Port of Gothenburg commences strategic collaboration with the Port of Bilbao
Some 2.3 million tonnes of freight are transported between Spain and Sweden each year, of which half is by sea. The Port of Gothenburg, the largest port in Scandinavia, and Bilbao, the fourth largest port in Spain, have decided to collaborate. The aim is to switch more freight from road to sea, said in the port's media release.
Today, the Port of Gothenburg and the Port of Bilbao will commence strategic co-operation to increase the volume of goods transported by sea instead of by road. Each year, around 2.3 million tonnes of freight pass between Spain and Sweden, 1.2 million tonnes of which are transported using the European road network.
"At present, around half of all freight movements between Spain and Sweden are by road. Our ambition is to switch more freight to sea carriers, which could ease the pressure on the road network," says Jacob Minnhagen, who works with business development at the Port of Gothenburg.
Redirecting freight from road to sea would result in a whole range of environmental benefits, including a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions and reduced pressure on the road network. Transport of freight by sea is the most energy-efficient means of moving large volumes of freight.
"In 2011, road transport between Sweden and Spain amounted to 1.2 million tons freight. This volume represents a potential market for our ports," says Asier Atutxa Zalduegi, Chairman of the board, Port of Bilbao, who is in Gothenburg today for strategic discussions.
Substantial quantities of fruit and vegetables are transported from Spain to Sweden. From Sweden to Spain, it is mainly paper, timber products and steel.
At present, there are two container services each week between Gothenburg and Bilbao. Apart from Bilbao, there are also services from the Port of Gothenburg to Gijon and Valencia.
"Together with our 25 rail shuttles to and from locations throughout Sweden and Norway, we have a strong offer that can replace road transport from Spain. The rail shuttles run right into the Port and the freight can be loaded rapidly on to a ship for onward movement to Europe and the world. Or the reverse, from the ship to a waiting train, which then travels to the inland terminals. We hope that more companies will have their eyes opened by our offer," concludes Jacob Minnhagen.
