Swedish Fortifications Agency and Swedish Maritime Administration submit permit application for the Kappelshamn project
News 2026-06-29
Work to establish a defence port with reserve port capability in Kappelshamn on Gotland is continuing. An application for the planned measures has now been submitted to the Land and Environment Court.
During the winter, consultations were held with authorities, nearby residents and organisations regarding the planned measures, and the feedback received has been incorporated into the application that has now been submitted. The project includes the redevelopment and expansion of the existing port infrastructure at the Port of Kappelshamn. The aim is to enable the port to meet the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces while also providing reserve port capacity for regional ferry services.
The current port structures have reached the end of their technical service life and are not adapted to the types of vessels that a defence port and reserve port need to accommodate.
The redevelopment and expansion will include, for example, the demolition of existing quay structures, as well as new asphalt and a new base course in the existing port area. Dredging will also be required in the port and fairway, as well as in the adjacent marina. The associated aids to navigation will be upgraded and adapted to the new requirements of the fairway.
The marina will remain outside the protected area, but with a modified entrance channel.
Project in brief
The total dredging requirement amounts to approximately 540,000 m³. Some of the material will be used in the port construction, while the remainder will be deposited in a suitable offshore area.
Overall, the impacts of the project are assessed to be minor.
Examples of protective measures to be applied include:
- dredging will begin in the autumn and continue through the winter to reduce environmental impact
- an environmental grab will be used where necessary
- the fence surrounding the port facility, which constitutes a protected site, will be closed to the public.
According to the project schedule, the port is to be operational no later than 2032.
Find the permit application and appendices here