The upcoming direct shipping route between Gothenburg (Sweden) and Vung Tau (Vietnam), expected to be launched by MSC—the world’s largest container shipping company—is anticipated to be a turning point in trade relations between Vietnam and Northern Europe. Ahead of the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025, Mr. Richard Mellgren of the Port of Gothenburg spoke with the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, sharing strategic insights on the significance of this new maritime link, the Port’s green and digital logistics initiatives, and its commitment to supporting Vietnamese businesses in deepening access to the Swedish and broader Northern European markets.
1. From your perspective, why is the Gothenburg–Vung Tau direct route such a game changer for trade between Vietnam and Northern Europe?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
Over the past decade, trade relations between Vietnam and Sweden have experienced substantial growth. Between 2015 and 2024, exports from Viet Nam to Sweden increased by 37%, while shipments from Sweden to Viet Nam surged by an impressive 127% in terms of metric tons. This upward trend, supported by the benefits of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), presents a valuable opportunity for industries to deepen commercial ties and expand trade between Viet Nam and Sweden, as well as the broader EU market. As trade volumes grow, ensuring efficient and sustainable transport of goods is essential. Although a variety of transport options connect the two countries today, ocean freight continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating this trade. Looking ahead, it is crucial to assess the potential for establishing direct shipping links between the Port of Gothenburg and key Vietnamese ports. One such example is MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, which has shown interest in a direct service between Gothenburg and Vung Tau. Establishing a direct connection would eliminate the need for transshipment at intermediary ports in Asia or Europe, allowing cargo to remain on the same vessel throughout the entire journey—significantly enhancing both reliability and efficiency.
2. You joined the Sourcing Fair in 2023 — what came out of that experience, and what made you want to come back this year?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
We were very pleased with our participation in the 2023 Sourcing Fair. As an organization committed to facilitating global market access for the industry, it is essential for us to be present on the ground to gain a deeper understanding of local market dynamics. Engaging directly with cargo owners, carriers, freight forwarders, logistics associations, and other key stakeholders provides us with valuable insights. These interactions not only enhance our market knowledge but also enable us to further develop our business portfolio and strengthen the range of services offered by the Port of Gothenburg. From our perspective, the Sourcing Fair serves as a highly effective platform—one that offers meaningful learning opportunities while fostering new and strategic relationships.
3. Railport Scandinavia is a huge asset for exporters. How do you see Vietnamese companies making the most of it to reach inland Scandinavia and Europe?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
Sustainability remains a top priority for many companies, and this is precisely where the advantages of our rail network, Railport Scandinavia, become particularly valuable. Sweden’s access to diverse sources of renewable electricity enables us to power freight trains with green energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, each cargo train has the capacity to carry between 40 and 44 forty-foot containers—effectively removing the equivalent number of trucks from the roads, easing congestion and lowering environmental impact. An added benefit is the ability to operate freight trains during nighttime hours. This allows for a more efficient allocation of rail infrastructure, balancing cargo and passenger traffic.
4. What message would you like to share with Vietnamese businesses and international buyers attending the 2025 fair?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable global marketplace, the value of strong international trade relationships is more important than ever. As you explore new partnerships and opportunities at this exhibition, we encourage you to consider the strategic advantages offered through the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which continues to unlock significant potential for collaboration between Viet Nam and EU member states—including Sweden. The Port of Gothenburg proudly serves as Sweden’s premier logistics hub and a critical gateway into the Scandinavian market. Whether you are a cargo owner, freight forwarder, or logistics partner, we are here to make your access to the Swedish market as smooth and efficient as possible. We look forward to connecting with you, sharing insights, and exploring how we can support your global supply chain ambitions.
5. And lastly — what are some of the cool green or digital logistics initiatives at the Port that you think could really benefit Vietnamese trade partners?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
In addition to our Railport Scandinavia network, which was highlighted earlier, we are proud to lead a number of other forward-thinking sustainability initiatives. One such initiative is our longstanding use of Onshore Power Supply (OPS), which allows vessels to connect to the local electrical grid while docked, enabling them to shut down their auxiliary engines. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and noise in port areas—contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment. We have been providing onshore power since 2001, demonstrating our long-term commitment to sustainable port operations.
Building on this foundation, we introduced the “Green Cable” earlier this year at our energy terminal—a groundbreaking concept designed to deliver safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective onshore power for tankers operating in hazardous environments. This new system aims to establish a global benchmark for shoreside power solutions in the energy sector. Furthermore, in May of this year, we launched a pilot project utilizing a hydrogen-powered generator to supply electricity to vessels at berth. This innovative approach offers a promising alternative for ports where traditional onshore power infrastructure may not be viable, potentially paving the way for broader adoption of low-emission technologies across the maritime industry.