BREAKING NEWS: EU OKs Gothenburg fairway deepening

Dredging

December 8, 2023, by Eldin Ganic

With preliminary studies, risk analyses, simulations, environmental permits and other types of preparatory work already completed, the final obstacle has now been overcome to kick-start the Skandia Gateway project. This is via approval from the EU Commission, which confirms that state funding for a Port of Gothenburg fairway deepening does not constitute state aid.

Following the EU Commission’s announcement, the Gothenburg Port Authority could activate the previously prepared agreement with NCC concerning the quay reinforcement part of the massive infrastructure project, Skandia Gateway, the port said.

Next, a project organization will be formed, and offices will be established adjacent to the Port of Gothenburg container terminal ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for February 2024.

“The stage has been set for a long time, and it is with great confidence that we can now press the button and proceed with this project, which is so crucial for the competitiveness of Swedish industry. It is high time that we get started,” said Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Gothenburg Port Authority.

Fact file: Skandia Gateway Project – fairway deepening in the Port of Gothenburg

Planned deepening: From 13.5 up to a maximum of 17.5 meters of ship draft,

Designating vessel: Length 430 m, width 65 m, and a draft of 17.5 m,

Budget: SEK 2.8 billion (2017 cost level), of which the Gothenburg Port Authority (Gothenburg Municipality) contributes SEK 1.25 billion. The Gothenburg Port Authority has previously also received EU support for parts of the planning through the Connecting Europe Facilities fund,