Partner company of the Month - Port of Gothenburg

The largest port in the Nordic region is in Gothenburg

The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic Region and is of major importance to its industry and population. One-quarter of Sweden's exports and imports pass through the port. As an employee, you are offered a dynamic, international working environment.

New winds…
A great deal has happened in the Port of Gothenburg in recent years. In spring 2009, the port underwent a complete reorganisation. What was formerly a municipally owned company with over 1,000 employees was transformed into a much smaller Port Authority and three independent terminal companies. The Port Authority has overall operational responsibility.

The main task is to create conditions in which the port can develop and consolidate its position as the principal freight hub of Scandinavia. The company has around 120 employees, including business development specialists, controllers, economists, logisticians, environmental experts, engineers, project managers, market communications specialists, lobbyists, buyers, civil engineering workers, safety co-ordinators and many more.

Magnus Kårestedt is chief executive of the Port Authority: "One of our principal tasks is to be a good, effective partner for the different terminals at the port, ensuring that they develop optimally. Other areas of responsibility include developing the Oil Harbour and handling visits by cruise ships. We also work to create logistics solutions and there is a considerable focus on infrastructure issues outside the port area."

The Port of Gothenburg is continuing to take the lead in building up sustainable operations, striving to be one of the greenest ports in the world. The company is also charged with the very important task of marketing what has become the major international port of Sweden.

Business development in an international environment
The Port of Gothenburg is a knowledge-intensive company. One of the many specialists who work at the port is Jacob Minnhagen. Jacob is Senior Manager, Market Development for the Cargo Business Area. After studying at Gothenburg University School of Business, Economics and Law and at Chalmers University of Technology, he began working in the shipping industry. Moving to the Port of Gothenburg was a natural progression.

"The Port of Gothenburg is the freight hub of Scandinavia. If you're interested in transport and logistics in global competition, the port is an excellent workplace. This is where things happen," states Jacob Minnhagen.

The fact that the Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in Scandinavia is noticeable not only in the work that is being done but also in the working environment. Jacob has been at the port since August 2011 and enjoys the international atmosphere that characterises the work that is taking place there.

Jacob continues: "My work involves frequent meetings with customers and partners. Sometimes this takes place in Gothenburg or in other parts of Sweden and in some instances in other parts of the world. The Chinese market is still red-hot although we have seen indications that South America is on the rise."

All the signs point to growth
The scenarios for the future reveal a high rate of growth and an increase in consumption worldwide – despite the odd blip in the growth curve. If volumes keep pace with the trend in world trade over the past 10 years, we are looking at a growth rate of two per cent per annum. In addition, the Baltic Region – with several of the most rapidly growing markets in the world – is right on our doorstep. It is not difficult to guess that the role of the Port of Gothenburg as a transit harbour will assume greater importance in the years to come.
The growth curve for the Port of Gothenburg has been pointing upwards since 1620 – a tradition worth preserving.

A workplace with history
The Port of Gothenburg has been in existence for 400 years and will be around for another 400. Located in the heart of Gothenburg, the port is set to stay, creating what can only regarded as a very stable workplace.

"There are many people who have worked here for a long time. The port is very good at taking care of its employees," says Jacob.
Apart from a first-rate health and welfare programme, the port takes a generous view when it comes to developing skills and expertise. Cultural events and socialising with colleagues are also important and a number of enjoyable and well-attended events are arranged each year.

If you would like to know more about the Port of Gothenburg and job vacancies, go to www.portgot.se or follow us at twitter.com/portgot.