Container volumes rose at the Port of Gothenburg in 2020 and the port’s market share in Sweden grew despite uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Announcing its official figures on 26 March, the Port of Gothenburg said it increased container volume throughput by 0.5% in 2020.
Aproximately 1.6 million TEU were handled in Sweden last year – 770,000 of which passed through the port. The port’s market share increased by 1% year-on-year (YoY).
The port has fared strongly in a year where many major ports were reporting considerable falls in volumes: container volumes at the 15 largest ports in Europe were down by an average of 2.8% in 2020.
Imported containers at Gothenburg can be quickly emptied and used for exports, meaning the global container shortage has not been felt as harshly. Collaboration with the port’s inland terminals has also mitigated the impact of container shortages on the Swedish market.
Elvir Dzanic, Gothenburg Port Authority CEO, said, “Whilst Covid-19 has resulted in an uncertain year for many industries, the Port of Gothenburg has succeeded in offering security and continuity for its customers.” said.
Dzanic added that the port has remained pen throughout the pandemic, call numbers have been stable, and shipping companies have prioritised the Port of Gothenburg.
The port has continued invest throughout 2020 and 2021and will open a new container terminal dedicated to short-sea intra-European cargo transport; APM Terminals Gothenburg has launched a new product facilitating container weighing of Maersk exports; and in January the Gothenburg Port Authority launched a new shoreside power system to reduce emissions.
Dzanic added, “We have strengthened our balance sheet during the ear by reducing future loan requirements.
“This has allowed us to continue investing in the environment, digitalisation, and other initiatives to increase customer valued, and making freight transport in the future even more efficient and environmentally sound,” Dzanic added.