Rail expert’s chronicle: “2025 could be a breakthrough year for rail”

As we reflect on the past few years and look ahead to 2025, it's clear that rail will play an increasingly vital role in Sweden’s freight transport. Today, more than half of all goods arriving at APM Terminals arrive by rail – and this is expected to increase. We've been dedicated to creating an environmentally friendly, reliable alternative for intermodal transport by rail for years. Today, our extensive rail network not only covers Sweden but also reaches beyond its borders, offering greater connectivity and sustainable options for our customers.  

The strategy that laid the foundation

In 2018, we laid the foundation for our railway investment. We analysed our customers’ needs and formed a strategy with four key words: reliability, flexibility, trust and quality. Aristotle once said “quality is not something you do, it’s a habit”, and these words have guided our business since then. By sticking to these principles, rail has today become a supporting pillar in our terminal.

Efficient management creates growth and customer satisfaction

This philosophy has also had great results in our customer surveys. Every quarter we see that our rail handling is hugely appreciated by our customers. An important factor is how we have worked to streamline handling times at the terminal – today it only takes 60 minutes to load and unload a full-length train. This means that we can handle the approximately 18 trains, equivalent to 1,200 containers, that arrive daily, with a good margin.

This increased efficiency gives us the opportunity to grow. We already have train services from Haparanda in the north to Malmö in the south, and we are now developing new solutions to further broaden the network in our neighbouring Scandinavian countries.

The crucial role of infrastructure

However, we are not without challenges. Infrastructure in Sweden is a critical issue for us and our rail operators. Ongoing rail works and the need for maintenance present difficulties. That said, the timetables for 2025 look promising, and we are closely collaborating with our network to minimize disruptions and maintain smooth operations.

2025 – a breakthrough year for rail transport

2025 looks set to be a breakthrough year. For the first time, we have received over 100 applications to access our terminal—a testament to the hard work and trust we have built with our partners. We are proud to continue playing a key role in driving sustainable transport solutions.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to sustainable goods transport

In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our customers, train operators, terminals, and hauliers for their ongoing contributions to this exceptional rail system, with APM Terminals at its core. Together, we are helping to create a more sustainable future. The ability to transport a container nearly fossil-free from Haparanda in North of Sweden to Gothenburg, before shipping it onward across the globe, is a powerful achievement. This success is gaining further momentum as sea transport is also switching to more environmentally friendly fuels. We look forward to 2025 and everything we can achieve together. 

If you have any questions about how we can support your transport needs, please do not hesitate to contact Svante Altås, svante.altas@apmterminals.com.