Gothenburg Port Seeks Private Terminal Operators

The port of Gothenburg, Sweden, launched a search for private stevedoring companies to operate its roll-on, roll-off, container and auto export/import terminals as part of a restructuring of the Scandinavian region’s biggest cargo hub.

A new port authority, owned by the city of Gothenburg, and three newly formed terminal companies began operations on Feb. 1 ahead of the privatization of cargo handling aimed at boosting the profitability and efficiency of the west coast Swedish port.

“This helps us become an even more effective and attractive port,” said Sven Hulterström, chairman of the board, port of Gothenburg.

Hulterström said there was “great interest” from companies around the world in running the three terminals.

Private companies would buy the right to use the berths and terminals, but the port authority would own all the land and infrastructure to keep control over the port and its future development.

Container traffic fell five percent in 2009 from the previous year to 818,000 20-foot equivalent units with traffic recovering in the second half after falling 10 percent in the first six months.

“Although volumes fell overall we have fared well compared with many competing ports,” said Magnus Karestedt, Port of Gothenburg chief executive.

Ro-ro traffic shrunk 19 percent last year to 504,000 units and oil shipments declined seven from a record 2008 to 21.1 million metric tons.

Auto traffic slumped 42 percent to 157,000 vehicles, mainly the result of sharply lower exports.

Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.