Port of Umeå is growing and cargo volumes continue to increase

While the number of ship calls in Swedish ports decreased by just over four percent during the second quarter of 2025, according to the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Port of Umeå has remained stable in terms of ship calls and at the same time increased cargo volumes by 5 percent.

– The port of Umeå has a strategic location, both geographically and in relation to nearby industries. The fact that we are increasing our volumes shows what a strong function the port has in keeping the region's goods flows going, says Christer Nederstedt, Marketing and Sales Manager at Kvarken Ports, which operates the port of Umeå.

The largest volume groups originating from the port of Umeå are forest products that are shipped to customers worldwide, and the forest industry accounted for a large part of the five percent increase in volume in the second quarter. The handling of other goods to and from the port also contributes to the increase. During the spring, for example, the port handled 14 complete wind turbines, with components up to 90 meters long, for intermediate storage and further transport to the site.

Expansion for future volumes

The volume increase has occurred at the same time as the port is undergoing extensive reconstruction and expansion to be able to handle increased goods flows and contribute to the transformation of shipping.

– The port of Umeå is being rebuilt to further improve the possibilities for shipping via Umeå and strengthen Umeå's role as the region's transport hub. Everyone involved shares the same goal. This means that the reconstruction can be carried out with minimal disruption to daily operations, says Christer Nederstedt.

In parallel with the reconstruction, important steps are being taken for sustainable transport. Wasaline, which operates the floating E12 between Umeå and Vaasa, has been offering fossil-free transport since August 1, which means that the international Green Shipping Corridor between Umeå and Vaasa is now in operation. Furthermore, Kvarken Ports is working together with Rise and a number of actors from the business community in a project that aims to measure CO2 emissions in the port in order to reduce emissions there as well and thus extend the Green Shipping Corridor. The investments strengthen the region's long-term competitiveness and complement the port's expansion for future flows.