Europe’s best railroad management set to become even more efficient

Rail traffic to and from APM Terminals in the Port of Gothenburg is not only crucial for the Swedish business community but is also the best of its kind in Europe. APM Terminals and the Port of Gothenburg are now deepening their collaboration to create even more efficient rail management.

With 750 metres of track all the way into the terminal, space for three full-length trains and turnaround times of under 60 minutes, train handling at APM Terminals in Gothenburg is one of the most efficient in Europe.

'Gothenburg Port AB and APM Terminals share the same ambition to grow via the railway, and APM Terminals is succeeding in this at all levels. Whether we’re talking to the CEO or the port operator that load and unload the trains, the common view is that the railway is the foundation for the port’s position as Scandinavia’s freight hub,' says Carl-Johan Andersson, Rail Manager at Port of Gothenburg, adding:

'The work that takes place at APM Terminals is nothing short of a success story'.

Deeper collaboration and new initiatives for even greater efficiency

The Port of Gothenburg now plans to take responsibility for all rail tracks inside the port area.

'We'll ensure operations through proactive maintenance, but also carry out certain initiatives such as the installation of a brake testing facility inside the terminal. The investment is expected to save 20 minutes per train, which is equivalent to about 27 hours per week,' says Carl-Johan Andersson.

'We're very pleased that the Port of Gothenburg is investing in brake testing at APM Terminals. We currently receive an average of 80 trains a week. With brake testing and other efficiency-enhancing initiatives, we will be able to receive up to 140 trains per week. This initiative is taking place together with our partners, i.e., terminal operators all over Sweden, train drivers and train operators,' says Svante Altås, Sales Executive and railway expert at APM Terminals Gothenburg.

'Customers almost think we're tricking them'

The railway fulfils many important functions: short lead times, economic efficiency and, above all, minimal emissions.

'It’s no secret that it’s far more climate-efficient to transport goods by train to Gothenburg instead of via feeders from the Swedish east coast, but our climate calculations are often so good that our customers almost think we're tricking them,' says Svante Altås. ‘This is an important reason why interest in the railways is continuing to grow, despite the fact that 2023 has presented far more rail challenges than usual.’

'Larger rail volumes bring bigger climate savings, which takes us one step closer to the port’s, and all of Sweden’s, climate goals. The railway is, and will continue to be competitive,' concludes Carl-Johan Andersson.