The Swedish cabinet has given its green light to a new passage between Landsort and Södertälje, making it possible for the latter to welcome larger vessels (220 by 32 m without any restrictions).

The existing fairway will be widened and made deeper and will receive improved marking. Additionally, two new sections will be added: Fifång-Regarn and Oaxen-Skanssundet.

The new fairway will be two kilometres longer than the current fairway and deeper (10.5 m vs today's 9.0 m).

Nowadays, ships 160 m long can sail through the fairway without restrictions (up to 200 m in length in certain conditions).

The Swedish Maritime Administration will be responsible for the upgrading project.

"We have waited long for this decision, which means a lot to us in the light of the possibilities to develop Södertälje as a future sustainable transport alternative," Per Fredman, Deputy CEO of the Port of Södertälje, commented.

He furthered, "Thanks to the new fairway, we will serve bigger ships; equally important, the passage will become safer for all traffic. It is a vital step towards an efficient, environmentally friendly, competitive transport system. Larger vessels will make it possible to unburden the regional road network. The entire country will positively benefit from the road-to-sea shift."

The set-up of the current fairway, which is open to the public, is accident-prone, with narrow passages causing traffic restrictions when it is dark, there is poor visibility or strong wind.

Photo: Swedish Maritime Administration