In 2023, Germany’s 21 seaports handled 267.8 million metric tons of various goods. Have you ever wondered what the largest ports in Germany are? This post explores the top five ports that stand out for their sheer volume of handled cargo and their significant role in international trade.
The largest ports in Germany
The EU has 300 ports as part of the Trans European Transport Network, which includes 21 core German seaports.
Here’s an overview of the five largest seaports in Germany by handled cargo in tonnes for 2023, along with their respective websites, cargo handled, and growth rates from 2022 to 2023.
The largest port in Germany – a map

Port of Wilhelmshaven (DEWVN)

Wilhelmshaven is Germany’s deepest-water port that can handle the largest container ships. It is especially crucial when it comes to handling cargo for the chemical and oil industries. The port is located on the western coast of Jade Bay, so it is connected to the North Sea.
Website: jadeweserport.de
Handled cargo in 2023: 29.8 m tons
Growth rate 2022/2023: 7%
Port of Rostock (DERSK)

Rostock Port is located on the Unterwarnow estuary in the city of Rostock, right along the Baltic Sea. The port operations are carried out mainly between Scandinavia and central Europe.
Website: rostock-port.de
Handled cargo in 2023: 30.9 million tonnes
Growth rate 2022/2023: 6.5%
Port of Duisburg (DEDUI)

Duisburg boasts the largest inland port in the world. It is located in the Western part of Germany. Duisport is a major distribution hub that enables cargo to be unloaded from ships onto cargo trains and trucks.
Website: duisport.de
Handled cargo in 2023: 41.5 m tons
Growth rate 2022/2023: -0.95%
Port of Bremerhaven (DEBRV)

Bremerhaven is known for its extensive automotive trade; therefore, it’s one of the leading car shipping ports on the continent. The port of Bremerhaven is located near the mouth of the Weser River on the North Sea coast.
Website: bremenports.de
Handled cargo in 2023: 58.45 m tons
Growth rate 2022/2023: -8.63%
The biggest port in Germany – Port of Hamburg (DEHAM)

Hamburg is the largest port in Germany and the second biggest in Europe. It is located in northern Germany, about 110 km from the North Sea. It is also a major logistics and warehousing hub in Europe.
Website: hafen-hamburg.de
Handled cargo in 2023: 114.3 million tonnes
Growth rate 2022/2023: -4.7%
On ShipHub.co, you can find freight forwarders who will organize shipping to selected seaports in Germany.