Slovenia’s rise as a logistics hotspot may be gaining traction faster than expected, with the Port of Koper recording a 12% increase in container throughput in the first five months of 2025, including a remarkable 30% surge in May alone. These figures come as Europe’s supply chains are increasingly redrawn in response to geopolitical upheavals and maritime disruptions, from the war in Ukraine to attacks in the Red Sea.
While Slovenia’s strategic location between the Mediterranean and Central Europe has long been recognised, global shifts in trade routes are accelerating its transition from a peripheral corridor to a core logistics player. With nearly 90% of Slovenia’s GDP tied to exports, reliable transport links and international infrastructure have become existential economic needs.
Opportunities rise, but rail constraints remain
Yet the country’s ascent is not without complications. Despite the strong performance of Koper port, much of Slovenia’s inland rail infrastructure is still not capable of handling 740-metre freight trains – the European standard. These limitations pose risks to long-term growth and regional competitiveness, especially as neighbouring countries scale up their own logistics investments. Croatia is rapidly developing Rijeka, Serbia is pouring money into new rail links, and other Adriatic ports are making similar plays.
For Rohlig SUUS Logistics, the current momentum vindicates its earlier decision to expand operations in Slovenia. The company has had a presence in the country since 2019, with branches in Koper and Brnik near Ljubljana, offering a full suite of freight and intermodal services. SUUS sees Slovenia not only as a gateway but increasingly as a candidate for regional logistics hub status, particularly as demand rises from new factories and industries in nearby Hungary and across Central and Eastern Europe.
Koper’s position strengthens along EU corridors
A key part of that equation is rail. Slovenia sits astride two major pan-European transport corridors: the Mediterranean and the Baltic–Adriatic. Infrastructure investments linked to these corridors – particularly the ongoing expansion of rail access to Koper – are helping reframe Slovenia’s role from a passive transit route to an active logistics staging ground.
The message from Rohlig SUUS is clear: Slovenia must treat logistics as a national strategic priority, integrating transport policy with industrial, energy, and innovation strategies. Without that focus, the country risks being outpaced by its neighbours.
However, with the proper alignment of infrastructure, investment, and policy, Slovenia could emerge from this logistics realignment not only as a beneficiary but also as a central player.