Strong first quarter for the Port of Gothenburg

A large proportion of Swedish imports and exports pass through the Port of Gothenburg. There has been a very noticeable recovery in the economy during the first quarter of the year. Container traffic has broken all records and car exports within Europeare back to pre-crisis levels.

During the first quarter, 233,000 TEU were shipped via the Port of Gothenburg, packed with everything from home electronics, clothes, furniture and food to paper, chemicals, steel and primary materials for industry. Figures are up six per cent on last year, setting a new record. Exports to the USA on the other hand remain sluggish.

"We have direct routes to North America, which allows us to keep a close watch on how trade is developing. The current economic problems facing the USA are reflected clearly in a fall in freight volumes," states Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg chief executive.

More containers by rail
Around 45 per cent of all containers to and from the Port of Gothenburg are moved by rail rather than road – a unique figure by international standards. During the first quarter, rail transport increased by 8 per cent.

European trade up although UK lagging behind
Ro-ro traffic was up 10 per cent during the first quarter although traffic to the UK is lagging behind the rest of Europe.

Upturn for cars in Europe
Cars and other vehicles were hit hardest during the crisis. The recovery commenced during the latter half of 2009 and continued during the first quarter of 2011. 64,000 cars were shipped via the port during the period – an increase of 39 per cent.

 "The quarterly report shows that imports and exports of cars in Europe are back to pre-crisis levels although trade with other parts of the world is still clearly below 2007 and 2008 levels," reports Magnus Kårestedt.

Oil up ten per cent
The Port of Gothenburg is the most important oil harbour in the Nordic region, with an annual turnover of 22 million tonnes of crude oil, petrol, diesel, ethanol, biofuels and other oil products. During the first quarter volumes were up 10 per cent, due mainly to an increase in volumes at the refineries.

Strong port – strong country
Gothenburg is by far the largest port in the Nordic region. Container traffic at the Port of Gothenburg may be higher than all the other Swedish ports put together.

"It is crucial that Sweden has a large international port in the country with a wide range of routes to the most important import and export markets for industry," states Magnus Kårestedt.

For further information, please contact Cecilia Carlsson, Media Relations Officer, Port of Gothenburg, phone +46 31 731 22 45.

The enclosed Word version of the press release includes a table showing the volume trend at the Port of Gothenburg during the first quarter.