Skandiaporten Deepening Project Clears Path for Larger Vessels into Gothenburg

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^{Jenny Röström Wicander}

Sweden’s Skandiaporten project is reshaping access to Gothenburg’s container port, enabling the world’s largest container vessels to enter fully loaded—strengthening the port’s role as a critical gateway between Scandinavia and global markets.

Jenny Röström Wicander, project manager at the Swedish Maritime Administration (Sjöfartsverket), leads the complex deepening of the channel into Skandiahamnen, the Port of Gothenburg’s container terminal. The initiative, with international significance, aims to deepen the current draft of 13.5 meters to at least 16.5 meters—and potentially 17.5 meters depending on budget outcomes.

Why now? Today’s ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) can only access Gothenburg half-loaded. Once completed, the deeper approach will allow full-capacity vessels, boosting load efficiency and reinforcing Gothenburg’s strategic position in Northern Europe’s logistics landscape.

Gothenburg remains Scandinavia’s only port with direct services to and from the Far East. This makes the deepening initiative particularly relevant for Swedish industry—ensuring uninterrupted direct import/export traffic despite growing vessel sizes.

The maritime infrastructure upgrade is anything but straightforward. The project involves removing up to 10 million cubic meters of clay and seabed materials, a volume that requires precise coordination. The clean majority of these dredged materials will be deposited in designated deep-sea areas. However, contaminated fractions must be handled separately in onshore facilities with limited capacity.

“There’s a real puzzle to solve when it comes to managing the dredged materials,” said Jenny Röström Wicander. “We’re balancing shipments via barge and truck across multiple reception sites. The logistics are a project in themselves.”

In Sweden, environmental regulations are strict, and the Skandiaporten team must meet these standards without compromising the schedule or quality. That includes ensuring marine life, water quality, and coastal communities are not negatively impacted by the works.

“The requirements are tough, and rightly so,” Wicander added. “But they also force us to find smart, sustainable solutions.”

Skandiaporten is a joint effort by Sjöfartsverket, Port of Gothenburg AB, and Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). While the maritime authority manages the deepening, new sea marks, and dredging, the port operator focuses on strengthening and adjusting the quays. The transport authority supports project planning and financing.

Despite its economic impact, public awareness remains low.

“There’s no major disruption to public life—no roadblocks or traffic diversions,” said Wicander. “That’s one reason the project has flown under the radar, even though it benefits the entire country’s supply chain.”

Maintaining shipping traffic during construction is a priority. According to Wicander, navigation will continue uninterrupted throughout the works, with safety and accessibility strictly maintained.

Trained as a civil engineer in road and water infrastructure, Wicander previously worked at Trafikverket before joining Sjöfartsverket in 2021. Her current role bridges technical leadership and personal commitment—especially given the project’s location in her own backyard.

“I’ve always lived around here. To be part of something so important, where maritime development meets community impact, is incredibly meaningful,” she said.

Wicander noted that working on maritime infrastructure differs from land-based projects: “You’re in a global market. The dredging contractors are international. Environmental assessments are more complex. But at the end of the day, it’s still about delivering on time and within budget.”

Initial operations are expected to start in August 2026, with completion expected by February 2028.