The Port of Umeå is equipping for future cargo flows

Umeå is a multimodal logistics hub for maritime, rail, road and air transportation. Located some 20 kilometres south-east of the city, the Port of Umeå handles 2.6 million tonnes of cargo annually. The port is strategically situated at the shortest route between Sweden and Finland across the Gulf of Bothnia.

Capacity is now being further increased with the refurbishment and expansion of the northern quay, the first stage of the Nordporten project. The investment will mean more surface area, longer quays, a wider, deeper fairway and greater opportunities to accept large vessels.

Advantageous weather conditions 

“We have advantageous weather conditions, being less dependent on ice-breaking than many other ports in northern Sweden. This strengthens our role as a hub for shipping goods into and out of the region,” explains Patrik Mattsson, CEO of the Port of Umeå and Kvarken Ports Umeå.

The project encompasses a complete renewal of the northern quay, which is over a century old, a new energy pier, the refurbishment of the southern pier and dredging to improve access to the fairway and port basin. The aim is to create sustainable, long-term infrastructure for increased cargo volumes.

“We want to meet the need for increased cargo volumes over the coming years. It’s one thing to build a port, but we are also building for sustainability – for the port, the region and businesses,” says Mattsson.

The establishment of new industries in the region is driving the need for increased capacity. The port is a key node for the forest, steel and other growth industries, both for the import of intermediate goods and the export of finished products. Energy and feeder terminals also play a vital role in the region’s livelihood.

“We are meeting one of the region’s basic needs, as well as creating opportunities for growth and development,” says Mattsson.

New role as a logistics hub

New areas, an intermodal terminal and improved conditions for larger vessels strengthen Umeå’s role as a logistics hub. The carbon-neutral ferry line to Vaasa further reinforces the port’s green credentials as it strives to become a green hub in a green shipping corridor along with some 15 companies in the region.

“A quay needs to last for a hundred years and we are taking on the task with humility. Not many people get the opportunity to help build quays,” says Mattsson.

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