Port of Gävle

By moving the timber stuffing operations closer to the container terminal, internal container transports at Port of Gävle are reduced by approximately 40,000 kilometres per year – the equivalent of one lap around the globe. This results in faster flows, lower emissions and freed-up capacity for continued development of the port area.

With timber stuffing now located directly adjacent to the container terminal, the distance for each internal transport is reduced by just over three kilometres per moved container. On a yearly basis, this means that port vehicles drive approximately 40,000 fewer kilometres within the area.

“We have brought new life to previously undeveloped areas. With a new dedicated location for timber stuffing, we can both shorten driving distances and free up around 50,000 square metres of valuable terminal space for other operations,” says Jörgen Flank, Terminal Director at Yilport.

The change is part of the port’s continuous work to optimise land use and cargo flows. The shorter driving distances are also expected to reduce fuel consumption and thereby lower carbon dioxide emissions.

“Shorter driving distances are a win on all fronts. We expect this to lead to lower fuel consumption, fewer risk situations and more efficient handling,” says Jörgen Flank.

For customers, the relocation strengthens the overall capacity at Port of Gävle and ensures that there is available capacity in the port for increasing volumes. The freed-up area and shorter driving distances also create better conditions for further developing operations. At the same time, there is ongoing work to optimise the entire logistics chain, where electrification of equipment and internal transport is one of the key focus areas going forward.

Facts: What does one lap around the globe correspond to?

• One lap around the Earth at the equator: 40,075 km
• Corresponding reduction in driving distance within the port area: approx. 40,000 km/year

Why this matters

• More efficient flows: shorter lead times from stuffing to gate.
• Less internal traffic: increased safety and smoother logistics in the port area.
• Climate benefits: lower fuel and energy consumption per TEU.
• Capacity: frees up approx. 50,000 m² of terminal space for other operations.

The Port of Gavle’s Port Tariff for 2026 is now published and applies from 1 January 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the 2026 Port Tariff or need guidance, please contact:

David Boman
Process Developer
+46 73 980 25 83

This week, an extensive noise assessment was carried out in Port of Gävle, including Granudden and nearby areas. The purpose is to ensure that the port’s operations comply with the noise level requirements set in its environmental permit – around the clock, all year round.

The assignment was carried out by Structor Akustik, specialists in environmental noise and acoustic engineering. Measurements were taken at several locations within the port area, including the bulk terminal, container terminal, railway, and waste management operators, as well as at Granudden. Noise levels outside the port area were also measured, for example at Engeltofta.

To obtain a representative picture, the measurements were performed under varying conditions – including when a container vessel was alongside and being loaded, a vessel was at the slurry quay, and when a freight train arrived at the container terminal for loading. After the measurements, calculations will be made to assess how the sound propagates over longer distances, based on both measured values and standard reference values for typical vessels.

“We conduct noise assessments regularly and can compare the results with previous years’ measurements. It is important that weather conditions are favourable when measuring – it should neither rain or be too windy. Earlier this summer, we had to cancel several planned occasions when forecasts were not suitable,” says Elin Frisk, Environmental Specialist at Port of Gävle.

The results will be presented in a detailed report including data, assessment criteria, and noise propagation maps. These will be compared against the applicable guideline values for noise levels at residential properties:

• Daytime (07:00–18:00, weekdays): max 55 dB(A) equivalent level
• Evenings/weekends (other times): max 50 dB(A) equivalent level
• Night-time (22:00–07:00): max 50 dB(A) equivalent level
• Maximum instantaneous night-time level: max 65 dB(A)

This work is part of Port of Gävle’s long-term environmental efforts, aimed at both meeting legal requirements and showing consideration for residents in surrounding areas.

This week, the Port of Gävle welcomed representatives from the Ports of Luleå and Piteå, as well as the Swedish Maritime Administration, for an exchange of experiences focused on strengthening digital development within our port clusters.

During 2024, the Ports of Luleå and Piteå are implementing a tool that enables broad coordination of vessel calls among port stakeholders. In Gävle, we use a mobile application for shared situational awareness, the Port Activity App, and since 2023 we have implemented a digital queueing system that allows for eco-driving from the previous port. The long-term aim of the exchange is to develop and share solutions that enable eco-driving between ports.

The meeting also included a researcher from the University of Gothenburg, specializing in digital queueing systems for vessel traffic management.

The discussions revolved around how digital tools and working methods can support smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable port operations. We all face similar challenges and opportunities when it comes to developing digital collaboration within our port clusters. By sharing insights and reflecting together, we can strengthen our approaches and identify common paths forward.

“It’s inspiring to follow how our colleagues in the north are rapidly expanding their digital capacity. Meetings like this provide valuable insights into how we can take the next step in making vessel calls more efficient and sustainable,” says Linda Astner, Head of Sustainable Development at the Port of Gävle.

The visit is a strong example of how collaboration between Swedish ports contributes to our shared development – technically, strategically, and environmentally – as we move toward the digital and sustainable ports of the future.

🔗 Learn more about our digital tools: Port Activity App and Time Slot Gävle