Sweden’s big box hub gets lift from APM Terminals

11 October 2011

APM Terminals’ next notable investment will be made in the Swedish Port of Gothenburg after being appointed manager of container operations at the Scandinavian hub.

Subject to approval from national competition authorities, the Hague-based port operator will take over the Skandia Container Terminal at Sweden’s busiest harbour in a 25-year lease that includes USD 115 million in infrastructure improvements over the first five years.

APM Terminals and the wider Maersk group have been frank in recent times about targeting growth markets, but Gothenburg’s value as a well-run port situated close to Scandinavian and Baltic Region industry proved an irresistible proposition.

“We will build on the port’s current strengths of location and deep water,” APM Terminals Europe Region CEO Martin Poulsen promised at the lease signing ceremony in Gothenburg on October 11.

“We’ll introduce our core expertise in world-class operational excellence and safety, improving productivity levels and developing new solutions that attract more business.”

Port Authorities were convinced APM Terminals’ worldwide reach was best suited to help bolster the freight centre’s standing as the biggest handler (60 per cent) of the country’s container trade.

“This is a big day not only for Gothenburg but also for the whole of Swedish industry,” Gothenburg Port Chairman Sven Hulterström said.

“With APM Terminals global network and expertise and a willingness to invest, the Port of Gothenburg will consolidate its role as the major international port in Sweden.”

As a major exporting country with a manufacturing industry and a growing economy, Sweden, though hardly enjoying the growth rates of Africa or Latin American markets, was identified by APM Terminals as an excellent business case.

Both the numbers and efficient manner in which the port was run proved attractive to APM Terminal’s global capacities and goal to become the world’s best terminal operator. “This is a good place to invest,” APM Terminal’s Mr Poulsen said.

“Projects like this enable us to grow national and regional economies. It underlines the value our port expertise delivers to governments and customers whose focus is on meeting their national and commercial objectives.”

A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, press release