Sweden launches joint maritime traffic centre

This historic cooperation aims to enhance the efficiency, safety and sustainability of vessel traffic along Sweden’s east and northern coasts.

“The cooperation between the Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm is unique and it is gratifying that we can now take this mutual step towards a joint maritime traffic centre. By coordinating resources and skills, we can offer better service and utilise economies of scale, which will benefit both business and society,” says Erik Eklund, director general of the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The new centre will oversee the coordination and management of both freight and passenger traffic, consolidating key functions such as traffic management, alarm handling and navigation warnings into one central hub.

A key benefit of this initiative is the ability to plan vessel calls in advance, optimising fuel consumption and improving overall safety. Coordinated personnel will provide continuous round-the-clock service, boosting operational efficiency.

“With a joint vessel traffic centre, we can optimise the vessels’ arrivals and departures while strengthening safety in the ports,” said Magdalena Bosson, chief executive, Ports of Stockholm.

The new maritime traffic centre is slated to be fully operational by 2026, with approximately 50 employees working from the shared premises at Värtahamnen port on Sweden’s east coast.