APM Terminals will operate the Port of Gothenburg’s new short-sea terminal, dedicated to intra-European container transport. As the short-sea sector grows and the maritime industry continues to find ways to reduce emissions, the terminal will play an important part in taking intra-European freight from road to more eco-friendly sea transport.
“In the wake of the pandemic, new logistics patterns have evolved with goods owners moving parts of their global production system closer to Europe,” said Elvir Dzanic, chief executive of Gothenburg Port Authority. “Short sea is a growing segment, and we are pleased that APM Terminals is continuing to meet the needs of the market, and at the same time broadening the port’s overall service offering.”
Supply and demand
With short-sea handling focused on European destinations, suitable storage and transloading facilities close to the quayside are needed, to offer greater flexibility and a further incentive for transport purchasers to switch more intra-European freight from road to sea.
The terminal will be located at the Skandiahamnen western quay, which was recently renovated and reinforced in the lead-up to the Skandia Gateway fairway project. The area is currently being reviewed to determine what needs to be adapted, adjusted, or added to ensure the most efficient short-sea handling system possible.
“We are proud to be able to expand our already extensive portfolio with a sustainable and competitive short-sea solution. We see that container traffic in Europe is growing in importance and it is a natural progression that we provide our customers with a service that offers even greater flexibility,” said Dennis Olesen, managing director at APM Terminals Nordic.
Coastal and inland shipping also possible
It will also be possible to handle coastal and inland shipping at the new terminal. Loading and unloading of barges and smaller vessels that form the backbone of these modes of shipping have specific requirements that are currently being examined to ensure the best possible solutions can be put in place.