The Port of Gothenburg has reported a year-on-year increase of 7% in container traffic during 2021, by moving 828,000 TEU, despite disruptions throughout the global logistics system, induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Swedish port’s rail system, Railport Scandinavia, also continued to grow in terms of range and volume, while 458,000 TEU were transported between the port and inland destinations. This is the highest figure ever and represents a 9% rise over 2020.
“There are a number of interrelated factors that have resulted in volume upturn. The port provided proof of its resilience during 2020, and our standing in the market improved considerably in 2021,” commented Elvir Dzanic, Gothenburg Port Authority chief executive.
“Our evenly balanced import and export volumes alleviated the impact of container shortages, putting us in a better position than many other ports. We also had the added benefit of more services to new and important destinations,” claimed Dzanic.
Several new rail shuttles were introduced in 2021 and the number of departures and volumes on existing shuttle routes increased, according to the port.
Approximately 60% of container freight passing through the port is transported by rail, mitigating the impact of the shortage of truck drivers, while offering environmental benefits.
The Port of Gothenburg sees that there are no signs of a slowdown in the immediate future. “For the next six months at least few analysts foresee a falloff in either volumes or freight prices,” said a port official.
