As such, the Swedish seaport noted a new all-time high for containers going over its quays (16k more boxes than the port's previous record result from 2012).

At the same time, Gothenburg's rail container traffic contracted 8.7% year-on-year to 473k TEUs (though it was still the second-best year in this area for the seaport).

Fewer ro-ro cargo units were taken care of, too, down 3.7% yoy to 540k trucks & trailers.

On the other hand, more new vehicles were handled, up 12.2% yoy to 267k.

Whereas less liquid bulk was handled (-17.5% yoy to 18.4 million tonnes), the Port of Gothenburg saw more dry and break-bulk (+17.1% yoy to 439kt).

The Swedish seaport welcomed 1.4 million ferry passengers (+7% yoy) and 118k cruise travellers (+45% yoy).

"In total, it is a fantastic result and a strong testament to the Port of Gothenburg's role as the guarantor of Swedish industry's access to the world. It is gratifying that the Swedish export industry continues to stand strong and that we are now seeing a brightening on the import side. The port's growing market share, both nationally and internationally, also indicates further strengthened confidence from shipping companies and cargo owners, which we are very proud and grateful for," commented Claes Sundmark, Vice President Sales & Marketing at the Gothenburg Port Authority.