The following release was published by APM Terminals:
The first quarter of the year has come to an end and APM Terminals Gothenburg sums up the quarterly volume and service we have been able to provide to our customers.
Good volumes at APM Terminals during the first quarter
The aftermath of the pandemic, combined with the economic and geopolitical situation, is putting a lot of pressure on Swedish ports. We're pleased to note that APM Terminals Gothenburg can sum up the first quarter of the year as continuing with good volume development. Compared with the first quarter of 2022, APM Terminals Gothenburg increased its volume by 17,000 TEU, which corresponds to 8% growth.
Increased ship productivity and more ships on time
Our ship productivity, measured by the number of container lifts per hour, improved by 14% during the first quarter of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.
As the major bottlenecks in the global logistics chain have been cleared, the ships are better equipped to arrive within their time window. From about three out of ten vessels arriving at APM Terminals within the specified time, an average of seven out of ten vessels are now arriving on time.
"A year ago, the delays were often 1–2 days, now we’re talking about hours," says Martin Karlsson, Operational Manager at APM Terminals Gothenburg.
Three new rail destinations since the start of the year
Stable and consistent rail productivity clearly stands out in the first quarter. On average, APM Terminals Gothenburg lifts 42 containers an hour. "There is room to increase the number of lifts per hour even further, if there is a need from customers. We've invested in broadening the skillsets of our employees, which makes it easier to adapt staffing to requirements," says Martin Karlsson.
At the start of 2023, APM Terminals began cooperating with three completely new destinations: Malmö, Helsingborg and Sundsvall – partnerships that contribute to strengthening Sweden’s entire logistics chain.
"Sweden’s well-developed rail infrastructure makes it quick and easy to reach APM Terminals in Gothenburg. The high level of reliability, flexibility and major climate benefits attract customers to the train," says Svante Altås, Sr. Sales Executive at APM Terminals Gothenburg.
21% more efficient truck handling
Handling time at our gates has decreased from an average of 36 minutes in quarter one in 2022 to an average of 28.5 minutes in the first quarter of 2023. Trucks that collect/leave empty containers have a handling time of less than 20 minutes.
"The turbulence in recent years has had a major impact on waiting times, and we're very pleased to be heading towards normal levels', says Emma Tendell Rutgersson, Customer Care Partner at APM Terminals Gothenburg. 'Particular times of the day are however busier than others, and we really want to encourage hauliers to use the times all the way up to closing, when there are far fewer trucks at the gates."
Source: APM Terminals