The project, backed by the Swedish Transport Administration with SEK 3.9 million, will test a rail link between Haparanda and Gothenburg.

Arctic Rail Link will see shipments arriving in Haparanda from the Finnish Oulu by truck for southbound transportation by rail. The first train departed for APM's container terminal in the Port of Gothenburg on 5 November 2026. The service will offer two weekly round trips.

"We want to demonstrate how existing infrastructure can be used to create an entirely new, sustainable export corridor. This is a first step towards establishing a strategic green export corridor between the Gulf of Bothnia and Sweden's west coast," said Roger Danell, Haparanda's Municipal Director.

Mathias Weismann Poulsen, Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Gothenburg, added, "We see significant potential for Haparanda to develop into a cross-border inland hub between Finland and Sweden. This initiative is a strong example of how we want to connect the Nordic region with Gothenburg by rail and develop new logistics solutions where there is demand. In doing so, we create more opportunities for Nordic industry to reach global markets efficiently and competitively through our extensive shipping network."

His company also underlined in a press briefing, "The new rail connection enables larger volumes of cargo to be transported by rail, making better use of Sweden's existing railway infrastructure. For industries in northern Sweden and Finland, it provides increased capacity and a reliable year-round transport solution, including during the winter months when ice conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia can affect shipping."

"The whole Northern region on both sides of the border is home to several key industries like steel, forest, pulp and paper production, which will all directly benefit from shorter transit times and more reliable connectivity. For instance, compared to cargo travelling on traditional routes from Oulu/Finland to Asia, the new rail solution is expected to cut the total transit time by eight days," highlighted Maersk, which launched the service.

The shipping line also noted, "Another benefit, especially in winter: customers are no longer exposed to ice-related delays in the northern Baltic Sea. The rail offering also bypasses port-related vessel and crane bottlenecks, removing key sources of uncertainty from the transport chain."

The Arctic Rail Link project will run until June 2027.