The Port of Gothenburg maintained its strong growth in the first half of the year, managing a total of 470,000 containers (TEU*). This increase was accompanied by improved operational efficiency, thanks to a greater proportion of fully loaded containers and fewer empty container repositionings. Notably, rail freight activity to and from the port reached unprecedented levels.

APM Terminals, the operator of the port’s container terminal, recorded its highest monthly throughput ever in July, handling 47,805 TEU. This record figure will be reflected in the upcoming quarterly results. The summer also saw the launch of two new shipping routes: CMA CGM introduced a direct Gothenburg–Baltic service, while Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd established a new direct connection between Gothenburg and Asia.

“Repositioning empty containers between ports is necessary for the logistics system to function, but ideally it should be kept to a minimum. The fact that we are handling more loaded containers while managing fewer empties reflects greater efficiency across the entire logistics chain,” says Claes Sundmark, Vice President Sales and Marketing at the Port of Gothenburg.

Rail continues to dominate as the preferred inland transportation mode, with volumes increasing by 4 percent during the first half of the year. Currently, over 60 percent of container freight to and from the port moves by train, setting the stage for a record annual volume. This growth is fueled by rising demand at inland terminals across Sweden, including regions in the north, south, and east. In the Stockholm area alone, rail container volumes climbed 4 percent to exceed 30,000 TEU during the period.

“The region hosts numerous central warehouses, particularly for consumer goods, and the rail link to the Port of Gothenburg is vital. Rail is efficient, nearly emission-free, and helps ease road congestion,” Sundmark adds.

Intra-European RoRo** traffic grew modestly by 1 percent, reaching 272,000 units, driven by a rebound in the spring after a slow start to the year. However, car handling declined by 7 percent to 124,000 vehicles. Energy shipments also fell by 13 percent to 9.4 million tonnes, mainly due to lower refinery margins and maintenance-related shutdowns.

Dry bulk cargoes experienced a sharp decline, dropping 43 percent to 155,000 tonnes, reflecting weaker demand for raw materials like stone, sand, and gravel used in construction. Conversely, processed forest products continued their steady growth trend.

The port also welcomed 16 cruise ship calls during the first half of the year, down from last year’s record 26 calls.