Two factors stimulate rail freight traffic in Port of Gothenburg
The rail freight traffic in the Port of Gothenburg continues to grow. Last year was a big breakthrough for the port by setting a new record of 458,000 TEU. This year the number of containers running to/from the port by rail will exceed 500,000 TEU. Such an increase is stimulated by two important factors.
The increase of rail freight in the Port of Gothenburg can be explained by launching four new rail shuttles in 2021, linking the harbour to Piteå, Gävle, Fiskarheden, and Jönköping as well as by more departures on the existing routes and an even higher loading rate. However, the main factors that have the greatest impact on shifting from road to rail are the sharp rise in diesel prices and the shortage of drivers.
“There is considerably more interest compared to a few years ago, and at the moment everyone wants to take the train. This can be largely attributed to the high capacity that only rail transport can offer and to growing environmental awareness among transport purchasers. Rail has extended its lead over road transport even further following the sharp rise in diesel prices and the shortage of drivers that became increasingly apparent during the pandemic,” said Antti Laakso, senior logistics development manager at the Gothenburg Port Authority.
Long-term strategy
The Port of Gothenburg has followed a long-term strategy over the past 20 years aimed at consolidating and expanding the rail infrastructure within the port area following the launch of the Railport Scandinavia concept. This has taken place in close partnership with various companies and organisations, including the Swedish Transport Administration and the terminal operators.
“The system has become more consistent in line with the expansion and upgrading of the Port Line, which runs right up to the quayside. Inside the port, operating efficiency has increased following extensive investment in rail-linked transhipment facilities and in particular the focus on rail handling at the container terminal by APM Terminals,” added Antti Laakso.