The recent designation of comprehensive status for Stockholm Norvik Port marks a significant milestone following the approval of an agreement on European Union regulations for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
As an integral part of the EU transport network, this status enables the Swedish port to pursue EU funding opportunities, paving the way for further enhancements in sustainable transportation and its emergence as a key energy hub.
In late December, the European Commission commended the political accord reached between the European Parliament and the Council regarding the regulation governing the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
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With the anticipated implementation of the new TEN-T regulation, expected around April 2024, several Baltic Sea ports are poised to change status, with Stockholm Norvik Port ascending to comprehensive status.
This development empowers Ports of Stockholm, along with stakeholders and collaborative partners, to seek and secure EU funding aimed at fortifying the infrastructure and services of Stockholm Norvik Port, strategically positioned in the Baltic Sea. Such initiatives are vital for stimulating regional growth, fostering job creation, and facilitating more sustainable practices for businesses operating in the area.
“It is a very welcome decision that Stockholm Norvik Port will now have this status within the EU transport network. In our development projects it is important to have the possibility to apply for external funding and this decision gives us additional power to maintain and develop Stockholm Norvik’s position as a state-of-the-art port for the future,” said Magdalena Bosson, CEO of Ports of Stockholm.
The EU’s Trans-European Transport Network serves as a mechanism for cultivating a seamless, efficient, and diverse transport infrastructure across the entirety of the EU. This network encompasses railways, inland waterways, local maritime routes, and roadways that link urban centres, ports both maritime and inland, airports, and terminals. As per the agreement, future evaluations of a port’s status within the TEN-T network will consider not only its freight volumes and passenger traffic but also its role in facilitating the energy transition.
“It is very positive that the EU will make this change and confirm how important the ports are to energy transition. Ports today are more than just part of the transport infrastructure. Stockholm Norvik Port has the potential to be a strategic hub and partner when it comes to the development in the Greater Stockholm region within areas such as innovation and the transition of society to sustainable energy systems. The European ports, especially the Baltic Sea ports, are likely to play a decisive role in the energy transition in Europe,” explained Jens Holm, chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm.
As part of a comprehensive strategy for efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, the European Commission has put forth a proposal to amend the current Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation established in 2013. The updated proposal emphasizes the need to boost the share of transportation via railways, local maritime routes, and inland waterways, thereby fostering a more sustainable transportation framework and mitigating the adverse effects of transport. The revised TEN-T Regulation seeks to establish a clear framework for the evolution of the EU’s transportation infrastructure from the present day through to 2050.
