Automotive Logistics — 2026-04-22
Maritime and Ports
The Slovenian port of Koper saw an increase in vehicle throughput of more than 3% at its vehicle terminal in 2025, driven by an increase in Chinese imports and higher export volumes to Mediterranean countries.
Imports of Chinese vehicles from companies, including SAIC Motor, BYD, Chery, Geely and Dongfeng, accounted for more than 11% of the overall import volume through Koper in 2025, equal to 44,000 units. Overall imports through the port were up 11.5% last year compared to 2024. The Chinese imports, destined for markets in central and eastern Europe, were a mix of battery EV, hybrid and combustion-engine vehicles.
In August last year the BYD-owned pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Shenzhen made its first delivery to the port of Koper and operating company Luka Koper reports that BYD PCTCs are now calling approximately once a month. BYD Shenzhen has capacity for 9,200 CEUs and is powered by LNG in combination with battery-hybrid propulsion. The carmaker currently has eight PCTCs in operation carrying its vehicles around the world.
Cosco Shipping Lines’ Yuan Hai Kou LNG-powered RoRo vessel also called at the port last year and delivered 658 cars, one minibus and two pieces of heavy machinery. Luka Koper said it is in contact with business partners to explore suitable solutions for LNG refuelling services in the North Adriatic area. Those plans are still at a very early stage but Luka Koper is actively advancing its onshore power supply (or cold ironing) project, which is planned to come online in 2029.
Clean momentum
Further to those sustainable goals, Luka Koper invested €50.5m ($59.3m) in environmental initiatives across its port operations in 2025. That included the electrification of handling equipment, the introduction of energy‑efficient technologies, and the increase in the share of renewable energy sources, according to the port operator.
“The total installed capacity of solar power plants in the port reached 5.8 MW [last year], while in 2026 we plan to increase the output to 9 MW,” said Luka Koper’s spokesperson. “Among others, a smaller powerplant was installed on the new pre-delivery inspection workshop (900 sq. m), which was opened in June 2025.”
In October last year Luka Koper also celebrated a decade of sustainable cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and vessel operator MOL. Using Koper for exports to the markets in the Far East, rather than vehicle ports in northern Europe, has saved as much as 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, according to MOL Europe.
Space to park
Investment in infrastructure to increase capacity for vehicle handling at Koper continued in 2025. Luka Koper is working on a multi-storey storage facility with capacity for an additional 11,700 CEUs, which is expected to be operational in 2028.
Also under construction is a 200-metre berth with a dedicated RoRo ramp, due for completion at the end of this year.
“In 2027 we plan to open a new open-storage area on the eastern part of the port (Area 7A), with a capacity of 3,000 units,” added Luka Koper’s spokesperson. “In the vicinity additional rail sidings (2 x 700 metres) are planned and should be ready in 2027 as well.”
Luka Koper is also working on a new RoRo berth in Basin 3, which is planned to open in 2028.