Import and export volumes, with the exception of oil, passing through the Port of Gothenburg continued to fall during the first quarter of this year as a result of the recession.
During the first quarter, 193,000 teus passed through the port, which is 9% down on the corresponding period last year. From an international point of view, the downturn is not dramatic and export volumes continue to be strong.
Harder hit by the recession is traffic at the ro/ro terminal, which has fallen by 22%. The largest downturn is in the number of vehicles shipped – a drop of 56%.
Oil, however, continues to be strong and rose by 1%. Another bright spot is the rise in the number of containers arriving at the port by rail. During the first quarter, over half the containers arrived by rail of instead of by road, resulting in major environmental gains. The fact is that the rail terminal reported an all-time high in March.
A total of 31,000 teus were transported to or from the port by rail, equivalent to 55% of the total container volume.
Despite the economic situation, the Port of Gothenburg has secured five new routes since the turn of the year – four to Russia and one direct route to India.
“Even if volumes aren’t that big atpresent the shipping lines want to establish the routes to prepare for when the market picks up again. When that happens, the Port of Gothenburg will be in an even stronger position as the largest port in the Nordic region and the gateway to Russia and the other Baltic countries.”
With most signs pointing downwards in the wake of the recession there is one that is very definitely pointing upwards for the Port of Gothenburg. The number of cruise passengers is at all-time high. This year, notification has been received that 32 vessels will be visiting the city with 30,000 cruise passengers, making Gothenburg the third-largest cruise destination in Sweden.
In time for the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year on May 5, a new cruise terminal will be ready and waiting. The terminal is located in the heart of Gothenburg, within walking distance of the city centre, attractions and shops.
