4 insights from Logistikdag Norr
During this year’s Logistics Day, arranged by Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce, subjects ranged from supporting the green transition to fostering growth in the northern part of Sweden. Among the speakers were Andreas Carlson, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing. Here are a few insights from Logistics Day.
1. Cooperation to ease the green transition
Sustainable solutions are imperative for companies operating in northern Europe, connected to the social license to operate as well as accelerated by the EU reporting initiatives. The need to collaborate and find mutually beneficial solutions together is more important than ever. To make headway, all actors in northern Sweden – communities, regions, the central government, government agencies, the industry and the logistics companies – must cooperate closely to bring prosperity and build sustainable solutions. Everyone has to keep up. The willingness from companies and government alike is evident. Moving forward will require decisive action to complete the massive projects taking place in the region, and cooperation is a major factor.
2. Maritime shipping is important
Expanding infrastructure is urgent if we are to meet an increasing demand for transport to and from the north of Sweden. There is much talk of developing rail transport, not least the North Bothnia Line and Ore Railway. However, not only are the lead times very long, but rail transport will not be able to cope with the large volumes expected. From the moment a transport requirement is identified, maritime shipping can provide capacity after only a few short months; in comparison, it will take 10 to 30 years for railways to increase capacity. In other words, shipping will play a crucial role. Many northern ports are investing heavily in order to handle larger volumes, but it will take ships capable of making headway despite harsh ice conditions if the investments are to pay off. In order to do this, it is crucial that Sweden devotes funds to new icebreakers. During this last harsh winter, the lack of modern icebreakers was noticeable. All cargo must be able to leave any port all year round.
3. Running the Swedish flag
Over the last few years, the security situation in the neighbourhood of Sweden has deteriorated for reasons familiar to all. Colonel Lars Karlsson discussed the need of infrastructure not only for commercial reasons but for national security. Under these circumstances, it is more important than ever to have ships running the Swedish flag. Roughly 90 percent of Swedish imports and exports uses shipping at some point during the logistical chain. Maintaining Sweden’s essential needs and maintaining our supply chains during a time of crisis is crucial. WALLENIUS SOL is proud to operate under the Swedish flag on all its vessels, strengthening Sweden’s ability to defend itself. Running a Swedish flag has the added benefits of strengthening Sweden as a seafaring nation, and guarantees conditions for the crew.
4. WALLENIUS SOL will contribute
Botnia Enabler and Baltic Enabler, WALLENIUS SOL’s ice-rated multi-fuel RoRo vessels, are now in active service. Capable of running on LBG, an ISCC-certified product that meets strict sustainability and traceability standards, they can help to reduce carbon footprints and lower ETS costs. The timing could not be better; the vessels are a perfect fit for the advances taking place in northern Sweden over the next few years. WALLENIUS SOL seeks to be part of a logistics solution that meets the needs of industry. We can operate ships under the special conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia, we know the market and we are ready right now for the green transition.
