Port of Gothenburg Reports Container Handling Trends for 2024

In 2024, the Port of Gothenburg successfully handled 909,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of containerized cargo, marking a slight decrease of 1% compared to the previous year’s performance. Despite this nominal decline, the port authority reported that the overall volume of containerized cargo managed in 2024 surpassed that of the record-setting year of 2023. This apparent contradiction arises from the fact that, while the total number of containers decreased, the number of loaded containers handled increased significantly. “More loaded containers were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, while the handling of empty containers saw a greater decline. This translates to fewer containers, but a larger volume of goods overall,” explained the port authority.

In terms of the dynamics of containerized cargo, export volumes experienced a slight reduction. Conversely, the import volumes surged, increasing by nearly 15% over the year. Claes Sundmark, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Port of Gothenburg, commented on this trend, stating, “We primarily observe a significant rise in imports throughout the year, a trend we anticipate will continue into 2025. While exports have dipped slightly, this has brought us close to a balanced ratio between imports and exports. This near 50–50 balance is something we are familiar with at the Port of Gothenburg, yet it remains notably unique when compared to other ports both in Sweden and internationally.”

The port’s balanced import-export ratio offers a practical advantage: it reduces the necessity for empty containers. By swiftly unloading import containers for reuse in exports, the port minimizes the need to transport additional empty containers. This operational efficiency not only streamlines the supply chain but also contributes to cost reductions and a lower environmental impact.

Growth in Rail Transport

Rail transport to and from the Port of Gothenburg also experienced a positive trajectory, with container volumes rising by 7%. In 2024, the port recorded its second-busiest year, moving over 500,000 TEUs by rail. This growth was primarily fueled by import-heavy rail destinations such as Falköping and Nässjö, in addition to the introduction of new rail shuttles serving northern Sweden. Notably, over 60% of all containers transported between the Port of Gothenburg and its hinterland are now moved by rail, underscoring the port’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

Meanwhile, the European economic landscape continued to influence the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) volumes at various ports, including Gothenburg. Total RoRo traffic saw a decline of 3%. However, the Gothenburg RoRo Terminal—the port’s largest terminal dedicated to RoRo operations, which connects to significant cargo hubs in Belgium and the United Kingdom—managed to defy this downward trend by experiencing an increase in volume over the year.

Performance Metrics

The following table summarizes the key performance metrics for the Port of Gothenburg in 2024 compared to 2023:

In summary, while the Port of Gothenburg experienced a slight decrease in overall container numbers in 2024, the increased handling of loaded containers, significant growth in imports, and enhancements in rail transport efficiencies highlight the port’s resilience and adaptability in a changing economic environment. The port’s strategic focus on maintaining a balanced import-export ratio and sustainable transport solutions positions it favorably for future growth.