Sweden's Skandiaporten project will deepen the fairway into Gothenburg's Skandiahamnen to accommodate the world's largest containerships fully loaded, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

The current maximum draft of 13.5 metres restricts large vessels to partial loads. The project aims to increase depth to at least 16.5 metres, possibly 17.5 metres depending on budget.

The upgrade will boost cargo capacity per vessel and strengthen Gothenburg's position as a logistics hub in northern Europe. It is the only Scandinavian port offering direct shipping between Europe and the Far East.

Up to 10 million cubic metres of clay will be dredged. Quays will be reinforced and deepened to support the expanded draft.

Project manager Jenny Wicander of Sjofartsverket said most dredged material is clean and will be deposited in seabed depressions. Polluted portions will be treated at land-based facilities.

Ms Wicander noted the logistical complexity due to limited reception facilities, requiring coordination of barges and trucks to manage the dredged material.

Sweden's strict environmental standards are central to the project. Ms Wicander said solutions must balance sustainability and feasibility.

Skandiaporten is a joint effort by Sjofartsverket, Goteborgs Hamn AB and Trafikverket. Sjofartsverket oversees fairway dredging and navigational aids, while Goteborgs Hamn handles quay works.

Ms Wicander said public awareness of the project remains low but assured that construction will not disrupt navigation or public access.

Procurement is underway in 2025. Construction begins August 2026, with completion slated for February 2028.

Ms Wicander, a civil engineer formerly with Trafikverket, joined Sjofartsverket in 2021. She will take parental leave but return in March 2026.

Sjofartsverket is a government agency under the Ministry of Infrastructure, responsible for maritime safety and fairway maintenance.

Goteborgs Hamn AB manages the Port of Gothenburg, Scandinavia's largest port, handling container, ro-ro, energy and bulk cargo.

Trafikverket is Sweden's transport authority overseeing national road and rail infrastructure and long-term planning.