Cargo Shifts to Private Ports as Ashdod Sees Decline, South Port Surges
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israeli ports saw a 3.9% increase in cargo traffic from January to September 2026, but activity is shifting from Ashdod Port to private facilities. Ashdod Port's cargo volume fell 39.6% in the third quarter, while the nearby South Port surged 151.8% after acquiring new cranes. Eilat Port also increased vehicle imports via Aqaba, though its overall impact remains small.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli ports handled 44 million tons of cargo from January-September 2026, a 3.9% increase.
- Ashdod Port's cargo volume dropped 39.6% in Q3 2026 compared to the previous year.
- The South Port in Ashdod saw a 151.8% surge in cargo traffic in Q3 2026.
- New cranes at the South Port are enhancing its capacity for unloading iron.
- Eilat Port imported 12,628 vehicles via Aqaba in Q3 2026, continuing a growth trend.
Cargo traffic across Israeli ports increased by 3.9% between January and September 2026, reaching approximately 44 million tons, according to data from the Shipping and Ports Authority. However, this overall growth masks a significant redistribution of activity among the ports. In the third quarter, Ashdod Port experienced a sharp decline in general cargo, particularly in metals, while the nearby South Port saw a dramatic surge, attributed to the recent inauguration of two new cranes designed to enhance its iron unloading capabilities.
During July-September 2026, Ashdod Port's cargo volume dropped by 39.6% compared to the same period in 2025. Similarly, Israel Shipyards, which handles general cargo, saw a decrease of about 16.2%. In contrast, Haifa Port reported a 4.1% increase, the Bay Port (operated by China's SIPG) saw a 17.7% rise, and the South Port (operated by Switzerland's HCT) experienced a substantial 151.8% jump.
The shift is particularly evident in metal transport. Ashdod Port handled 124,930 fewer tons of metal, while the South Port increased its metal cargo by 75,784 tons, contributing to its overall general cargo rise of 85,247 tons. This growth at the South Port is directly linked to the commissioning of two new 154-ton capacity cranes over the summer, aimed at improving iron unloading efficiency.
Eilat Port continues to increase its vehicle imports via Aqaba, importing 12,628 vehicles in July-September. Despite this growth, the port, which is recovering after being abandoned for three years due to Houthi attacks, has not significantly impacted other ports' market share, as total vehicle imports for Israel in this period were 71,731, up from 55,973 the previous year.