In 2023, the Port of Lisbon experienced an 8.7% increase in cargo ship calls – totaling 2045 calls – which handled 11 million tons, and a 6% increase in cruise ship calls, setting a record of 758,328 passengers.

In terms of cargo, notable highlights include an 11% growth in general cargo, reaching 4.6 million tons, and a 13% increase in containerized cargo. The Alcântara Container Terminal, currently undergoing modernization in its second phase, contributed to this recovery with a 48% growth in handled tons. New services operating at this terminal, particularly those to South America, played a decisive role in increasing the available options for companies exporting from Lisbon.

Regarding bulk markets, there was a 9.6% increase in liquid bulk movement, with a significant 600% surge in bunkering (supplying ships with fuel offshore). Notable growth in solid bulk products like wheat, barley, rapeseed, and sugar exceeded 40%.

Best cruise year ever at the Port of Lisbon

2023 marked the best year ever for cruises at the Port of Lisbon, both in terms of passenger numbers and calls. For the first time, the threshold of 700,000 passengers was surpassed (reaching 758,328), representing a 54% growth compared to 2022, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 with 577,603 cruise passengers.

The number of calls reached a new record of 347, up by 20 compared to 2022. Turnaround calls also set a new record at 107, surpassing the previous absolute maximum of 103 calls recorded in the corresponding period.

Out of the total passengers, 204,000 belong to the turnaround segment, i.e., cruises with embarkation and/or disembarkation at the Lisbon cruise terminal. This figure represents a 131% increase in this segment. Notable was the largest turnaround operation ever at the Port of Lisbon on July 30th, with the movement of 9,163 passengers, including 4,476 embarked and 4,687 disembarked.

Key cruise markets

In 2023, Europe remained the primary source market for cruise passengers to Lisbon, with the UK leading the way, representing 38% of the total. The US surpassed Germany, now in second place, with a 116% increase in passengers, accounting for 20% of the total. Despite a 14% growth, Germany dropped to third place with 15%. Canada and Portugal rank fourth and fifth, respectively, with significant increases in passenger numbers (+172% and +88%) compared to the previous year.