Gdańsk cargo up 10% as Baltic Dry Index slips from three-day run

· Shipping · Poland · China

The Port of Gdańsk handled 65.2 million tonnes of cargo between January and September 2026, up from 59.1 million tonnes a year earlier, an increase of more than 10%. General cargo, and containerised cargo in particular, accounted for the largest share of the growth, with general cargo totalling 23.5 million tonnes. The figures come as freight indicators send mixed signals: the Baltic Exchange dry bulk index snapped a three-day winning streak on Monday, falling 2.4% to 2,648 points, its lowest since October 27, with declines across all vessel segments including capesizes. The Ningbo Containerized Freight Index quoted 2,491.3 points for the week ending October 30. Meanwhile, Cosco Shipping Holdings reported an 81% rise in third-quarter profit as congestion and long reroutes tied up ships and lifted rates, while its terminal arm Cosco Shipping Ports posted flat results.

Why it matters：Mixed signals from a growing European port and softening dry bulk rates show how congestion-driven earnings can diverge from underlying cargo demand.

Key points

  • Gdańsk handled 65.2 million tonnes in January-September 2026 versus 59.1 million tonnes a year earlier.
  • The Baltic Dry Index fell 2.4% to 2,648 points, with all vessel segments declining.
  • Cosco Shipping Holdings' third-quarter profit rose 81% while Cosco Shipping Ports was flat.

Sources (original reporting)

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