APM Terminals Gothenburg becoming increasingly vital for Swedish trade

Sweden's flow of goods is changing. Recent figures published by the Swedish Ports Association reveal that Gothenburg is playing an increasingly important role as Sweden's gateway to the world market.

"The Coronavirus pandemic has hit shipping hard and shipping lines have been forced to blank sailings. The fact that APM Terminals Gothenburg has been able to keep up with and strengthen our offering is partly due to our high capacity and stable and reliable solutions in combination with our advantageous logistical location," says Magnus Lundberg, Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Gothenburg. 

Compared to many other European nations, the Swedish economy has been relatively stable during the Coronavirus pandemic, and one important factor is that Swedish industry has been able to continue to export. 

Developed rail infrastructure

The Swedish balance of trade is positive and with well-developed railway infrastructure, triangulation is made possible. Imports are transported via APM Terminals Gothenburg to Sweden's densely populated parts and exports are picked up from sparsely populated areas in the North to once again, via Gothenburg, continue its way to the world market.

It is clear that Sweden's cargo flows are changing. Smaller Swedish ports are being excluded from shipping companies' schedules and goods are increasingly being moved from Sweden's East Coast to the West Coast. Recent figures published by the Swedish Ports Association confirm the trend – APM Terminals in Gothenburg continues to grow in a declining market. 

Growth in feeder and short-sea transport

"Over the past two years, we have regularly seen flows being directed to Gothenburg. The Coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this trend while giving us a unique opportunity to expand our service not only for direct shipping but also for feeders and short-sea transport," explains Magnus Lundberg. 

APM Terminals in Gothenburg is Scandinavia’s largest and only full-service port, where smart railway solutions in combination with a wide range of lines with both feeder traffic and ocean-going vessels to Asia form a cornerstone of Sweden's trade with the world market.

"We are pleased to be able to help Swedish companies in times when they need it most. For example, we have had almost 30 extra feeder calls and more than 40 extra trains to meet the increased demand. The weekly direct traffic to Asia has continued uninterrupted during the Corona pandemic, which has created security and competitiveness for the whole of Sweden's industry," concludes Magnus Lundberg.