Container volumes in Sweden and Europe are declining due to the downturn in the economy. In spite of this, APM Terminals in Gothenburg is bucking the trend and reporting its highest quarterly volume of containers ever. At the same time, the terminal has maintained a consistently high level of service for its customers.
Reduced container volumes are hitting both Swedish and continental ports hard at the moment. The biggest impact on volumes is decreasing imports, as a consequence of inflation, a weak krona and more restrained household consumption. At the same time, exports are booming, especially of timber products and from basic industries, where efficient and environmentally friendly logistics solutions are high up on export companies’ wish lists. This development makes APM Terminals Gothenburg an attractive choice for export companies, and this is clearly reflected in container volumes.
"APM Terminals Gothenburg is one of just a few ports in the world that has increased volumes over the course of the year. In the third quarter, we achieved the highest turnover of TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent containers) in the port's history," says Brian Bitsch, Commercial Manager at APM Terminals Gothenburg.
Smart Rail Solutions
"The decisive factors that attract our customers, include our extensive shipping line network and our smart rail solutions. But it's thanks to our efficient and seamless operations that we've been able to handle these volumes without compromising on our service to customers."
Martin Karlsson, Operational Manager at APM Terminals Gothenburg, commented, "'Despite unusually high volumes, we've maintained an average handling time for trucks of less than 30 minutes and serviced all vessels and trains on time. In addition, we've been able to meet the need for extra services, which has resulted in a weekly record of 15 ship calls."
"By implementing efficient processes and ensuring the right number of employees, machines and cranes, almost anything is possible," he adds. "Most important, however, are the outstanding efforts from our various departments, and I would like to highlight our employees in production in particular."
Liridona Dogani, Port Operator at APM Terminals adds: "We're constantly striving to work smarter, not harder, by optimising horizontal transport routes at the terminal, for example. The key to everything running smoothly is clear structures and good cooperation between our colleagues in production. We share the common goal of delivering premium service to our customers, and it gives us a lot of pride and motivation when we succeed time and time again."