Larger vessels and more efficient shipping to the US

SCA sells large volumes of sawn timber products, kraftliner and pulp to the United States. Where previously goods were shipped from several different ports, in 2025 the company began to load all products at its Sundsvall terminal, meaning that vessels with a significantly larger capacity could be used.

“The new arrangement worked very well so we also have now decided to move forward with even larger vessels,” says Andreas Hamm, who is responsible for procuring maritime transportation for SCA Logistics.

  “The fact that we can consolidate such large volumes of cargo on one vessel is an enormous strength,” says Andreas Hamm. 

Reduced fuel consumption

While products were being shipped from different ports, the vessels had a cargo capacity of around 14,000 to 18,000 tonnes. After consolidation last year, SCA Logistics began using vessels with a capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes and are now using vessels that can carry 38,000 tonnes.

The vessel’s cargo capacity is the crucial factor in determining fuel consumption per tonne of cargo. Roughly calculated, doubling cargo volume reduces fuel consumption per transported tonne by around 40 per cent. It is beneficial for the climate and also improves efficiency.

“The fact that we can consolidate such large volumes of cargo on one vessel is an enormous strength. It allows us to overcome the long distance to the US market, so that industry in northern Sweden has good conditions for competing in global trade,” says Andreas Hamm.

The vessels are operated by shipping company G2 Ocean. Between five and eight departures are planned during the year. One major advantage of vessels from G2 Ocean is that they are equipped with overhead cranes, this makes loading will be even more efficient.

Another advantage of the larger ships is the increased loading capacity.

Investment creates opportunity

Without the significant investments made in the Sundsvall terminal over recent years, it would not be possible for such large vessels to call, nor to consolidate so much cargo. New storage areas, a new container port and the deepest quay on the Gulf of Bothnia are just some of the investments made.

“You need enormous warehouses to consolidate 38,000 tonnes of cargo prior to departure. And these cargoes need to be under cover, but we have created space for this,” sager Andreas Hamm.

While the US-bound vessels are not loaded in the new container port, it is nonetheless very useful in that other vessels can be moved there when the US vessels call. This creates access to larger areas for handling US goods.

The G2 Ocean’s vessel “Star Ismene” in port during loading in June 2026.

Text: Kerstin Olofsson

Photo: Håkan Sjödin, Ulf Wallin

Article text from SCA Logistics magazine New Ways 1 2026.