Container volumes at Gothenburg

The Port of Gothenburg reported a 5% increase in container volumes in the first half of 2024, marking the 15th consecutive quarter of growth, driven by rising import volumes and Swedish forest industry exports. In contrast, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority acknowledged a temporary decline in transshipment volumes at the Port of Colombo, attributed to seasonal fluctuations and global economic factors, despite a strong overall growth of 9.6% in container handling for 2024. The Port of Colombo processed 5.02 million TEU this year, reflecting significant operational improvements, while SAGT and CICT also reported increases in container volumes. Meanwhile, interest in the newly developing Vizhinjam port is growing, with plans for more international container ships to dock, indicating potential future competition for Colombo. The Sri Lankan minister emphasized the ongoing commissioning of Vizhinjam port, which aims to enhance regional shipping capabilities. As these ports navigate fluctuating economic conditions, their growth trajectories highlight the dynamic nature of the maritime industry.