On 8 December, in the early hours of the morning, we reached a new milestone at the Car Terminal, surpassing the total number of cars handled in 2018, which was previously considered a record.
The number of cars has now surpassed 754,409 units, which means that 2022 will also be a record year thanks to this achievement. The final year-end vehicle throughput figure will undoubtedly be even higher and above average in all respects, as already indicated by the January-September results. Car transhipment growth during the period was 20% compared to the same period last year, which is particularly significant in the current uncertain times, when the automotive market and global logistics in general are facing intermittent supply chain disruptions, congested shipping and warehousing capacities, and the impact of unpredictable geopolitical developments. This year, we are seeing higher transhipments both in exports, especially to the Middle and Far East, and in imports, where the share of electric vehicles, mostly Chinese-made, is increasing significantly. The growth in car traffic is also remarkable in a broader context, given that all other European ports or terminals, both in the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, have seen significantly lower growth rates. The high growth rates can be attributed mainly to the redirection of commodity flows that we have been able to obtain with the reliable services and capacities built up in recent years. These include a new berth for RO-RO ships, rail access and a new garage, which was completed last year. We are also planning new car parking facilities for next year, when we will have completed all necessary preparation activities in the 5a area, on the eastern part of the port.
