Hungary is set to gain direct access to the sea, a move expected to supercharge its exports. Construction has begun on a Hungarian-owned port in Trieste, Italy, marking a historic shift for the landlocked nation. By 2028, the facility should be fully operational, offering Hungary a vital gateway to global markets.
Plans for the port began in 2018, and now a 250-meter seawall is being built to support a massive 50,000-cubic-meter embankment. Eventually, the port will expand to 650 meters of coastline, with 30 hectares of land transformed into a state-of-the-art logistics hub.
Levente Magyar, Hungary’s parliamentary state secretary for foreign affairs and trade, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “Hungary exports around €148 billion in goods annually, most of which leave Europe by sea. Without our own port, we’ve always relied on others. That changes now.”
Magyar highlighted ongoing collaboration with Italy, particularly Deputy Infrastructure Minister Edoardo Rixi, who has been instrumental in facilitating the project. With a dedicated port, Hungary aims to streamline exports, strengthen its role in global supply chains, and boost job creation.
For the first time since losing sea access after World War I, Hungary is reclaiming a foothold on the Adriatic. “As the world’s 34th largest exporter, we need our own direct maritime link,” Magyar stated. “This port ensures Hungary stays competitive in the international market.”
