Fewer ships at Ports of Stockholm, but more passengers aboard

Ports of Stockholm is one of the world’s largest passenger ports and one of Sweden’s largest freight ports. Fewer ships called at Ports of Stockholm’s ports in 2023, but the level of occupancy aboard was greater.

The status at Sweden’s ports today to a high degree reflects the prosperity of the nation and of the building industry. The Stockholm region, which represents Sweden’s largest import market and consumer area, has been affected by the recession.

Goods volumes passing through Ports of Stockholm’s ports remained stable throughout the pandemic, but have reduced since 2022 following the decline in the economy and lower demand for imported goods. This is especially true for the construction sector, as a significant proportion of the imports from the Baltic States and Poland comprises building materials. A total of 7.4 million metric tons of goods arrived at Ports of Stockholm in 2023, compared to 8.8 million metric tons in 2022.

The interest of ferry passengers in sailing over the Baltic Sea has picked up again. Occupancy levels aboard ships increased during 2023, although there have been fewer ships in operation, which resulted in reduced total passenger numbers in 2023. Viking Line stopped operating services from Port of Kapellskär at the beginning of the year and Tallink Silja has one less vessel operating services from Stockholm. The total number of ferry passengers amounted to 6.9 million for 2023, compared to 7.4 million the previous year.

“Our largest RoRo customer continues to expand and invest in Port of Kapellskär and the Baltic Sea, which is very positive. Two new vessels were introduced on the Kapellskär–Naantali route, creating a significant increase in capacity, both in terms of passenger numbers and total cargo footage,” states Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm.

Ports of Stockholm welcomed the first of the two brand new Finnlines vessels on the Kapellskär–Naantali route in September 2023. The second vessel comes into service in February 2024 and will provide a substantial capacity increase. The newly formed company, Gotland Alandia Cruises, is also introducing the vessel Birka Gotland into service during 2024 and will offer cruises from Stockholm to several Baltic Sea destinations.

Stockholm maintains a strong position as an international cruise destination and, despite fewer cruise ship calls during 2023, the number of cruise passengers increased. The ports in Stockholm and Nynäshamn welcomed a total of 128 cruise ships, carrying 256,000 passengers – increasing passenger numbers by 9,000. Almost all of the cruise ships were fully booked during the year, in contrast to 2022. With these 128 cruise ship calls, Ports of Stockholm retains its status as the number one destination in the Baltic Sea and continues to play a significant part in Stockholm’s flourishing tourist industry.

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Please contact us 

Ingrid Hansson, Public Relations Manager, Ports of Stockholm
+46(0)70-770 27 47, ingrid.hansson@portsofstockholm.com