Contract awarded for Gothenburg Stena Line terminal

The Port of Gothenburg has awarded NCC a contract to design and implement a new terminal for Stena Line, advancing plans to relocate the ferry operator’s operations to Arendal.

The agreement, signed on 7 October, covers the design phase and prepares the project for potential construction, with the new terminal expected to begin operations in 2031.

“This is an important project for the Port of Gothenburg, for Stena Line and for the entire city,” said Torbjörn Spetz, head of infrastructure at the Port of Gothenburg.

Stena Line plans to move its Germany and Denmark services from central Gothenburg to Arendal, consolidating its operations alongside existing port and logistics infrastructure. The relocation is intended to provide room for the shipping company to expand while releasing the current terminal areas for urban development.

The new facility will also be designed to accommodate Stena Line’s new generation of environmentally friendly vessels.

“The move to Arendal gives us good conditions for our continued transition and the opportunity to meet the needs of both freight customers and passengers,” said Niclas Mårtensson, chief executive of Stena Line.

Under the design-build contract, NCC and the Port of Gothenburg will work together during the planning and design stages to establish the facility’s configuration and costs. Sweco will act as design consultant.

The project includes upgrades to terminal areas and water and wastewater systems, refurbishment of existing berths, a berth extension and foundation works for new movable ramps. It will also include electricity and fibre installations, perimeter protection and security systems.

Cost estimates and a target cost are expected to be developed during the design phase in 2027. Construction could begin in early 2028, subject to the project remaining within available funding and an environmental permit becoming legally binding.

The environmental permit is currently being examined by the Land and Environment Court, meaning implementation remains conditional on the outcome of that process.

The relocation forms part of the Port of Gothenburg’s longer-term development strategy, bringing ferry operations together in the outer port while creating opportunities for redevelopment in central Gothenburg.