SWEDEN's main Port of Gothenburg blamed its 19 per cent decline in container traffic in 2017 to 644,000 TEU on its continuing dispute with dockers.
'This is a downturn we have never been close to at any point in the history of the port, and it took place in a year when container trade globally had increased,' said port CEO Magnus Karestedt. 'It is difficult to put into words the seriousness of the situation.'
'We had hoped for a recovery towards the end of the year, in the absence of any industrial action since last summer. But this was not the case.
'The message from the freight owners is loud and clear - the constant threat of industrial action hanging over the container terminal means they will not be returning without a long-term solution that will ensure reliable freight handling over time,' said Mr Karestedt.
While the bigger city and national capital Stockholm on the Baltic, deep in the costly fuel burning Emission Control Areas, Atantic-facing Gothenburg has long been the main port as it can allow ships to burn cheaper bunker fuel far closer to shore. But these days, it is Stockholm that is making gains on Gothenburg in terms of tonnage.
Richard-John Lagerberg, manager of freight and logistics at Ports of Stockholm, told London's Loadstar that other factors were now at play.
'Part of the increase has to do with the difficulties in Gothenburg, but basically, volumes are driven by a strong Swedish economy and especially a dynamic and fast-expanding Stockholm region,' Mr Lagerberg said.
Last year, Hong Kong's global port operator Hutchison signed an agreement with the Port of Stockholm to create a new container terminal 60 kilometres south of the capital.
It will have 450 metres of quay with a depth of 16.5 metres alongside when it opens in 2020 - and future expansion will take capacity at the port to 450,000 TEU.
PORTS
01 February 2018 - 19:06
Update: 01 February 2018 - 23:22
Gothenburg docker strife persists, diverting ships, cargo to Stockholm
SWEDEN's main Port of Gothenburg blamed its 19 per cent decline in container traffic in 2017 to 644,000 TEU on its continuing dispute with dockers
PORTS
01 February 2018 - 19:06
Update: 01 February 2018 - 23:22
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