The Port of Gothenburg is heading toward a record year in container and rail freight volumes, the company said in a news release.
During the first three quarters of 2025, container throughput rose by four percent to 709,000 TEU compared with the same period in 2024, marking the highest level ever recorded for this period. The port reported that import volumes are the main growth driver, while exports remain stable and the share of empty containers continues to decline.
Rail freight volumes increased by four percent to 393,000 TEU, representing more than 60 percent of total container traffic. Growth has been supported by stronger rail connections to northern Sweden, inland regions, and the Stockholm area.
RoRo traffic also gained momentum, up one percent year-on-year to 394,000 units, with imports rising and exports holding steady. In contrast, car volumes fell nine percent to 172,000 units, as exports to Europe declined by 13 percent and to the United States by 21 percent, attributed to U.S. import tariffs on European vehicles. Imports of cars showed a modest increase.
Energy product handling dropped seven percent to 15.2 million tonnes, though September recorded a 22 percent rebound in volumes.
Passenger traffic remained stable at 1.1 million travelers, and the cruise segment continued to expand, with 55 calls and 75,000 passengers during the period.
Port of Gothenburg is the largest seaport in Scandinavia and a key logistics hub for Sweden’s international trade. It operates as a full-service port, handling containers, RoRo cargo, vehicles, energy products, and dry bulk. The port facilitates about 20 percent of Sweden’s foreign trade and over half of its container traffic.
