Fewer vessels but stable cargo volumes in the first quarter of the year

Maritime shipping continues to play a vital role in Sweden's trade, with around nine out of ten goods transported to or from the country by sea.

“Despite a highly uncertain global situation, we can see that maritime shipping is maintaining stable cargo and passenger flows. At the same time, the trend towards fewer vessels continues,” says Niclas Härenstam, Director of Communications at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

In recent years, the number of vessel calls has gradually declined, while cargo volumes have remained relatively stable. This suggests a structural shift, with shipping companies increasingly optimising capacity and using larger vessels.

Cargo volumes carried by tankers calling at Swedish ports increased towards the end of the quarter.

“This could be interpreted as a sign of anticipated uncertainty over future supply, likely linked to the unrest in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,” says Niclas Härenstam.

During the quarter, the number of passengers travelling by sea reached just over three million, in line with the same period last year.