Climate change and energy are central issues for the Port of Gothenburg’s operations and development. Changing conditions, increasing demands, and the energy transition affect both the port’s own operations and its role in the transport chain.
Climate risks, transition, and energy
Climate change brings increased risks of rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events, which can impact both port infrastructure and logistics flows. The Port of Gothenburg therefore works with risk assessments, protective measures, and long-term planning to ensure a resilient and accessible port even under changing climate conditions. Climate risks are integrated into investment decisions and continuously monitored as new scenarios emerge.
At the same time, the transition of sea and land transport places increasing demands on new technologies, energy solutions, and infrastructure. Electrification, hydrogen, and renewable fuels are key elements of this development, but also present challenges related to energy supply, costs, and market availability. The Port of Gothenburg collaborates with stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to enable this transition, including through onshore power supply and infrastructure that supports fossil-free transport.
Changes in EU climate legislation affect both the port’s own operations and the entire value chain. Stricter requirements may lead to increased costs, but also create incentives for energy efficiency and new solutions. Through early adaptation and long-term investments, the Port of Gothenburg strengthens its competitiveness.
The energy transition also creates new business opportunities. The establishment of players in areas such as biomethane and hydrogen strengthens the regional energy infrastructure and creates conditions for new partnerships and revenue streams, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Long-term ambition and governance
The Port of Gothenburg aims to be a leading enabler of the transport sector’s climate transition. Reducing climate impact is central to our strategy to ensure continued relevance and competitiveness in a fossil-free transport system.
The Board of Directors of the Port of Gothenburg has given the company a clear mandate to be at the forefront. As part of the City of Gothenburg, the Port of Gothenburg has signed a Climate Contract within the framework of the national initiative Climate Neutral Cities 2030—bringing together the public sector, industry, and academia to achieve climate neutrality while maintaining quality of life within planetary boundaries. The Port of Gothenburg also collaborates with stakeholders across the transport chain. For example, together with the Getting to Zero Coalition, we have signed a Call to Action urging the shipping industry to accelerate the transition to renewable fuels.
Risk management
Identified risks include limited access to electricity, technological uncertainty related to new fuels, and the risk of lock-in to long-lived assets. These risks are managed through scenario planning, phased investments, and close collaboration with suppliers, customers, and authorities.
Current status and baseline
The target is to reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 2010 within Scope 1 and 2, as well as relevant parts of Scope 3. Emissions are measured in carbon dioxide equivalents in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The base year 2010 has been established by mapping emissions from own operations, purchased energy, and transport linked to freight flows.
Transition Plan and Prioritisation
A transition plan through 2030 includes measures to reduce emissions across the entire value chain—from shipping outside Vinga to land transport and supplier chains. The transition plan is integrated into our ten-year financial planning. Prioritisation is based on investment levels, cost efficiency, and carbon reduction per invested unit. Measures are structured across the areas of sea, port, and land to cover the entire logistics chain, with several key actions identified.