. Furthermore, transshipment enables the use of ultra-large container vessels, which offer economies of scale by carrying thousands of containers on major trade routes.
Germany stands as a cornerstone of the European market, leveraging its strategic geographic position and robust port infrastructure to facilitate significant trade volumes. Ports like Hamburg and Bremerhaven are among Europe’s busiest, serving as critical hubs for transshipment due to their proximity to major shipping routes and well-developed hinterland connections. Hamburg, in particular, is a vital gateway for Central and Eastern Europe, handling millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually. The country’s advanced logistics networks, including extensive rail and road systems, enhance its role in connecting maritime trade with inland markets. Germany’s economic strength, driven by industries like automotive and manufacturing, further fuels demand for efficient container handling.
The United Kingdom’s market is a vital component of its maritime economy, with ports like Felixstowe and Southampton serving as major hubs for international trade. The UK’s island geography makes its ports critical entry points for goods, particularly from Asia and North America. Felixstowe, one of Europe’s largest container ports, handles significant transshipment volumes, supported by its deep-water capabilities and proximity to major shipping lanes. The UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit) has reshaped trade dynamics, increasing the importance of efficient transshipment to manage new customs and trade regulations.
France’s market plays a pivotal role in European trade, with ports like Le Havre and Marseille-Fos serving as key gateways for goods entering Southern and Western Europe. Le Havre, located on the English Channel, is a major hub due to its proximity to major shipping routes and connectivity to France’s industrial heartland. Marseille-Fos, positioned on the Mediterranean, benefits from its role in Asia-Europe trade routes. France’s advanced logistics infrastructure, including rail and road networks, supports efficient cargo distribution, making it a critical transshipment node. Hence, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France anchor Europe’s container transshipment landscape, each leveraging strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and trade integration to ensure seamless movement of goods across global and regional supply chains.
The Spain market dominated the Europe Container Transshipment Market by country in 2024, and is expected to continue to be a dominant market till 2032; thereby, achieving a market value of $1.16 billion by 2032. The UK market is exhibiting a CAGR of 1.2% during 2025-2032. Additionally, the Germany market is expected to experience a CAGR of 1.8% during 2025-2032.
Adoption of container transshipment has surged as global trade volumes continue to expand. Major ports in regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America have embraced transshipment to capitalize on their strategic geographic locations and bolster their roles as global trade hubs. Furthermore, countries with burgeoning economies, such as those in the Middle East and Africa, are increasingly adopting transshipment to position themselves as key players in international logistics.
The uses of container transshipment extend beyond mere cargo transfer, encompassing a range of strategic and operational functions. Transshipment hubs act as consolidation points, allowing shipping companies to aggregate cargo from multiple origins before redistributing it to final destinations. This consolidation reduces the number of direct voyages required, lowering fuel consumption and operational costs. Furthermore, transshipment enables the use of ultra-large container vessels, which offer economies of scale by carrying thousands of containers on major trade routes.
Germany stands as a cornerstone of the European market, leveraging its strategic geographic position and robust port infrastructure to facilitate significant trade volumes. Ports like Hamburg and Bremerhaven are among Europe’s busiest, serving as critical hubs for transshipment due to their proximity to major shipping routes and well-developed hinterland connections. Hamburg, in particular, is a vital gateway for Central and Eastern Europe, handling millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually. The country’s advanced logistics networks, including extensive rail and road systems, enhance its role in connecting maritime trade with inland markets. Germany’s economic strength, driven by industries like automotive and manufacturing, further fuels demand for efficient container handling.
The United Kingdom’s market is a vital component of its maritime economy, with ports like Felixstowe and Southampton serving as major hubs for international trade. The UK’s island geography makes its ports critical entry points for goods, particularly from Asia and North America. Felixstowe, one of Europe’s largest container ports, handles significant transshipment volumes, supported by its deep-water capabilities and proximity to major shipping lanes. The UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit) has reshaped trade dynamics, increasing the importance of efficient transshipment to manage new customs and trade regulations.
France’s market plays a pivotal role in European trade, with ports like Le Havre and Marseille-Fos serving as key gateways for goods entering Southern and Western Europe. Le Havre, located on the English Channel, is a major hub due to its proximity to major shipping routes and connectivity to France’s industrial heartland. Marseille-Fos, positioned on the Mediterranean, benefits from its role in Asia-Europe trade routes. France’s advanced logistics infrastructure, including rail and road networks, supports efficient cargo distribution, making it a critical transshipment node. Hence, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France anchor Europe’s container transshipment landscape, each leveraging strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and trade integration to ensure seamless movement of goods across global and regional supply chains.
List of Key Companies Profiled
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.
- A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S
- CMA CGM Group
- Cosco Shipping Lines Co. Ltd.
- Hapag-Lloyd AG
- Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd. (Evergreen Group)
- Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd.
- HMM Co., Ltd.
- YANG MING Group
- ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (KENON HOLDINGS LTD.)
Market Report Segmentation
By Container Size
- 40-foot (FEU)
- 20-foot (TEU)
- Other Container Size
By Data Source
- Sea-based Transshipment
- Land-based Transshipment
- Air-based Transshipment
By Service Type
- Container Handling Services
- Logistics & Forwarding Services
- Warehousing & Storage
- Customs Clearance & Documentation
By Container Type
- Standard Containers
- High Cube Containers
- Refrigerated Containers
- Open Top Containers
- Flat Rack Containers
By End User Industry
- Retail & E-commerce
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
- Agriculture & Food
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other End User Industry
By Country
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology
Chapter 2. Market at a Glance
Chapter 3. Market Overview
Chapter 4. Competition Analysis - Global
Chapter 5. Value Chain Analysis of Container Transshipment Market
Chapter 6. Key Costumer Criteria - Container Transshipment Market
Chapter 7. Europe Container Transshipment Market by Container Size
Chapter 8. Europe Container Transshipment Market by Data Source
Chapter 9. Europe Container Transshipment Market by Service Type
Chapter 10. Europe Container Transshipment Market by Container Type
Chapter 11. Europe Container Transshipment Market by End User Industry
Chapter 12. Europe Container Transshipment Market by Country
Chapter 13. Company Profiles
Companies Mentioned
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.
- A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S
- CMA CGM Group
- Cosco Shipping Lines Co. Ltd.
- Hapag-Lloyd AG
- Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd. (Evergreen Group)
- Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd.
- HMM Co., Ltd.
- YANG MING Group
- ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (KENON HOLDINGS LTD.)
