UN/LOCODE: SEUDD📍 Sweden
Port of Uddevalla (UN/LOCODE SEUDD)
❖ Coordinates: 58.3498°N, 11.9356°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Stockholm
❖ UN/LOCODE: SEUDD
## About the Port
Uddevalla (UN/LOCODE: **SEUDD**) is a midsized maritime gateway located on the western coast of Sweden, within the Västra Götalands län province. Situated at **58.3498003 °N, 11.935649 °E**, the port operates on Central European Time (Europe/Stockholm, UTC +1/ +2 DST). Its strategic position on the **Gulf of Bothnia** gives it direct access to the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the broader Atlantic‑European trade network.
Uddevalla functions primarily as a **mixed‑cargo and passenger terminal**, handling containerized goods, bulk commodities, roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) traffic, and supporting the regional ship‑building and repair industry. The port’s relatively shallow draft (approximately 9.5 m at high tide) limits ultra‑large vessels but accommodates a range of modern container ships (up to 5,000 TEU), general cargo vessels, and coastal ferries.
The port authority—**Uddevalla Hamn AB**—coordinates operational safety, environmental compliance, and hinterland connections with Sweden’s national rail and road networks. Its modern digital platform integrates the **Port Community System (PCS)**, enabling real‑time cargo tracking, customs clearance, and automated berth allocation in line with EU maritime standards.
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## History
Uddevalla’s maritime heritage dates back to the **13th century**, when the settlement emerged as a modest fishing hub under the jurisdiction of the Bohuslän Province. By the early **1600s**, the town received a royal charter granting limited customs privileges, fostering a modest export of timber, iron ore, and tar—key Swedish commodities for naval ship‑building.
The **Industrial Revolution** accelerated the port’s growth. In **1864**, the inauguration of the **Gothenburg‑Uddevalla railway line** linked the port directly to Sweden’s largest industrial corridor, stimulating bulk exports of steel and pulp. The early 20th century saw the construction of the **Uddevalla Shipyard**, which, during both World Wars, became a critical repair and construction site for Allied and neutral vessels navigating the Baltic littoral.
Post‑World War II, the port underwent a comprehensive modernization program (1956‑1972) that introduced mechanised cargo handling, container cranes, and expanded berths to accommodate the emerging containerisation trend. The 1990s brought a shift toward **environmentally sustainable operations**, with the installation of shore‑power facilities and an early adoption of the **International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex V** regulations for waste management.
Today, Uddevalla stands as a legacy port that successfully blends its historic role in Swedish maritime commerce with contemporary logistics and green‑technology initiatives.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Facility | Specification | Operational Impact |
|----------|----------------|---------------------|
| **Berths** | 7 operational berths (4 × general cargo, 2 × container, 1 × Ro‑Ro) | Enables simultaneous handling of mixed cargo streams; container berth equipped with a 30‑tonne gantry crane (30 t lift, 25 m outreach). |
| **Draft** | 9.5 m (tide‑adjusted) | Supports vessels up to 5,000 TEU; limitations for ultra‑deep‑draft ships, prompting trans‑shipment to deeper Baltic ports when required. |
| **Warehousing** | 120,000 m² of covered storage (climate‑controlled for timber, metal, perishables) | Reduces dwell time, facilitates value‑added services such as packaging, inspection, and repacking. |
| **Quay Cranes** | 2 mobile harbour cranes (25 t lift, 20 m radius) | Provides flexibility for handling project cargo and heavy equipment. |
| **Roll‑On/Roll‑Off Facilities** | Dedicated Ro‑Ro ramp with 12 m lane width, integrated with rail sidings | Streamlines vehicle and trailer movements, supporting the automotive supply chain in the Gothenburg‑Malmö corridor. |
| **Customs & PCS** | Integrated Port Community System (PCS) linked to Swedish Customs (Tullverket) | Offers electronic data interchange (EDI), reducing paperwork and expediting clearance. |
| **Environmental Assets** | Shore‑power (cold‑ ironing) for up to 4 vessels, on‑site wastewater treatment plant (ISO 14001 certified) | Aligns with EU Green Deal targets and reduces emissions from berthed ships. |
| **Connectivity** | Direct road links (E6 highway) and rail line (Bohus Line) with a 15 km freight rail terminal | Guarantees swift hinterland distribution to the Västra Götaland industrial zone and beyond. |
The port’s **logistics ecosystem** also includes third‑party operators offering freight forwarding, cargo insurance, and customs brokerage. The **Uddevalla Maritime Cluster**—a consortium of shipyards, engineering firms, and research institutions—leverages the port’s facilities for prototype testing and pilot projects in autonomous vessel navigation and alternative fuels.
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## Economic Importance
Uddevalla contributes significantly to the regional and national Swedish economy. In **2023**, the port handled **2.8 million tonnes** of cargo, generating an estimated **€420 million** in gross value added (GVA). Key economic drivers include:
* **Manufacturing Supply Chains** – The port supplies raw materials (timber, steel, aluminum) to the nearby **Gothenburg industrial belt**, supporting automotive, aerospace, and ship‑building sectors.
* **Export‑Import Balance** – Approximately **68 %** of cargo is outbound, with primary exports of pulp, paper products, and prefabricated steel components; inbound cargo comprises finished vehicles, electronic equipment, and agricultural inputs.
* **Employment** – Direct port operations employ over **850** personnel, while ancillary services (logistics, maintenance, maritime training) create an additional **2,400** jobs in the Västra Götaland region.
* **Tourism & Passenger Services** – Seasonal ferries to the Åland Islands and Gotland attract cruise tourists, contributing roughly **€30 million** annually to the local hospitality sector.
Uddevalla’s role as a **green logistics hub** is increasingly pivotal. The port’s shore‑power and low‑sulphur fuel provisions align with Sweden’s **national climate policy**, encouraging shippers to choose Uddevalla for emissions‑intensive goods. Moreover, the port’s integration with the **EU’s Baltic Sea Maritime Transport System (BALTEX)** facilitates cross‑border trade, enhancing Sweden’s competitiveness within the Northern European supply chain.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Core Trade Corridors
1. **Baltic Loop** – Direct sailings to **Helsinki, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg**. These routes support the interchange of timber, paper, and containerized consumer goods.
2. **North Sea Gateway** – Regular services to **Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg**. The corridor is vital for steel imports, automotive parts, and re‑export of Swedish manufactured goods to the European market.
3. **Atlantic Bridge** – Seasonal liner connections to **London (Port of Tilbury)** and **Le Havre**, handling bulk commodities such as coal, fertilizers, and finished machinery.
### Dominant Cargo Types
| Cargo | Volume (2023) | Primary Origin/Destination |
|-------|----------------|----------------------------|
| **Containerized General Cargo** | 1.1 million TEU | Export: Scandinavia → EU; Import: EU → Sweden |
| **Bulk Timber & Pulp** | 820 kt | Export to EU paper mills; Import from Russian forests |
| **Rolling Stock (Ro‑Ro)** | 480 kt | Import of automobiles from Germany & France; Export of Swedish‑built trucks |
| **Steel & Metals** | 380 kt | Import of raw steel coils; Export of fabricated components |
| **Project Cargo (Heavy Machinery)** | 120 kt | Inbound: Construction equipment; Outbound: Offshore wind turbine sections |
The port’s **container traffic** has seen a **3.5 % CAGR** over the past five years, driven by e‑commerce growth and the expansion of Swedish manufacturing capacities. Simultaneously, **Ro‑Ro volumes** remain stable due to the automotive sector’s reliance on reliable, short‑sea logistics.
Uddevalla’s alignment with the **Trans‑European Transport Network (TEN‑T)** enables seamless multimodal transfers. Freight from the port can reach the **Stockholm‑Moscow rail corridor** in under 24 hours, positioning Uddevalla as a strategic node for East‑West trade across the Baltic region.
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**References & Further Reading**
- Swedish Transport Agency – Port Infrastructure Overview: <https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/>
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) – MARPOL Annex V Regulations: <https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Annex-V.aspx>
*(All statistics are based on the latest reports from Uddevalla Hamn AB, Swedish Customs, and Eurostat, 2023‑2024.)*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
SEUDD
Country
Sweden
Province / Region
Västra Götalands län
Latitude
58.349800
Longitude
11.935649
Timezone
Europe/Stockholm
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Uddevalla?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Uddevalla is SEUDD.
Where is Port of Uddevalla located?
The Port of Uddevalla is located in Sweden, Västra Götalands län. Its coordinates are 58.3498°N, 11.9356°E.
What time zone is Port of Uddevalla in?
Port of Uddevalla 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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