Maersk Launches Block Train Service Between Haparanda and Gothenburg to Speed Up Cargo
Cubierto por 4 fuentesPublicado
- maersk_pressreleaseNew rail solution connects Finnish and Swedish businesses a week faster to global trade
- Data PortuariaNueva solución ferroviaria conecta empresas finlandesas y suecas una semana más rápido al comercio global
- diario del puertoMaersk lanza un nuevo servicio ferroviario entre Finlandia y Suecia
- Puertos y comercio argentinaMaersk inicia servicio ferroviario que conecta Finlandia con el norte de Suecia para agilizar exportaciones
Maersk has launched a new block train service between Haparanda, a border town between Sweden and Finland, and APM Terminals Gothenburg. The first train is scheduled for November 5 and aims to give companies in Finland and northern Sweden a fast, reliable, low-emission, year-round route to global ocean networks.
Frequencies and time savings
The connection starts with two round trips per week on the Gothenburg-Haparanda-Gothenburg route, with Maersk planning to raise frequency to four and later six trips per week. Compared with the traditional routes from Oulu to Asia via feeder through the Baltic Sea, the company estimates the new service will cut total transit time by eight days, while also removing exposure to ice-related delays in the northern Baltic during winter.
Connection to the Gemini network
Through APM Terminals Gothenburg, the train links directly to Maersk's international shipping services, particularly the east-west Gemini ocean network, which runs three main services calling at the port with direct connections to Asia. The main leg of the journey runs on electrified rail, while the final leg to the customer can be completed by truck or rail, in line with the company's decarbonization goals.
Impact on key industries
Kenni H.S. Callesen, Managing Director of Maersk for the Nordic region, said the new rail solution will benefit the Finnish and Swedish economies by speeding up cargo movement and reducing uncertainty in the transport chain, especially during winter. Sources highlight that the region on both sides of the border is home to industries such as steel, forestry, pulp and paper production, which will directly benefit from shorter transit times and greater reliability.
Foreign trade context
The launch comes at a time of strong trade momentum in both Nordic countries. According to preliminary figures from Finnish Customs, the value of Finnish exports grew 11.5% year-on-year between January and August 2026, with a 3.3% rise in volume, while imports increased 16.6% in value; in August alone, exports rose 22% in value and 9.5% in volume. In Sweden, Statistics Sweden reported a 4% increase in export value and an 8% rise in imports over the same period.
