Leixoes, Portugal

Port Overview

Leixões is the largest seaport in northern Portugal, located in Matosinhos, just north of Porto and close to the mouth of the Douro River. It ranks among the country’s top ports by volume and is a key maritime gateway for the northern region, handling about 25% of Portugal’s seaborne foreign trade. Strategically positioned on the Atlantic, Leixões is vital for both regional supply chains and international shipping routes. The port’s annual container capacity is approximately 770,000 TEU.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Leixões, Portugal’s largest northern port, is a versatile, multipurpose facility handling containers, dry and liquid bulk, Ro-Ro, and breakbulk cargo. It features two main terminals—North and South—with modern container gantries and heavy cranes capable of servicing Panamax vessels. The port also offers specialized berths for cruise ships, fishing, and leisure craft. Advanced cargo-handling equipment, including automated systems and AGVs, supports efficient operations. Leixões is a key Atlantic gateway, integral to Portugal’s trade and European supply chains, with annual throughput exceeding 18 million tons.

Container Terminals

Leixões has two main container terminals: the North Terminal with a 360-meter berth and the South Terminal with a 540-meter berth. Combined, they offer a total annual capacity of around 770,000–800,000 TEU. The terminals use modern handling equipment but are not fully automated. YILPORT is the major operator for both terminals, focusing on efficient, technology-driven operations and ongoing capacity upgrades.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern container terminals with gantry cranes for Panamax vessels, supporting short sea and deep-sea shipping.
• Cargo operations: Multipurpose facilities for dry bulk, liquid bulk, Ro-Ro, breakbulk, and general cargo.
• Ship services: Pilotage, mooring, bunkering, fresh water supply, ship chandler, and technical support.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and logistics facilities for various cargo types.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import/export operations.

Global Connectivity

Leixões, Portugal, offers extensive connectivity, serving as a key maritime gateway for the Northern Region. It connects to over 180 countries, handling a significant portion of Portugal's seaborne trade. The port is linked to major markets via shipping routes and is well-integrated with the national railway network, facilitating efficient cargo movement. Its strategic location near Porto enhances its role in regional and international trade.

Port Statistics

Port of Leixões, Portugal – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 730,000 TEU
• World ranking: Outside the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 55
• Port area: 120 hectares (land), 500 hectares (water)
• Shipping lines: Served by major global carriers including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and others

Leixões is Portugal’s second-largest port, handling diverse cargo and offering regular connections to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.