Kappelshamn

Background

The possibility of establishing a backup port for the Port of Visby, capable of accommodating ferries to Gotland, has been discussed for a long time. The issue gained renewed attention when the Swedish Armed Forces began investigating how the old port in Kappelshamn, which had been closed for many years, could be used to meet the needs of the Swedish Navy. Kappelshamn has been identified as the best option due to its natural setting and geographical location. Since 2016, the port has been owned by the Swedish Fortifications Agency, which has been tasked with developing it for military purposes.

On 27 March 2024, the Swedish Government tasked the Swedish Transport Administration with initiating preparatory studies to enable the establishment of a backup port in Kappelshamn as soon as possible. The Swedish Transport Administration’s report, presented on 15 November 2024, proposes that the port should be used both to meet the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and as an alternative to the Port of Visby for ferry services. An important prerequisite is that the civilian part of the port is integrated with the planned military port.

Scope

The project is a joint initiative between the Swedish Fortifications Agency and the Swedish Maritime Administration, working on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Transport Administration, respectively. The planned works include the expansion and redevelopment of port infrastructure, including the port area, quays, pier and breakwater. Dredging will also be carried out in the port area, turning basin and fairway, along with adaptations to the aids to navigation.

Timeline

A key requirement for the project to proceed is obtaining an environmental permit, and that process is currently underway. During 2025, the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Swedish Fortifications Agency carried out various environmental studies and surveys as a basis for environmental assessments. During the winter of 2025/2026, consultations were held with authorities, local residents and organisations. The application for the planned measures was submitted to the Land and Environment Court in June 2026. Comments received during the consultation process have been incorporated into the submitted application. The port is to be operational by 2032 at the latest.

Location

Kappelshamn is located on the western side of Kappelshamn Bay in north-eastern Gotland. Kappelshamn Bay is approximately 11 kilometres long and reaches a depth of around 90 metres at its entrance. The water then gradually becomes shallower towards the existing dredged fairway to Nordkalk/Storugns, which has a minimum depth of approximately 9.5 metres.