HaminaKotka Cargo Volumes Decline 11.5% in First Five Months of 2026

Key Takeaways

• Total cargo fell 11.5% to 5.29 million tonnes Jan‑May 2026.
• Export dry bulk down 22.1%; paper exports down 10.8%.
• Imports of liquid bulk rose 9.3% despite overall import decline.
• Vessel calls dropped 18% to 773 ships; TEUs down 4.7%.

Pulse Analysis

The HaminaKotka terminal’s 11.5% cargo contraction underscores a broader slowdown in Finland’s export‑driven sectors, particularly forestry and paper manufacturing. With export dry bulk volumes plunging by more than a fifth and paper shipments slipping close to 11%, the port’s performance mirrors reduced global demand for raw materials and finished paper products. Analysts attribute this trend to tighter credit conditions in Europe, lingering supply‑chain disruptions, and a pivot toward digital media that dampens paper consumption.

Conversely, the modest rebound in liquid bulk imports—up 9.3%—suggests a reallocation of freight capacity toward energy commodities such as refined oil and chemicals. This shift aligns with regional refiners increasing throughput to meet rising domestic consumption and to offset declining traditional bulk shipments. The 13.1% rise in dry bulk imports, despite overall import weakness, points to targeted demand for construction aggregates and mineral inputs, likely tied to infrastructure projects funded by the EU’s recovery plan.

Operationally, the port saw vessel calls fall 18% and container throughput dip 4.7%, reflecting both the cargo volume dip and a strategic trimming of sailing schedules by carriers seeking to optimize vessel utilization. However, coastal traffic surged over 200%, indicating a growing emphasis on short‑haul, feeder services that keep regional supply chains fluid. Stakeholders—shipping lines, terminal operators, and local governments—must weigh these mixed signals when planning capacity investments and service contracts for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.