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Cooperation and investment improves transport in the Nordic Logistic Corridor

  • 21 September 2018

Twin cooperation and investment projects aimed to improve cross-border links on the Nordic Logistic Corridor (NLC). This led to the intense work to secure the ferry link over Kvarken between Sweden and Finland, the weakest part along the E12 highway, closer integration of transport systems and establishment of short- and long-term goals aimed at making the NLC an economical, environmentally friendly and efficient transport route.

These projects have worked intensively towards raising the profile of the Nordic Logistic Corridor and increasing its potential across Sweden, Norway and Finland. This has resulted in decisive political action across national borders and increased commitment to cross-border collaboration between the responsible authorities and organisations.

Katarina Lundström, Project Manager, Nordic Logistic Corridor

The Nordic Logistic Corridor is a transport and logistics route linking northern Norway, Sweden and Finland based on cooperation between logistics centres in the corridor. It includes the ports of Vaasa in Finland, Umeå in Sweden, and Mo i Rana and Mosjøen in Norway, as well as rail freight terminals in Umeå and Storuman in Sweden.

All three countries have invested in infrastructure, such as logistics areas and ports, resulting in shorter road links, easier access to multiple forms of transport for freight and passengers, and modern cargo-handling facilities. This has improved conditions for trade and industry.

In order to continue creating attractive transport options, measures aimed at boosting capacity needed to be accompanied by further investment. The NLC cooperation and investment projects thus developed a structure for improved cooperation between countries and stakeholders and to raise awareness of possible additional services.

High levels of interest

Various groups wanted to take part due to the high level of interest in improving the E12 European highway which runs across the region. Also, two cross-border organisations, the Kvarken Council in Finland and Sweden and MidtSkandia in Sweden and Norway, which had previously worked separately, were looking to combine their networks.

The project brought the stakeholders together and the partners performed a SWOT analysis of the NLC. Based on this, targets were set and measures to achieve them were implemented by the project working and steering groups and all project teams.

In the short term – within five years – the targets are to make the NLC an established transport route and to increase flows and capacity of freight and passenger transport. The project also aimed to make ports and terminals more flexible and efficient, to ensure long-term transport services across the Kvarken area of the Gulf of Bothnia, and to identify and reduce transport restrictions related to regional and national borders.

In the long term – within 20 years – the goal is to ensure that the NLC becomes a sustainable route within the trans-European and Norwegian backbone transport networks and an integrated and coordinated freight and passenger transport system.

A new ferry link

A key part of the investments project was the securing of a ferry link between Vaasa and Umeå, as this is essential to the success of the NLC. Activities in both ports were adapted to meet the requirements of the connection. The new company which operates the link has created several jobs and the project investments will contribute to regional competitiveness.

Thanks to the project, the E12 has been integrated into the trans-European transport network. The partners have continued their cooperation through new projects aimed at further developing the region's transport infrastructure.

Total investment and EU funding

Total investment for the project “Nordic Logistic Corridor – Cooperation/Investments” is EUR 3 649 208, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 824 604 through the “Botnia-Atlantica” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.