The Port of Koper handled 656,150 TEUs in the first half of 2026, representing a 5% increase compared with the same period last year.
Luka Koper also reported higher revenue and profit, while total maritime cargo throughput remained stable despite uncertainty across global trade and shipping markets.
Total maritime throughput reached 11.5 million tonnes, up 1% year on year and in line with the company’s plans.
Container throughput was one of the strongest areas of the port’s performance during the first six months of the year.
Luka Koper attributed the 5% increase partly to investments in manufacturing facilities across its hinterland markets. In particular, automotive and logistics-related investments have generated additional cargo flows.
The port also added another regular container service connecting Koper with the Far East.
This increased the number of regular Far East container services from three to four, strengthening Koper’s connections with Asian markets.
The results came as European ports continued to face changes in cargo flows linked to geopolitical developments and shipping conditions around the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
Vehicle throughput moved in the opposite direction.
The port handled 409,538 vehicles, down 9% compared with the first half of 2025.
According to Luka Koper, exports to Turkey, Israel and the wider Middle East remained lower. The company linked the decline to additional duties, growing competition from Chinese manufacturers and geopolitical conditions.
However, imports of vehicles from China continued to increase.
Elsewhere, dry bulk throughput rose 1%, while liquid cargo increased 6%.
General cargo declined 9% to approximately 0.5 million tonnes, mainly because of lower volumes of timber and iron and steel products.
The Luka Koper Group recorded €206.1 million in net sales revenue during the first half, an increase of 10% year on year.
Higher container throughput and storage-related revenue supported the increase.
Operating profit (EBIT) reached €57.1 million, up 8% compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
Meanwhile, net profit increased 11%, or €4.6 million, to €48.1 million.
The Group also reported EBITDA of €73.3 million, 7% higher year on year.
“We are actively adapting to changing conditions in the logistics sector and seeking to make the most of every business opportunity,” said Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of Luka Koper.
She added that the port plans to increase its operational flexibility through investments in new storage and cargo-handling capacity.
Luka Koper invested €91.6 million during the first six months of 2026, representing a 70% increase compared with the same period last year.
Major projects include the extension of the northern section of Pier I and the construction of a multi-storey car storage facility.
Work is also progressing on the relocation of storage blocks at the Container Terminal.
Meanwhile, construction of a multi-purpose steel coil warehouse and Berth 12 on Pier II is expected to be completed during 2026.
The investment programme forms part of Luka Koper’s wider strategy to expand capacity and strengthen the Port of Koper’s position as a gateway serving Central and Eastern European markets.
