"This is a downturn that we have never been close to at any point in the history of the port, and it took place in a year when container trade globally had increased. It is difficult to put into words the seriousness of the situation," Magnus Kårestedt, CEO, the Port of Gothenburg, commented on the 2017 container volumes.

He also said, "We had hoped for a recovery towards the end of the year in the absence of any industrial action since last summer. But this was not the case. The message from the freight owners is loud and clear - the constant threat of industrial action hanging over the container terminal means they will not be returning without a long-term solution that will ensure reliable freight handling over time."

Nevertheless, the port ended last year with only a slight decrease in its overall freight throughput - down by 0.2% yoy to 40.8mt.

Gothenburg's finished vehicle logistics sector marked a new all-time high in 2017, going up by 19.9% yoy to 295k new cars.

More passengers went through the port's quays - an increase by 1.5% yoy to 1,733k travellers. In addition, 40 cruise ship calls were served, six more than in 2016.

Last but not least, the turnover of liquids remained at the same level as in 2016, totalling 24mt.