Freight volumes at the port of Gothenburg in Sweden continue to grow in all segments except for the vehicle sector, which continues to be negatively affected in the third quarter of the year.
“We see a continuation of the upward trend that began in connection with the pandemic. Product owners are attracted to the major freight hubs, which is very clear at the Port of Gothenburg,” commented Elvir Dzanic, CEO of the Gothenburg Port Authority.
He added, “We have a broad, global route network, large vessels with direct services to important markets, the robust infrastructure, reliable terminal management and the hinterland railway links that the industry needs to secure its competitive strength.”
The Port of Gothenburg has now a 53% share of the Swedish container market, which is up three percentage points compared to the first half of 2021.
The Port of Gothenburg has also increased its market share for containers compared to nearby major ports in Northern Europe.
According to the port’s data, despite the high level of uncertainty in the market, a total of 655,000 TEUs were handled in the port of Gothenburg from the begining of the year up to September, which represents an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year.
This year’s third quarter is the eighth consecutive quarter in which the port has seen an increase in container volumes.
However, the vehicle sector continues to be negatively affected by issues such as parts shortages and low levels of new car sales both in Sweden and abroad.
The number of vehicles handled in the port during the third quarter amounted to 155,300, a decrease of 18% compared to the 2021 same period.
On the other hand, in other sectors, such as rail containers, the volume increased by 13% to 385,000 TEUs.
The increase relates to both long-haul and short-haul traffic, although the largest increase is evident in long-haul traffic to and from northern Sweden, according to the Gothenburg Port Authority.
Meanwhile, the Port of Gothenburg has announced that one of its terminals is now getting a new operator. The Arken intermodal terminal will from now on be operated by Gothenburg Roro Terminal.
The recently signed lease agreement will be valid for three years, according to a statement.
The Arken intermodal terminal comprises an area of 65,000 m² adjacent to the port’s container and ro-ro terminals and is used for boxes or trailers movement between ships, trains and trucks for onward transport to the Swedish mainland or the world.
With seven railway lines totalling 3,360 metres in length, the terminal is mainly focused on managing rail traffic.
