Oceanhamnen inaugurated – the first step in Hallands Hamnar’s multi-billion investment program

Earlier today, Oceanhamnen in Halmstad was officially inaugurated - the first phase of Hallands Hamnar’s major infrastructure investment of SEK 1.4 billion, aimed at establishing Halmstad as one of Sweden’s leading logistics hubs by 2035.

“This is our largest investment ever. With new quays, expanded areas, and modern infrastructure, we are strengthening our role as a key port operator and creating the conditions needed to handle larger volumes and a wider range of cargo. The inauguration of Oceanhamnen marks an important first step in our infrastructure initiative,” says Carl-Henrik Hägg, CEO of Hallands Hamnar.

The inauguration ceremony earlier today attracted strong participation from representatives of industry, the region, the municipality, and the Swedish Ports Association.

The new Oceanhamnen will primarily strengthen Hallands Hamnar’s capacity within the recycling segment.

“We expect to increase capacity within the recycling segment by around 40 percent, while also opening up opportunities for new types of cargo. With Oceanhamnen, we have also expanded the port’s total area to approximately 800,000 square metres, further strengthening our position in intermodal transport,” says Carl-Henrik Hägg.

SEK 230 Million Invested

Oceanhamnen has a depth of 12 metres and a 200-metre-long quay, enabling the port to receive larger vessels. The port areas have been raised three metres above sea level, and approximately 25,000 square metres adjacent to the quay are dedicated to cargo handling and storage.

In total, Hallands Hamnar, through its owner the Municipality of Halmstad, has invested approximately SEK 230 million in Oceanhamnen. The EU agency CINEA has also co-financed parts of the project. The port is prepared for electrification, including shore power for vessels and charging infrastructure for the port’s and customers’ vehicle and machinery fleets.

Strengthening Regional Competitiveness

Oceanhamnen forms part of the municipality’s and the port’s extensive infrastructure development programme in and around the port area in Halmstad, which will continue until 2035. Investments totalling SEK 1.4 billion will improve the efficiency of transport to and from the port and strengthen the port’s competitiveness through additional quays, larger operational areas, and modern infrastructure. The programme also includes direct motorway connections, new railway tracks, and an electrified rail yard adjacent to the quay capable of handling 750-metre-long trains.

“The investments we are making in the port are closely aligned with the needs of the business community in order to strengthen both their competitiveness and that of the region. Halmstad is strategically located close to the continent and is highly accessible for Swedish imports and exports. With an expanded port operation, we expect increased interest from companies looking to establish operations here,” says Stefan Pålsson, Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board in Halmstad.

Construction of Oceanhamnen began in 2023 and was completed according to schedule in December 2025. The first vessels are expected to call at the new port area during March this year.

Pictured from left: Magnus Thorén (Stena Metal International), Stefan Pålsson (Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board, Halmstad), Monika Przedpelska Öström (Swedish Ports Association), Claes Lindgren (Deputy County Governor of Halland), and Carl-Henrik Hägg (CEO, Hallands Hamnar). Images may be used freely in connection with publication. Photo: Hallands Hamnar.