Port of Gothenburg and rail operations are gradually becoming synonymous. The first half of 2022 found the Swedish port increasing its TEU throughput by 5 per cent, with rail volumes increasing by 10 per cent compared to last year.

Although volumes originating from rail come second to Ro-Ro volumes with a slight difference and third, to container volumes, they showcase a steady growth compared to the same period in 2021, which was a record-breaking year for container handling by rail in the port of Gothenburg.

Specifically, between January and June 2022, the TEUs rail contributed to the Swedish port account for 253,000. In 2021, this number reached 230,000 TEUs. Last year, the port of Gothenburg handled 458,000 TEUs from rail freight, the highest number in its history. With a 9 per cent increase compared to 2020, the port’s authority foresaw more growth for 2022, which seems realistic with the latest numbers.

Railport Scandinavia system

“The Railport Scandinavia railway system links the Port of Gothenburg with over 30 inland terminals at locations all over Sweden. It is one strong contributor to the increase in container volumes in the port. New locations were added to the system during the first half of 2022 while existing traffic has seen additional growth,” said the port.

“More and more goods owners choose the port of Gothenburg for their container transports no matter where they are in the country. The port’s growing railway system, Railport Scandinavia, has played a crucial role in that. The system has been expanded gradually with more departures, new inland terminals and destinations. It is a result of a strong will among railway partners around the country to respond to market demand and invest”, said Elvir Dzanic, the port’s CEO.

A Scandinavian hub

Ole A. Hagen, a specialist in Scandinavian transport and business and policy director at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), has highlighted how the port of Gothenburg can become the central hub of a synchronised Scandinavian railway network and a gateway to other markets.

“The Nordic countries have a great potential in synchronising their networks, utilising their hubs and improving infrastructure with a cross-border perspective,” said Hagen. “Gothenburg is the logistics hub for Scandinavia. From Gothenburg, we can distribute cargo to all countries effectively. It is a platform serving all modes of transport with enough capacity to handle volumes from all the Nordic countries”, he explained.

• Rail has largest share in port of Gothenburg’s container handling
• Port of Gothenburg reaches rail growth ‘others can only dream of’