The Port of Gothenburg and the Port of Shanghai have officially renewed their sister port agreement, solidifying their commitment to promoting and developing cooperation focused on growth and sustainability between the two major ports. This strategic partnership is particularly significant, given that China stands as Sweden’s largest trading partner in Asia, with over 10,000 Swedish companies engaged in trade with China and more than 600 Swedish or Sweden-related companies operating within the country.
The vast majority of trade between Sweden and China is conducted via sea, facilitated by a weekly container line between the two ports that accommodates some of the world’s largest container ships. Notably, the Port of Gothenburg is recognized as the largest container port in the Nordics, while the Port of Shanghai holds the title of the largest container port globally.
The renewed agreement emphasizes continued collaboration at the management level, focusing on increasing trade exchanges and intensifying joint efforts toward sustainable transport solutions. The agreement was signed by Yu Fulin, Director General of Shanghai’s Transport Commission, and Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg.
Göran Eriksson CEO of the Port of Gothenburg, expressed the significance of this renewed partnership, stating, “Swedish trade with China is significant, and it is our responsibility as Sweden’s largest port to help make the entire value chain more sustainable. We do this by collaborating with other ports like Shanghai on electrification and making renewable fuels available to the relevant shipping companies.” He added that as Swedish consumers become increasingly aware of transport-related emissions, there is growing demand for sustainability across the shipping sector. “In collaboration with ports around the world, the Port of Gothenburg contributes not only locally but also to global efforts,” he emphasized.
The signing ceremony was hosted by Sweden’s Consul General in Shanghai, Marie-Claire Swärd Capra, who remarked on the historical trading relationship between Sweden and China. “Sweden has a strong and resilient trading relationship with China that goes back centuries. In 1994, the cooperation between the Port of Shanghai, the largest container port in the world, and the Port of Gothenburg, the largest port in Scandinavia, was formalized through a Sister Port Agreement. Both parties recognized that a mutual exchange of experiences would benefit their respective activities. I am very pleased that the two Parties to the Sister Port Agreement have now agreed to continue and further develop this cooperation,” she noted.
About the Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg serves as the largest port in Scandinavia, handling around 20% of Swedish foreign trade and over 50% of all container traffic in the region. This full-service port offers industry-guaranteed, climate-smart access to global markets. The Port of Gothenburg ensures efficient, sustainable, and reliable transport services, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Focusing on sustainability, innovation, and digitalization, the Port aims to advance climate-efficient freight transport and support vessel calls. With over 30 rail shuttles providing daily departures, companies throughout Sweden and Norway enjoy direct, climate-neutral service to the port. The Port of Gothenburg handles a diverse range of cargo, including energy products, vehicles, ro-ro units, containers, and passengers, making it a pivotal hub for trade in the region.
This renewed sister port agreement marks a significant step towards fostering sustainable practices in maritime trade, benefiting not only the local economies of Gothenburg and Shanghai but also contributing to global sustainability initiatives.
Source The Port of Gothenburg