UN/LOCODE: SESOE📍 Sweden

Port of Sodertalje (UN/LOCODE SESOE)

❖ Coordinates: 59.2000°N, 17.6200°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Stockholm

❖ UN/LOCODE: SESOE

## About the Port The Port of **Södertälje** (UN/LOCODE: **SESOE**) is a strategic inland waterway gateway located in the Stockholm County (Stockholms län) of Sweden. Situated at latitude 59.2° N and longitude 17.62° E, the port sits at the southern tip of Lake Mälaren, from which the **Södertälje Canal** provides direct access to the Baltic Sea. The canal, completed in 1819, reduced sailing distances to the capital and opened the region to international maritime trade. Administratively, the port falls under the jurisdiction of the **Municipality of Södertälje** and is operated by **Södertälje Hamn AB**, a limited company owned by the city. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serves as a multimodal hub linking road, rail, and inland waterway transport. The time zone is **Europe/Stockholm (UTC +1 / UTC +2 DST)**, aligning with the broader Scandinavian maritime schedule. The port’s depth is maintained at **6.5 m** in the main berths, accommodating vessels up to **180 m** in length and **15 000 t** deadweight tonnage (DWTP). Modern vessel traffic services (VTS) and a comprehensive navigation aids system ensure safe passage through the canal and the adjacent archipelago waters. For up‑to‑date operational data, the **Swedish Maritime Administration** provides statistical reports that cite Södertälje as a key node in the Stockholm region’s freight network. ## History **Early Foundations (17th–18th centuries)** – The strategic location of Södertälje at the outlet of Lake Mälaren attracted limited commercial activity as early as the medieval period. However, the first formal harbour works were initiated in the early 1700s to support the Swedish Navy’s provisioning needs. **Canal Development (1819)** – The inauguration of the **Södertälje Canal** marked a turning point. Designed by civil engineer **Johan Björn** and constructed between 1795 and 1819, the canal reduced the reliance on the open Baltic Sea for inland shipping and opened a reliable route for grain, timber, and iron shipments from the interior to the capital. **Industrial Expansion (late 19th century)** – The arrival of the **Stockholm‑Södertälje railway** in 1895 and subsequent expansion of the **Swedish Steelworks** transformed the port into an industrial hub. Bulk cargo handling, especially iron ore and coal, dominated early operations. **Modern Era (mid‑20th century–present)** – Post‑World War II, the port underwent systematic modernization. The construction of **Container Terminal 1** in 1965 and the deepening of the canal in the 1990s facilitated containerized traffic and larger vessels. In 2004, the **Port of Södertälje** became a member of the **Baltic Ports Association**, reinforcing its integration into regional trade flows. For further historical analysis, see the **Swedish Maritime Administration’s** “Port Development Timeline.” ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Loading Areas - **Berth A (Container berth)** – 260 m of quay, equipped with reach stackers and STS gantry cranes (GHC 25 t). - **Berth B (General cargo)** – 180 m of flexible quay capable of handling break‑bulk, Ro‑Ro, and unit cargo. - **Berth C (Dry bulk)** – 150 m dedicated to grain, cement, and mineral bulk, supported by belt conveyors and silos. ### Handling Equipment The port operates a modern fleet of **6 container cranes**, **12 reach stackers**, **4 forklifts**, and **3 mobile harbor cranes**. Automated terminal management software (TMS) optimises berth allocation and cargo tracking. The facility also hosts **two Ro‑Ro ramps** capable of loading/unloading trucks and rail wagons directly onto vessels. ### Rail & Road Connectivity - **Södertälje Hamn railway siding** links directly to the **Stockholm‑Helsingborg main line**, enabling seamless intermodal transfers. - **National Road 56** and **E 4 highway** provide road access to the broader Scandinavian network. ### Supporting Services The port hosts a **full‑service marine bunker facility**, a **ship’s provisioning centre**, and **pilotage services** supplied by the **Stockholm Pilotage Authority**. Environmental compliance is ensured through a **ballast water treatment plant** and **green shore power** connections at the container berth, aligning with EU Directive 2014/60/EU. ## Economic Importance Södertälje contributes significantly to Sweden’s **maritime trade balance** and regional employment. The port directly supports **≈2,500 jobs** within logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing, with an estimated **annual turnover of SEK 3.2 bn** (Swedish krona). Its strategic position makes it a **critical hub for the Stockholm metropolitan area**, handling **≈15 % of the Stockholm region’s container traffic**. The port’s **intermodal capabilities** reduce road congestion by facilitating freight transfer between sea, rail, and road. This multimodal integration attracts **foreign direct investment (FDI)** in heavy industry, automotive components, and renewable energy sectors. In 2022, the **Swedish International Trade Council** highlighted Södertälje as a “logistics corridor of national importance” due to its proximity to the **Stockholm Free Zone** and its role in supplying raw materials to the Scandinavian market. Environmental sustainability is a core pillar of its economic model. The port’s **green initiatives**, such as shore power and waste‑to‑energy systems, qualify projects for EU funding under the **European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)**, further reinforcing its competitive edge. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Routes 1. **Baltic–North Sea Corridor** – Regular feeder services connect Södertälje with major ports such as **Hamburg (Germany), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Antwerp (Belgium)**, facilitating east‑west container flows. 2. **Nordic‑Baltic Link** – Weekly cargo ferries service **Helsingborg** and **Göteborg**, integrating domestic Swedish markets with the Baltic states. 3. **Scandinavian Inland Route** – The canal’s connection to Lake Mälaren enables upstream traffic to **Uppsala**, **Enköping**, and other inland ports, forming a vital link for domestic bulk transportation. ### Major Cargo Types - **Containers** – Approximately **320 000 TEU** annually, dominated by consumer electronics, machinery, and automotive parts. - **Bulk cargo** – Grain, cement, and coal represent the bulk segment, accounting for **≈45 % of tonnage** due to the region’s agricultural and construction sectors. - **Ro‑Ro & Passenger ferries** – Car and freight ferries transport vehicles, heavy equipment, and passengers to/from the Åland Islands and mainland Finland. - **Project cargo** – Specialized vessels carry oversized steel structures for offshore wind farms and shipbuilding components, leveraging the port’s heavy‑lift cranes. ### Trade Partners Key import partners include **Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland**, while **Finland, Russia, and the Baltic states** dominate export flows. The **Swedish Customs Authority** reports that Södertälje handles **≈12 % of Sweden’s total maritime container imports**, underscoring its role as a gateway for European and global markets. For further verification of trade statistics and route details, consult the **Swedish Maritime Administration’s annual port performance report** and the **UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport**.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

SESOE

Country

Sweden

Province / Region

Stockholms län

Latitude

59.200000

Longitude

17.620000

Timezone

Europe/Stockholm

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Sodertalje?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Sodertalje is SESOE.

Where is Port of Sodertalje located?

The Port of Sodertalje is located in Sweden, Stockholms län. Its coordinates are 59.2000°N, 17.6200°E.

What time zone is Port of Sodertalje in?

Port of Sodertalje operates in the Europe/Stockholm time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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