The Port of Piraeus is currently in a state of waiting as the shipping market anticipates the full return of containerships through the Suez Canal, a situation that is clearly reflected in recent cargo statistics. According to data from COSCO Shipping Ports, container traffic at the Piraeus container terminals II and III saw a significant drop of 14.7% on a monthly basis in January 2026 compared to January 2025. Specifically, this amounted to 301.4 thousand twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) processed, down from 353.5 thousand the previous year, signaling a reduction in cargo flow from Asia to Europe alongside persistent caution among shipping lines.

Market participants indicate that delays in the normalization of international shipping routes continue to leave part of the fleet sidelined away from the Suez Canal, which has direct repercussions for European port hubs, including Piraeus. This decline in traffic contrasts with the trends observed in previous years when the port experienced consistent growth in container handling. The implications of this shift highlight not only a regional economic challenge but also signal potential disruptions in the broader supply chain dynamics linking Asia and Europe, raising concerns among stakeholders about future shipments and maritime operations in the area.