📌 Key Takeaways:
✅ 30–40% increase in port capacity
✅ 10–15% reduction in container shipping costs
✅ Total investment: €250 million
✅ 1,500+ new jobs created
✅ Faster cargo delivery across Europe
🚢 Strategic Importance of Koper Port
Koper is Slovenia’s largest port and a vital logistics hub in Europe. Thanks to its geographical location, it offers:
- Quick access to Central and Eastern Europe
- Lower logistics costs compared to Hamburg or Rotterdam
- Faster trade routes for goods from Asia
In 2023, Koper handled 24 million tons of cargo and 1 million TEU (containers). After the expansion, these numbers are expected to increase by 30–40%.
📈 Key Expansion Projects
🔹 Container terminal extension (+100 meters)
🔹 Seabed deepening to 15 meters for larger vessels
🔹 New berths to increase ship capacity
🔹 Modernized railway network for faster inland transport
The project is supported by the EU, which has allocated €120 million from the €250 million investment.
💰 Economic Impact & Price Reductions
1️⃣ Lower logistics costs
- Container shipping Asia–Europe: €2,500 → €2,200
- 2–3 days faster delivery to Austria, Hungary, Czechia
2️⃣ Lower product prices
- 🚗 Cheaper cars, electronics, and clothing
- 🍌 Banana prices dropping from €1,000 to €950 per ton
3️⃣ Boost to regional economy
- 1,500+ new jobs
- €500 million/year added to Slovenia’s GDP
⚖ Competition with Other Ports
🔹 Trieste (Italy) – Less competitive due to longer inland routes
🔹 Rijeka (Croatia) – Developing but still smaller in container volume
🔹 Piraeus (Greece) – Key hub but less convenient for Central Europe
🚢 Koper has the advantage with modern infrastructure and shorter transit times.
📝 Conclusion
✅ Koper is becoming a leading Adriatic port
✅ Faster and cheaper cargo transportation
✅ €250 million investment will boost jobs and trade
