Maersk launches faster rail service linking northern Finland to Gothenburg port

Maersk is introducing a new intermodal rail service between Haparanda, on the Swedish–Finnish border, and APM Terminals Gothenburg. The connection will initially operate twice weekly, with plans to increase frequency to six round trips per week. The first block train was scheduled for 5 November 2026. The service will initially offer two weekly round trips between Haparanda and Gothenburg, increasing to four and eventually six as the operation develops. The new connection targets containerised freight from northern Sweden and Finland, particularly industries such as steel, forestry, pulp and paper manufacturing. Instead of using traditional feeder shipping routes through the Baltic Sea, cargo can travel by rail to Gothenburg and connect directly with Maersk's intercontinental shipping network. The company estimates that shipments from Oulu in Finland to Asian destinations could arrive eight days faster using the new route. At APM Terminals Gothenburg, containers can transfer to three mainline ocean services, including direct connections to Asia through Maersk's Gemini network. The rail service also provides an alternative to Baltic feeder shipping during winter, when ice conditions can disrupt vessel schedules. By routing containers overland to Gothenburg, Maersk expects to reduce exposure to these delays and congestion at intermediate ports. The long-distance rail section will use electric traction, with onward distribution to customers available by road or rail. The service is being introduced during a period of growing Nordic international trade. Finnish goods exports increased by 11.5% in value during January–August 2026, while imports rose by 16.6%. Sweden recorded export growth of 4% and import growth of 8% over the same period.