Sweden opens joint maritime centre

The initiative is aimed at strengthening safety, preparedness and coordination along Sweden’s east and north coasts, and was first announced in March last year.

“It is gratifying to inaugurate both a unique collaboration and new, functionally adapted premises,” said Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.

“By coordinating resources and expertise, we gain a clearer overall picture of customer needs, enabling more effective collaboration with ports and shipping stakeholders in northern Sweden and along the east coast.

At the same time, we can offer better service and utilise economies of scale, which benefits both business and society.”

Located at the Värta terminal, the centre has been operational since the turn of the year and was officially inaugurated on 28 January. Purpose-built premises now house staff from both organisations, allowing them to work side by side and share information in real time.

The centre is responsible for coordinating freight and passenger traffic from Oxelösund northwards along the entire east coast. Its remit includes maritime traffic management, alarm handling, pilot assignment planning, traffic monitoring and the issuance of navigation warnings.

“For shipping, this means a more cohesive and predictable transport service,” said Magdalena Bosson, chief executive of Ports of Stockholm.

“Early and coordinated planning of vessel calls improves safety in ports, reduces waiting times and contributes to more efficient and sustainable transport.”

Around 50 employees are based at the Värta terminal centre, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for maritime operations on Sweden’s east coast, operating around the clock throughout the year.