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Freight volumes increase at the Port of Gothenburg despite the ongoing pandemic

The logistics system remains under extreme pressure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has now entered its third year. Despite this, the Port of Gothenburg has weathered the storm well, reporting volume growth during the period and particularly during 2021. With a higher market share and its unique features and capabilities, the port has ensured that industry has continued access to the world.

Container shortages, bottlenecks, closures, and disruptions throughout the global logistics system have dominated discussions throughout the past year. But despite the ever-present challenges, volumes at the Port of Gothenburg increased in all dry cargo segments, including containers, ro-ro, and new cars.

All-time high for rail services
The port’s rail system, Railport Scandinavia, continues to grow in terms of range and volume. In 2021, 458,000 TEUs (20-foot containers) were transported between the port and inland destinations – the highest figure ever. During the year, several new rail shuttles were introduced and the number of departures and volumes on existing shuttle routes increased. Some 60% of container freight passing through the port is transported by rail, offering significant climate benefits and mitigating the impact of the shortage of truck drivers.

Increase in ro-ro, cars, and bulk
The port’s intra-European ro-ro traffic – the transport of wheeled cargo to and from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, and the central European hubs of Ghent and Zeebrugge in Belgium – rose by 10% during the year. All markets have reported positive growth.

The car segment had its ups and downs in 2021 with the shortage of semiconductors and components continuing to cause disruptions in car production and ultimately in the number of cars handled at the port. Even so, the overall picture during the year was one of recovery from a weak 2020. The increase of 9% can be compared with car sales in the EU, which according to reports from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association fell by 2.4% during the past year.

Downturn in energy products – upturn in passenger numbers

Passenger numbers were up 30% – a colossal recovery compared with the figures in 2020 following the outbreak of the pandemic and the ensuing travel restrictions. However, passenger figures are still far short of pre-pandemic levels. The cruise segment experienced similar problems in 2020 but bounced back strongly in 2021.

Port of Gothenburg freight volumes 2021

 

Jan-Dec 2021

Jan-Dec 2020

Comparison %

Containers, TEU

828,000

776,000

7%

Rail, TEU

458,000

420,000

9%

Ro-ro units

566,000

515,000

10%

New cars

256,000

234,000

9%

Ferry passengers

765,000

590,000

30%

Cruise ship calls

66

11

500%

Energy products (million tonnes)

19.1

21.6

-11%

Dry bulk (tonnes)

250,000

234,000

7%

Jan 21 2022


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