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Geopolitics & Supply Chains: Lessons from a Year of Crisis in the Red Sea

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025Geopolitics & Supply Chains: Lessons from a Year of Crisis in the Red SeaSince the November 2023 hijacking of British tankerGalaxy Leader, the Houthis have carried out more than 130 attacks in the Red Sea, according to the nonprofit, Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED).While there is wide agreement on the need for cooperation among countries and multilateral institutions to minimize disruptions to global trade, the Houthis’ determination has thus far inhibited any material progress. Ultimately, no one knows how long it will take for disruptions to end, or how long a return to ‘normal’ could take. This latest global supply chain crisis is yet another reminder of the risks shippers must contend with as they move goods around the world. What’s Being Done Despite the efforts of various groups, governments and multilateral institutions have thus far failed to create the conditions necessary to ensure safe passage of vessels through the Red Sea and into the Suez Canal. A wide range of international and regional stakeholders are working to resolve the dispute, including the UN Security Council, which in January passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Shipping Council, along with a number of regional bodies (ICS, BIMCO, GCC, EU, CMF), have jointly condemned the attacks and advocated for cooperation and enhanced maritime security operations. Critically, there are limited operational mechanisms or forums for multilateral cooperation in the region.Operation Prosperity Guardian, a United States-led international coalition force comprising more than 20 nations, was launched in December 2023 with the goal of ensuring the safe passage of commercial ships through the Bab al-Mandab corridor. While the coalition has successfully thwarted numerous attacks through maritime security operations, the Houthis have not yielded. The Next Red Sea: Where Else Could Geopolitical Crisis Erupt?The Red Sea crisis has shown the impact geopolitical conflict can have on global trade. Other strategically important waterways where similar conflicts could cause havoc for shippers include: The South China SeaThe strategic importance of the South China Sea is made clear by the fact that almost 60% of global trade passes through it. However, the continued openness and accessibility of the region is constantly under threat due to territorial disputes between China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. While China has a vested interest in ensuring the continued navigability of the region given its prominent role in global shipping, tensions have risen in recent months between the Philippines and China. Should military conflict boil over in this region, global trade will almost certainly feel the impact.The Strait of MalaccaThe Strait of Malacca connects the South China Sea with the Indian Ocean, and is a critical chokepoint on trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Critically, the Strait facilitates the import of nearly 80% of China’s oil, and thus the accessibility of the waterway is essential to Chinese security interests. International security observers have speculated that military conflict in the region could lead to the United States and its allies blockading access, which would also have material impacts on global trade. Alternative routes such as the Sunda Strait are, however, available and the incremental distance is far less than the current Suez Canal diversions we are seeing around the Cape of Good Hope.The Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade and sees approximately 90 ships per day. The prolonged closure of this strategically important passage would likely cause an energy crisis. However, the Gulf nations that are reliant on oil revenues have a strong vested interest in ensuring ships carrying their oil to the rest of the world can pass through it safely. But a history of conflict in the region means this risk should not be too heavily discounted. Lessons in Supply Chain Risk ManagementWhen you operate a global supply chain, geopolitical risk can’t be completely avoided. But its impact on your business can be managed. Control the ControllablesGeopolitical conflict sits far outside the sphere of influence of supply chain and logistics operators.While geopolitical risk can't be completely avoided, the best way to protect your supply chain against it is to reduce reliance on trade routes that pass through vulnerable passages by diversifying supplier and transportation networks. By doing this, you can reduce your dependency on single chokepoints that can grind your supply chain to a halt. Nearshoring is the most common example of this type of risk control in practice, and the Red Sea crisis is likely to accelerate the shift away from globalization that was already underway.Safety stock levels can also be increased to protect against disrupted supply networks, although the cost associated with carrying excess inventory means this is more of a stop-gap than a long term solution.Invest in Supply Chain VisibilityIn times of crisis, knowledge is power. Real-time supply chain visibility delivers on-demand situational awareness and serves as a form of insurance by enabling immediate insight into risk exposure.With less time spent identifying problems, supply chain and logistics teams can shift focus to the implementation of response plans, minimizing disruptions and maintaining operational stability. A good visibility solution will also ensure that the other actors in your supply chain have real-time access to the same information that you do, making it easier to coordinate responses across stakeholders.Make Contingency Planning a PriorityWhere de-risking your supply chain network isn’t possible, contingency planning is your next best alternative.Engaging in scenario planning exercises and building crisis playbooks allows you to proactively identify potential risks and debate the best approaches before you find yourself in the depths of a crisis scenario. 

Rising Shipping Rates Having Little Impact on Global Port Congestion

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025Rising Shipping Rates Having Little Impact on Global Port CongestionRecent rises in ocean freight rates in response to increased shipping demand have thus far had little impact on global port congestion.Shipping rates continue to rise globally, causing concern for port congestion (as measured by a combination of vessel anchor and dwell times) in the world’s largest ports. However, aside from the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, the world’s largest container port, the knock-on effects of surging demand for ocean freight have not yet been uniformly experienced across ports in Asia, North America, and Northern Europe. The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan has seen a dramatic increase in congestion between April and May 2024, escalating from 4.6 to 8.7 days, while other major ports show varying levels of impact. A detailed analysis of 40 ports across Asia revealed that 22 reported increases in congestion in May compared to April. The average increase for these ports was 6.4 hours. In North America, out of 9 analyzed ports, only 3 (Charleston, Oakland, and Houston) showed month-on-month increases between April and May. In Northern Europe, 5 of 11 analyzed ports reported MoM increases, with Hamburg experiencing the largest rise at just over 10 hours.Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan saw port congestion nearly double between April and May 2024, escalating from 4.6 to 8.7 days. This sharp increase continues a trend of worsening congestion at the port this year. As a critical node in global supply chains, the increased congestion at Ningbo-Zhoushan underscores the port's perpetual struggle with high traffic volumes.AsiaAn analysis of 40 ports across Asia revealed that 22 reported increases in congestion in May compared to April. The average increase for these ports was 0.3 days or 6.4 hours. Excluding Ningbo-Zhoushan from the analysis, the average increase drops to below 2 hours, indicating relatively stable conditions across most Asian ports. On a quarterly basis, only 13 out of the 40 analyzed ports reported increased congestion.North AmericaIn North America, out of 9 analyzed ports, only 3 (Charleston, Oakland, and Houston) showed MoM increases between April and May. Quarterly comparisons indicate that only Charleston and Norfolk experienced congestion increases in Q2 compared to Q1, with Norfolk's rise likely linked to diverted traffic from the nearby Baltimore bridge incident.Northern EuropeNorthern European ports have seen a more pronounced increase in congestion. Out of 11 analyzed ports, 5 reported MoM and QoQ increases. Hamburg experienced the largest rise, with congestion increasing by 0.4 days or just over 10 hours between April and May. Southampton (UK) showed a significant upward trend, with congestion up by 25% from the previous quarter, averaging 1.4 days this quarter.‍

The Busiest Container Ports in the United States

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025The Busiest Container Ports in the United StatesAs the world's largest economy, it's no surprise that the United States plays a significant role in global trade, with its container ports serving as vital gateways for goods entering and leaving the country. While no American facility ranks in the top 10 container ports globally, the country is home to nine of the world's 100 busiest ports that collectively handled over 50 million TEUs in 2023. These ports support a complex supply chain network that connects the U.S. to markets around the world. Busiest Container Ports in the US by Annual TEU ThroughputBased on theLloyd's List 2023 One Hundred Ports Analysis, the following are the busiest container ports in the United States by annual TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) throughput.1. Los AngelesThe Port of Los Angeles leads as the busiest container port in the United States, handling 9,911,155 TEU in 2023. Located on the West Coast, it is a crucial hub for trans-Pacific trade, particularly with Asia. Its strategic location, coupled with investments in infrastructure and technology, enables it to manage high volumes efficiently.2. New York/New JerseyThe Port of New York and New Jersey ranks second, with an annual throughput of 9,493,664 TEU. As the largest port complex on the East Coast, it serves as a key entry point for goods into the northeastern U.S. and supports extensive trade with Europe, Asia, and other regions.3. Long BeachSituated adjacent to Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach handled 9,133,658 TEU in 2023, making it the third-busiest container port in the country. It forms part of the San Pedro Bay port complex, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Long Beach's modern facilities and deep-water berths are designed to accommodate the world's largest container ships.4. SavannahThe Port of Savannah, with a throughput of 5,892,131 TEU, is the fourth-busiest U.S. port. As the fastest-growing port in the nation, Savannah benefits from its strategic location near major rail lines and highways, facilitating easy access to the southeastern and midwestern markets.‍‍5. HoustonThe Port of Houston ranks fifth, processing 3,974,901 TEU in 2023. As a major hub for the U.S. energy sector, Houston handles a large volume of containerized cargo, particularly petrochemical products. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a key gateway for trade with Latin America and beyond.6. Norfolk (Virginia)Norfolk, with an annual volume of 3,704,723 TEU, is the sixth-busiest port in the U.S. Its deep harbor, capable of accommodating the largest container ships, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it a crucial entry point for goods entering the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.7. Seattle/TacomaThe Northwest Seaport Alliance, comprising the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, handled 3,384,018 TEU, ranking seventh. This port complex plays a critical role in trade with Asia, particularly China, South Korea, and Japan, due to its strategic location on the U.S. West Coast.8. CharlestonThe Port of Charleston processed 2,792,313 TEU in 2023, placing it eighth on the list. With its rapidly expanding facilities and deepened harbor, Charleston is emerging as a key player in containerized trade on the East Coast.9. OaklandThe Port of Oakland, with an annual throughput of 2,337,607 TEU, is the ninth-busiest U.S. port. Located in California, it serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports from the western U.S. and handles significant volumes of imports from Asia.The Fastest Growing Container Ports in AmericaThe Ports of Savannah and Charleston are among the fastest-growing container ports, having positioned themselves as key logistics hubs that offer easy access to major markets in the Southeast and Midwest.The Port of Charleston is  expanding its capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes. With a recently completed harbor deepening project that enables the port to receive post-Panamax ships and a planned terminal expansion, Charleston is well positioned to continue its growth.‍

Container Port Congestion Statistics: June 2024

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025Container Port Congestion Statistics: June 202453 of 89 analyzed container ports (60%) reported increased port congestion between May and June. This is a clear sign of the pressure being felt by global supply chains amidst the Red Sea crisis and surging demand for container shipping in what is being characterized by many in the industry as a “junior-COVID” environment.Note: Port congestion is calculated as the sum of average vessel anchor and berth times during the specified time period. Download your free copy of ourcontainer port congestion reportfor all the data. Most Congested Ports in June 2024  Port  Country  Average combined anchor and berth time  Durban  South Africa 9.8 days  Ningbo-Zhoushan   China 6.5 days  Charleston  United States  5.0 days  Chittagong  Bangladesh  4.1 days  Los Angeles  United States 3.7 days‍Durban continues to suffer from extreme congestion as a result of operational issues and equipment shortages. Despite reducing port congestion by over two days, Ningbo-Zhoushan remains the second most congested in our index – a position it is likely to remain in as the world’s busiest container port continues to cope with increased demand. Charleston continues its climb up our index of the most congested ports, jumping to third position after being ranked sixth in May and 40th in April. The agreed reopening of the Leatherman terminal following a protracted labour dispute is expected to help reduce wait times for vessels at the port. Chittagong and Los Angeles follow with Long Beach ranking sixth as the only other port in our index with congestion in excess of three days. Manila, Vancouver, Jebel Ali and Houston round out the top ten congested ports in June. Ports Facing Worsening Congestion in June 2024 Port Country May June Change (days) Change (hours) Change % Durban South Africa 6.92 9.80 2.88 69.20 41.67% Charleston United States 3.34 5.01 1.67 40.12 50.07% Port Kelang Malaysia 1.23 2.11 0.87 20.97 70.80% Khalifa United Arab Emirates 1.61 2.12 0.51 12.35 31.99% Chittagong Bangladesh 3.64 4.07 0.44 10.46 11.98%‍Durban’s struggles have manifested once again with port congestion reaching a new high for 2024 of nearly 10 days, having previously been as high as 8.5 days in January. Worsening congestion in Charleston, Port Kelang and Chittagong may be indicators of increasing congestion associated with surging demand and vessel bunching associated with the Red Sea crisis.Ports Experiencing Reduced Congestion in June 2024 Port Country May June Change (days) Change (hours) Change % Ningbo-Zhoushan China 8.72 6.52 -2.20 -52.82 -25.23% Jebel Ali UAE 3.83 2.69 -1.14 -27.36 -29.76% Vancouver Canada 3.65 2.75 -0.89 -21.47 -24.53% Lomé Togo 2.89 2.02 -0.87 -20.90 -30.14% Southampton United Kingdom 1.44 1.10 -0.34 -8.23 -23.78%‍Ningbo-Zhoushan remains severely congested despite significant improvements and after ranking third in our index in May. Jebel Ali (UAE) drops to ninth most congested port in our June index.The Port of Vancouver also saw its best month of the year, recording average congestion of 2.75 days, down from a peak of 6.27 in February. Lomé (Togo) seems to be recovering from worsening port congestion earlier in the year that was likely linked to its growing role as a transshipment port for MSC amidst the Red Sea crisis.‍‍Asian Port CongestionAcross 16 surveyed ports in China, port congestion averaged 1.11 days in June. While Ningbo-Zhoushan remains atop the list of congested ports in Asia, only two other Chinese ports (Rizhao and Jinzhou) in our index experienced average port congestion in excess of 24 hours last month. Of the eight Chinese ports reporting month-over-month increases in congestion, the largest increase was less than four hours. In SE Asia and the Indian subcontinent, however, 71% (10 of 14) of analyzed ports reported worsening month-over-month port congestion in June. However, only three ports reported congestion increases of more than five hours: Port Kelang (+21 hours), Chittagong (+10 hours) and Tanjung Priok (+5 hours). In another sign of the pressure being felt by global supply chains, June port congestion in Manila averaged 2.95 days, up nearly 70% from January.Congestion levels in Japan and South Korea remain low and largely unchanged.North American Port CongestionCharleston saw port congestion surge above five days in June. On the North American west coast, Los Angeles (+9 hours), Long Beach (+8 hours) and Seattle (+5 hours) also saw port congestion worsen in June. The Port of Vancouver showed the most improvement in the region as it saw average congestion drop below three days for the first time since October 2023. European Port CongestionAt European ports, 10 of 18 analyzed ports reported increased congestion in June. Antwerp (+10 hours) and Le Havre (+9 hours) both saw combined vessel anchor and berth time increase by more than 25% month-over-month. Mitigating the Impact of Congestion on Your Supply ChainPort congestion can't be entirely avoided, but there are some steps that can be taken to mitigate and minimize its impact on your supply chain.Leverage data from visibility platforms to identify problem ports, then seek out alternatives within the same country or region that can be used to reroute your goods. For example, if the data shows that Charleston and Savannah on the US East Coast are congested or expected to be congested in the near future, try using New York or Baltimore.Check for ports in neighboring countries or regions that may have trucking or rail links that allow you to bypass congested ports. For example, cargo from Middelburg in South Africa can be shipped out of Maputo in Mozambique quicker than railing it to Durban.Monitor global and local congestion levels to understand the trend and where possible, adjust production schedules to protect against congestion related delays.With global congestion becoming a more persistent issue, consider using alternative local suppliers who may be closer to your manufacturing/distribution centers for smaller orders. Even if the costs are higher, when considering the delays and uncertainty of receiving the orders in time, you could benefit.Consider rail and road routes as an alternative to ocean container shipping where possible.‍‍

Five Largest Cargo Ports in South Korea

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025Five Largest Cargo Ports in South KoreaSouth Korea’s ports are critical to its export-driven economy, known globally for its shipbuilding, electronics, and automotive industries.The following are the most important ports in South Korea:1. Port of Busan (KRPUS)‍The Port of Busan is South Korea’s largest and the seventh-busiest container port in the world, serving as a major transshipment hub for goods headed to Europe and the Americas.Location:Situated in the southeastern part of South Korea, Busan is located on the Korea Strait, making it a strategic gateway for international trade.Key Commodities:Electronics, automotive parts, steel products.Annual Container Throughput:22.1 million TEU (401.3 millions tonnes) in 2022 (Busan Port Authority)‍Non-Containerized Cargo Volume:23.8 million tonnes in 2022 (Busan Port Authority)2. Port of Incheon (KRINC)‍The Port of Incheon is critical for importing raw materials and exporting finished products from South Korea's manufacturing sector, especially due to its proximity to Seoul.Location:Located on the northwest coast of South Korea, near Seoul, Incheon sits at the mouth of the Han River and faces the Yellow Sea.Key Commodities:Electronics, machinery, chemicals.Annual Container Throughput:3.1 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)Dry Bulk Cargo Volume:54 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)Liquid Bulk Cargo Volume:51 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)‍‍3. Port of Gwangyang (KRKAN)‍The Port of Gwangyang is heavily involved in the petrochemical and steel industries, making it a major industrial shipping hub for the region. Gwangyang ranks as the leader in both dry and liquid bulk shipments among South Korean ports.Location:Positioned in the southern coastal region of South Korea, Gwangyang lies near the city of Yeosu and is located on the South Sea.Key Commodities:Steel, petrochemicals, coal.Dry Bulk Cargo Volume:126 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)Liquid Bulk Cargo Volume:132 million tonnes in 2021 (Research Gate)Annual Container Throughput:1.9 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)4. Port of Ulsan (KRUSN)Known as South Korea’s oil capital, the Port of Ulsan handles significant volumes of oil and petrochemical products, essential to the country’s energy needs.Location:Located on the southeast coast of South Korea, Ulsan is situated on the eastern shore of the Korea Strait, adjacent to the city known for its industrial output.Key Commodities:Petroleum, chemicals, automobiles.Dry Bulk Cargo Volume:185 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)Liquid Bulk Cargo Volume: 127 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)Annual Container Throughput:404,445 TEU in 2023 (Ulsan Port Authority)5. Port of Pohang (KRKPO)‍The Port of Pohang is closely tied to South Korea’s steel industry, particularly as the home of POSCO, one of the world’s largest steel producers.Location:Located on the eastern coast of South Korea, Pohang lies along the Yellow Sea and is known for its proximity to various steel manufacturing facilities.Key Commodities:Steel, raw materials, industrial equipment.Dry Bulk Cargo Volume:58 million tonnes in 2021 (ResearchGate)‍

Ocean & Air market insights – October 2021

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025Ocean & Air market insights – October 2021Ocean: as demand increases with the onset of peak season, haulier shortages and power outages in China bring schedule reliability to new lowsDelays, port congestion and elevated costs are set to remain an issue, with recent power outages in many key Chinese provinces (affecting manufacturers and ports) adding further pressure1.As peak season approaches and retailers rush to restock low inventories, severe trucking shortages and congested container yards threaten to exacerbate delays. Port omission in Northern Europe may become more frequent, as carriers run blank sailings to ease mounting backlogs, and cope with seasonal surges caused by Christmas and Golden Week (1 – 7 October)2.  Capacity:remains constricted, with schedule reliability at its worst,hitting 33.6% in August3. As a result, knock on-effects are still being felt in ports like Yantian, where average delays range between 7-10 days.Rates:after five months of continuous increases, rates have finally started to plateau at $18, 320 per FEU. This can be partially attributed to some carriers freezing spot rates, as well as a reduced risk of disruption caused by Chinese typhoons. However,rates are still 6x more expensive than they were a year ago, and are expected to remain elevated through the holiday rush into Q1 2022.1. Bloomberg, China’s Power Crisis Moves From the Factory Floor to Homes, link2. Loadstar,  ‘Plan ahead’, says Maersk, unveiling plans to skip ports as demand grows, link3. Sea Intelligence, Schedule reliability drops to all-time low, linkAir: cargo rates set to increase amidst new product launches, airport closures and seasonal rushPredictions are in that Q4 2021 could present one of the highest peaks the air freight industry has seen, with demand exceeding 2019 highs1.Capacity:new consumer items and technical product launches ahead of Christmas combined with ocean freight disruptions and airport closures in China and Vietnam, are set to push existing capacity constraints up2. But, if power cuts in Chinese factories continue for much longer, we may see decreased production help alleviate constraints.Average transit times from the Far East to Europe have increased from the usual 1-2 days, to 3-5 days.Rates:air freight rates, already at an all time high, could be driven up further due to rising demand. August recorded a 15% MoM increase in rates globally and as we head into peak season (with the launch of new Apple products coming) we expect rates to increase. At an average cost of 3x more than ocean freight,air still presents a good alternative, if possible.Rate sources: IATA,  Xeneta and ANS Baltic freight index – Predicted air and ocean freight rates for 2021 are based on historical increases during that time period and do not account for any unforeseen shocks that may occur in the next few months.tonnes.1. Loadstar, Prepare now for a very challenging air freight peak, link2.Loadstar, Asia Pacific battling peak season air cargo capacity crunch and rising rates, linkH2 2021 > plan ahead and prioritise shipments as supply chain crunch persistsPlan ahead:Book ahead where possible, to avoid missing out.  Continue to book well in advance of Cargo Ready Dates (4-6 weeks), and encourage departures from different origin ports if possible.  Book air freight, where possible:Be flexible where you can, and consider which mode of shipping is best for you right now.  Though ocean is typically less expensive, current market conditions continue making air far more competitive than it once was.Visibility platform:With a digitally connected supply chain, it’s easier to make informed decisions about prioritising goods and spreading shipments. Coordinated alerts can be useful for flagging and managing exceptions, as port congestion and haulier issues continue disrupting global trade.‍

The Five Largest Ports in Poland

Market InsightsPublished: May 19, 2025The Five Largest Ports in PolandPoland's ports, strategically situated on the Baltic Sea, are vital gateways for trade between Central Europe and global markets. They handle a variety of commodities, including bulk cargo, oil, coal, and containerized goods.Below are the largest and most significant ports in Poland:1. Port of Gdańsk (PLGDN)The Port of Gdańsk is the largest port in Poland and a rapidly growing hub on the Baltic Sea, crucial for oil imports and containerized cargo handling. Gdansk is regularly ranked among the fastest growing ports in Europe.Location: Gdańsk, situated on the northern coast of Poland, on the shores of the Baltic Sea.Annual Container Throughput: 2.1 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)Annual Cargo Volume: 81 million tonnes in 2023 (Ministry of Economic Development and Technology)Key Commodities: Crude oil, chemicals, machinery, agricultural products.2. Port of Gdynia (PLGDY)Known for its modern infrastructure, the Port of Gdynia is key to handling bulk cargo like coal and grain, with strong trade connections to Scandinavia and Western Europe.Location: Gdynia, located in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea, close to the Gulf of Gdańsk.Annual Cargo Volume: 29.4 million tonnes in 2023 (Ministry of Economic Development and Technology)‍Key Commodities: Coal, grain, steel, construction materials.3. Port of Szczecin-Świnoujście (PLSZZ/PLSWI)The port complex of Szczecin-Świnoujście is crucial for bulk cargo and raw materials, providing easy access to Central European markets like Germany and Czechia.Location: Szczecin and Świnoujście, positioned in northwestern Poland on the Oder River and the Baltic Sea coast.Annual Cargo Volume: 35.3 million tonnes in 2023 (Ministry of Economic Development and Technology)‍Key Commodities: Iron ore, fertilizers, agricultural products, fuel.‍‍4. Port of Police (PLPLC)Significant for its role in chemical and fertilizer production, the Port of Police focuses primarily on handling bulk and liquid cargo for European markets.Location: Police, situated in northwestern Poland, near Szczecin, on the Oder River and close to the Baltic Sea.Key Commodities: Chemicals, fertilizers, raw materials.5. Port of Elbląg (PLELB)Currently undergoing development to expand its cargo capacity, the Port of Elbląg focuses on bulk and general cargo, aiming to boost its role in Baltic trade.Location: Elbląg, in northern Poland, positioned on the Elbląg River, leading into the Vistula Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.Key Commodities: Construction materials, agricultural products, machinery.