By moving the cargo terminal away from the passenger terminal, Visby harbour in Gotland, Sweden, has improved safety and efficiency.
- 19 November 2019
We received a new, modern goods terminal and improved accessibility. All in all, the project has equipped Visby harbour for the future and consolidated it as Gotland's most important port to the world and the mainland.
For Gotland, a modern, well-functioning transport system is an essential component in the development of a sustainable regional economy. Central to this is the island’s ferry terminal in Visby harbour, which welcomes more than 1.6 million passengers annually and serves as the main point of entry for incoming cargo. With more than 740 000 square metres of goods coming in via the ferry terminal, it is the region’s most important connection to the mainland.
Serving such an important function, it is critical that the terminals have the modern infrastructure needed to ensure the efficient and safe transport of both goods and people – which is exactly what this EU-funded project set out to do.
A complete refurbishment
Before this project, the logistical setup of the harbour area created safety and environmental hazards. For example, when trucks delivered supplies to the ferries or transported cargo, they had to cross into the passenger access area.
To increase the safety and improve the aesthetics of the harbour, this project coordinated a complete refurbishment and modernisation of the area’s infrastructure. Chief among this effort was the relocation of the port’s cargo terminal so that it was adjacent to the security area. This allows trucks to travel directly from the ship to security clearance without having to drive through the ferry passenger area. Furthermore, instead of being held near the passenger terminal, cargo containers and waste materials are now stored just outside the ISPS area.
A more enjoyable experience
By rerouting truck traffic away from the ferry facilities, passengers can now enjoy cleaner air, safer transit and an overall more enjoyable experience.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Hamnserviceterminal (Gods terminal) - for better accessibility for people, goods and services and better logistics in the entrance to the World Heritage Visby” is EUR 4 310 898, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 163 291 through the “Småland and the Islands” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.