Port Gdańsk Strengthens Global Position with Direct Transatlantic Container Service

Port Gdańsk has taken a decisive step in strengthening its role as a major logistics hub in Europe. In August 2025, the port was officially added to the transatlantic rotation of container services operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping line. This development marks the first regular, direct maritime connection between Poland and the United States, positioning Gdańsk as a gateway not only for Polish exporters but for the entire Central and Eastern European region.

A Direct Link to the United States

Since August 14, the MSC BERANGERE has been making weekly calls at Port Gdańsk as part of MSC’s Albatros service. From Gdańsk, vessels continue on to Bremerhaven, New York, and Charleston. Transit time is approximately 13 days to New York and 17 days to Charleston, offering a predictable and competitive schedule for companies shipping goods across the Atlantic.

By avoiding transshipment through other European ports, Polish exporters gain both speed and efficiency. This translates to reduced transportation costs and enhanced reliability when serving U.S. markets. High-value sectors such as automotive components, aerospace technology, pharmaceuticals, furnishings, food products, and luxury goods stand to benefit in particular from the direct service.

Baltic Hub: The Driving Force

At the center of this achievement is Baltic Hub, the largest container terminal complex on the Baltic Sea. Handling more than 2 million TEU annually, the terminal integrates maritime, rail, and road networks, giving it an outsized role in regional logistics. Its reach extends beyond Poland, serving markets in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Lithuania.

Dominik Landa, Director of Strategy and Development at the Port of Gdańsk Authority, emphasized that the new transatlantic route represents “the first direct and fastest connection with the U.S.” He added that the service “will lower costs and increase the competitive edge of Polish exporters,” underscoring the strategic importance of this milestone.

Competing with Established Gateways

The inclusion of Gdańsk in MSC’s Albatros rotation allows the port to compete directly with established Western European hubs. For decades, container traffic from Central and Eastern Europe relied heavily on German ports. By offering its own direct transatlantic connection, Gdańsk reduces that dependency and provides regional companies with a more efficient gateway to global trade routes.

Infrastructure Expansion and Sustainability

The launch of the direct U.S. service coincides with a broader program of investment and modernization at Baltic Hub. Earlier in 2025, the new T3 terminal was inaugurated—a 36-hectare expansion designed to handle the world’s largest container ships. With T3, Baltic Hub’s capacity has risen from approximately 3 million TEU to 4.5 million TEU annually.

Equally significant is the focus on sustainable operations. The new terminal is powered by electricity sourced from renewables, and the port has set ambitious climate goals: a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. This dual commitment to capacity and sustainability enhances Gdańsk’s standing among global logistics players.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

While the new transatlantic service has attracted significant attention, Gdańsk is also reinforcing its European links. In summer 2025, CMA CGM launched the Scandinavia West Coast Express (SWX), a weekly service connecting Gothenburg, Aarhus, Klaipėda, and Gdańsk. With a four-day transit time to Gothenburg and weekly Sunday arrivals in Poland, the service complements the port’s growing network of direct shipping options across Europe.

Cargo Growth in 2025

These new services have already made an impact on cargo volumes. In the first half of 2025, Port Gdańsk handled more than 38.3 million tonnes of cargo, an increase compared to the same period in 2024. Containerized general cargo rose by 14 percent, supported in part by the introduction of MSC’s transatlantic rotation and other new connections. With T3 in full operation, the port is well positioned to accommodate even greater volumes in the years ahead.

A Strategic Milestone

The integration of Gdańsk into MSC’s transatlantic rotation is more than an operational achievement. It represents a strategic milestone for Poland’s role in global trade. By linking directly to U.S. ports, Gdańsk enhances export opportunities, reduces reliance on external gateways, and elevates its profile as a logistics hub of international significance.

With ongoing investments in capacity and sustainability, Port Gdańsk is shaping its future as a critical bridge between Europe and North America. For exporters across Poland and Central Europe, the new connection is more than a route—it is a new level of access to the global marketplace.

Fill out the form below for a free shipping container quote from USA Containers: