Number of port calls decreases while cargo volumes increase

The world's merchant fleet has been growing steadily larger for many years, enabling vessels to carry more cargo. This is reflected in the statistics: during the second quarter of 2026, the number of port calls decreased by approximately 1.5 per cent, while cargo volumes increased by around 2.6 per cent.

– The global merchant fleet continues to grow, and vessels are becoming increasingly larger. This means that each port call can carry more cargo, which is a key reason why cargo volumes continue to increase despite the decline in the number of port calls. Maritime transport is vital to Sweden, as nine out of every ten goods imported to or exported from the country are transported by sea, says Niclas Härenstam, Director of Communications at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

Cargo volumes and passenger numbers at Sweden's ports fluctuate over time, but two ports stand out when it comes to freight transport. Both the Port of Gothenburg and the Port of Helsingborg recorded an increase of around 10 per cent in cargo volumes during the latest quarter compared with the corresponding period last year.

At the same time, the number of passengers decreased by approximately 0.9 per cent compared with the same quarter last year. Stockholm and Helsingborg remain Sweden's busiest passenger ports.