Sweden: APM Terminals’ Gothenburg Deal Gets Green Light

The Competition Authority of Sweden has approved APM Terminals’ filing for the Skandia Container Terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden.

On 11 October 2011, The Port of Gothenburg and APM Terminals signed the concession agreement to manage Sweden’s largest container terminal – the Skandia Container Terminal for the next 25 years. APM Terminals will invest over USD 115 million in the first five years of operation to make the port more competitive as a North Europe freight hub for the Nordic and Baltic markets. Most of the investment will target infrastructure improvements.

“We are very pleased that the matter has been dealt with so quickly. It is positive for both the 450 employees at the terminal and for our customers”, commented Sven Hulterström, Chairman of the Port of Gothenburg.

Keld Pedersen, APM Terminals newly appointed Managing Director of Skandia Container Terminal echoed Sven Hulterstrom’s thoughts, adding “This is a clear example of the business friendly environment Sweden offers investors and we are keen to work closely with the people of the Port of Gothenburg to build on their success.” Pedersen was selected based on his experience as head of the terminal division of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia – one of APM Terminals’ largest volume, deepwater hub ports in Asia.

Project teams from APM Terminals and the Port of Gothenburg are now moving forward with the next steps in the implementation plan for the transfer of management and operations in January 2012.