The Port of Stockholm has struck a deal with Hutchison Ports Stockholm, Mälarhamnar and Wallenius Marine to launch a new inland shipping network.
In a statement, the Port said it had built a “unique partnership” to launch inland shipping between its new freight hub, the Stockholm Norvik Port, and the ports of Västerås and Köping.
Additionally, the Mälarhamnar ports are conducting substantial expansion projects that will enable them to handle larger freight volumes. The development project designed to establish inland shipping, is being conducted by Mälarhamnar, Ports of Stockholm, and Hutchison Ports Stockholm in collaboration with Wallenius Marine.
“We believe in the power of partnership and in shifting freight transports from land to water. This partnership will facilitate sustainable transportation in the greater Stockholm region, and the project is consequently of considerable interest to us,” said Göran Söderdahl, Senior Commercial Manager, Wallenius Marine.
Pia Berglund, National Inland Shipping Coordinator at the Swedish Transport Administration, also commented:“The national freight transportation strategy focuses on tomorrow’s transport systems, where shipping plays a key role in establishing modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems. Inland shipping is absolutely in line with the Government’s objectives and will help achieve a substantial shift of freight transportation away from our roads.”
90% of all imported goods arrive in Sweden by sea, with the majority destined for the greater Stockholm region.
“If shipping companies, forwarding companies and cargo owners are to be able to operate and use an inland shipping system, the ports must work together in a chain, and there must be suitable fairways for the job.
Carola Alzén, CEO of Mälarhamnar, added: “We, the ports, must, therefore, play our part and work together to implement the measures needed to enable this traffic to become a reality in Sweden.”
Stockholm Norvik Port is located close to Sweden’s biggest consumption area and offers a shorter route to the open sea than any other east coast port.
Johan Wallén, Marketing and Sales Manager at Ports of Stockholm, described the collaboration as “extremely positive”.
“Stockholm Norvik Port provides a unique opportunity to create an inland shipping system that would enhance the efficiency of transportation in the Stockholm region,” Wallen said.
“It will provide additional opportunities for our customers and will also reduce congestion and the environmental impact of the overland infrastructure,” says Johan Wallén, Marketing and Sales Manager at Ports of Stockholm.
Transporting the goods by sea directly to Stockholm Norvik Port, and then on to the Mälarhamnar ports via Lake Mälaren, will offload the currently heavily congested road and rail networks, and will consequently help bring about a more sustainable transport network within the greater Stockholm region.
