Port of Gothenburg welcomes tax break in spring fiscal policy bill

The Port of Gothenburg welcomes the Swedish government proposal to ease tax on Onshore Power Supply for vessels. The Port has for a long time spoken out in favour of this technology and now hopes that the announcement will lead to greater use of the system.

The Port of Gothenburg has worked for a long time to bring about financial incentives for shipping companies and ports to establish Onshore Power Supply for vessels. The Port therefore welcomes the government's proposal in the spring fiscal policy bill for improved tax conditions for biogas and Onshore Power Supply for vessels.

Magnus Kårestedt, chief executive of the Port of Gothenburg said: "Today's announcement by the government is extremely positive. Apart from the fact that customers who already use this technology will have a considerably reduced cost, I believe the decision will lead to further operators linking up. Onshore Power Supply will now become a more financially attractive alternative."

The Port was the first in the world to offer high-voltage, Onshore Power Supply for freight vessels. This important environmental initiative was taken back in 2000 through successful collaboration with Stora Enso. The method has since spread to other ports around the world. At present, around 20 per cent of vessels that put into the Port of Gothenburg are linked to the system.

Åsa Wilske is responsible for environmental affairs at the Port of Gothenburg: "Those customers that are already part of the system have contributed by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 5,000 tonnes each year. Our aim is that as many as possible link up so that the figure is at least 30,000 tonnes per year."

The Port of Gothenburg offers ro/ro vessels and ferries operating scheduled services the opportunity to free of charge link up to Onshore Power Supply under the standard arrangement within 12 months. All quays that are being redeveloped, renovated or constructed are provided with ducts for Onshore Power Supply. Further two facilities are currently being built for Stena Line traffic. The port is also working actively to establish an international standard.

"As a result of the proposal, Sweden is showing good example and we hope that other countries will follow suit. This is what is required for this technology to become more widespread and reinforces the work being done at the port with the aim of becoming an environmentally smart link in the logistics chain," states Magnus Kårestedt.

For further information, please contact Eva Jonasson, Media Relations Officer, Port of Gothenburg, tel. +46 31 731 22 45.