The container volumes at the Port of Gothenburg continue to increase from last year’s record levels. During the first quarter of 2024, more containers were handled in the Port of Gothenburg than ever before in a single quarter. This is evident in the port’s recently compiled quarterly figures.
Last year, it was the high export volumes that contributed to 2023 being the best year ever for the Port of Gothenburg in terms of container handling. On the import side, it was more challenging, with a decrease of nearly 20% for the entire year. The low import figures were explained by high interest rates and a weakened Swedish krona as key contributing factors reducing Swedish consumer demand.
But now the trend has reversed. During the first quarter of this year, the import of container goods increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2023…
…While imports are growing, exports continue on the trajectory from 2023 with continued increased volumes as well. During the first quarter of 2024, exported containers increased by 4% compared to the same period last year.
In total – combining exports and imports – the port’s container volumes increased by 8% to a total of 242,000 handled containers (TEU), which is the highest figure for a single quarter in the port’s history. The Port of Gothenburg handles 57% of Sweden’s total container volume, with terminal operator APM Terminals handling the majority of the volumes…
…During the first quarter, the handling of energy products through the port increased by 10%, to 5.1 million handled tons. This is compared to the same quarter in 2023, where volumes were relatively low due to planned maintenance shutdowns at refineries.
The handling of new vehicles decreased by 2% to 69,000 cars during the first quarter. It was primarily the import of cars to Sweden that decreased, reflecting the decrease in the number of new car registrations in Sweden during the period.
During the first quarter, the total intra-European ro-ro volume also decreased by 2%. Ro-ro stands for roll on/roll off and refers to trailers and other rolling cargo transported on high-frequency shipping services. Like the port’s container volumes, there is some recovery in import volumes in the ro-ro segment as well.
The handling of conventional dry bulk vessels continues to increase. During the first quarter, 144,000 tons of dry bulk were handled, an increase of 30%. Behind the increase are, among other things, new export flows of forest products, granules, and building materials for major infrastructure projects.
The number of passengers increased by 11% to 258,000. This is the highest number of passengers since 2018 for the corresponding period. In March, the port also welcomed the first cruise call of the year…
(For information about operations in Sweden, contact GAC Sweden at sweden@gac.com)
Source: Extracts from Port of Gothenburg press release dated 30 April 2024
