Industry Statistics and Trends
Water Transport Support Services in Europe key trends
COVID-19 greatly impacted the water transport industry.
The pandemic led to a decrease in global trade volumes, affecting navigation and harbour operations, while the stricter restrictions also caused a drop in tourism numbers, reducing passenger vessel demand significantly.
Growing trade volumes are driving investment in European port infrastructure.
Countries are renovating key facilities for better capacity management and improved connectivity, allowing for more traffic at ports and raising demand for water transport support services.
Advanced technology enhances efficiency and safety in water transport operations.
This improvement is achieved through automation, augmented reality, AI prediction of operational performance, and use of big data analytics for traffic management.
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Water Transport Support Services in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2011-2029. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Water Transport Support Services in Europe market size (2019-2024)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 4.5 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €32.1bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
Western European ports are particularly busy
- European nations with robust port and harbour infrastructure lead this industry, with Rotterdam in the Netherlands boasting Europe’s largest port, followed by Antwerp in Belgium. Germany is home to large ports at Hamburg and Bremerhaven. The UK and France also have major port operations, generating significant revenue from water transport support services.
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Water Transport Support Services in Europe outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Investment in port infrastructure and growing trade volumes will fuel demand
- Water transport support companies will see a surge in demand due primarily to increased import and export activities. As demand grows, capacity at ports and harbours will need to expand while operators also seek to renovate ageing infrastructure.
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Revenue
€32.1bn
Employees
211k
Wages
€X.Xbn
European Leaders & Laggards
* CAGR values are for the years 2019-2024.
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Biggest companies in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue (€m)
2024 | Profit (€m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DP World Ltd | 17,117.6 | 5,059.4 | 29.6 | |
Havenbedrijf Rotterdam NV | 893.0 | 587.8 | 65.8 | |
Associated British Port Holdings Ltd | 821.6 | 489.3 | 59.6 |
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Water Transport Support Services in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe in 2024?
The market size of the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe is €32.1bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry in 2024?
There are 15,644 businesses in the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe, which has grown at a CAGR of 3.1 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe has been declining at a CAGR of 4.5 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe is expected to grow.
What does the Water Transport Support Services in Europe include?
Operating terminal facilities like harbours and piers and Operating waterway locks are part of the Water Transport Support Services industry.
Which countries have the most businesses in the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe?
The European country with the most businesses in the Water Transport Support Services industry is Russia.
How competitive is the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe?
The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Water Transport Support Services industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Water Transport Support Services in Austria
- Water Transport Support Services in France
- Water Transport Support Services in Lithuania
- Water Transport Support Services in the Netherlands
- Water Transport Support Services in Belgium
- Water Transport Support Services in Italy
- Water Transport Support Services in Sweden
- Water Transport Support Services in Cyprus
- Water Transport Support Services in Latvia
- Water Transport Support Services in Greece
- Water Transport Support Services in Romania
- Water Transport Support Services in Norway
- Water Transport Support Services in Hungary
- Water Transport Support Services in the UK
- Water Transport Support Services in Denmark
- Water Transport Support Services in Germany
- Water Transport Support Services in Malta
- Water Transport Support Services in Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Water Transport Support Services in Luxembourg
- Water Transport Support Services in Russia
- Water Transport Support Services in Slovakia
- Water Transport Support Services in Poland
- Water Transport Support Services in Finland
- Water Transport Support Services in Croatia
- Water Transport Support Services in Slovenia
- Water Transport Support Services in Bulgaria
- Water Transport Support Services in Spain
- Water Transport Support Services in Portugal
- Water Transport Support Services in Serbia
- Water Transport Support Services in Czechia
- Water Transport Support Services in Turkey
- Water Transport Support Services in Ireland
- Water Transport Support Services in Estonia
- Water Transport Support Services in Iceland
- Water Transport Support Services in Europe
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry includes the operation of terminal facilities like harbours and piers, operation of waterway locks and lighthouse activities. It also comprises navigation, pilotage and berthing activities, as well as lighterage and salvage services.
Related Terms
LIGHTERAGEPILOTAGEBERTHINGWhat's included in this industry?
Operating terminal facilities like harbours and piersOperating waterway locksNavigation, pilotage and berthing activitiesLighterage and salvage activitiesLighthouse activitiesCompanies
DP World LtdHavenbedrijf Rotterdam NVAssociated British Port Holdings LtdIndustry Code
5222 - Service activities incidental to water transportation in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
Western European ports are particularly busy
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2024 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Employees in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Business in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
- Profit in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
Growth in global trade is driving demand for eco-friendly shipping. As international commerce bounces back post-pandemic, companies are using water transport services to move goods efficiently and sustainably, boosting demand for water transport support services.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Largest Importer
- Smallest Importer
- Total Imports into Europe
- Largest Exporter
- Smallest Exporter
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2024)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2024)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2024)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2024)
- IVA (2024)
- Enterprises (2024)
- Employment (2024)
- Exports (2024)
- Imports (2024)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
The Water Transport Support Services industry is fragmented. Successful operators gain a competitive edge through strategic locations, technological advancements, and providing comprehensive services, with efficiency and reliability also driving success.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2019-2024)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 10 companies by market share:
- Market share (2024)
- Revenue (2024)
- Profit (2024)
- Profit Margin (2024)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for DP World Ltd
- Countries of operation for Havenbedrijf Rotterdam NV
- Countries of operation for Associated British Port Holdings Ltd
- Countries of operation for Hutchison Ports Holdings Ltd
- Countries of operation for Boluda Corporacion Maritima SL
- Countries of operation for PSA International Pte Ltd
- Countries of operation for Svitzer A/S
- Countries of operation for Multraship Salvage BV
- Countries of operation for Fairplay Schleppdampfschiffs-Reederei Richard Borchard GmbH
- Countries of operation for SMS Towage Ltd
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
Water transport support companies face stringent regulations. Various regulations and policies cover everything from harbour operations to salvage services, ensuring safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility across industry activities.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
Fuel prices greatly impact water transport purchases. The recent spike in oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly driven up costs, notably for water support service providers.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Water Transport Support Services in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and boottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2024)
- Business Growth (2024)
- Job Growth (2024)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2024)
- Imports/Demand (2024)
- Exports/Revenue (2024)
- Revenue per Employee (2024)
- Wages/Revenue (2024)
- Employees per Establishment (2024)
- Average Wage (2024)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
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Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
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