Escalating Dockworkers' Conflict Now Threatens Swedish Economy
- Gothenburg port faces partial lockout amid labor actions
- SKF, Stora Enso exploring alternative shipping methods
The container ship Edith Maersk, operated by AP Moeller-Maersk A/S, stands beneath gantry cranes during loading and unloading operations at the dockside in the Port of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Sweden's economy grew twice as fast as predicted in the first quarter, sapping speculation that the central bank will need to cut interest rates at its July meeting.
Photographer: Erik Abel/BloombergAs a drawn-out labor conflict at the Nordic region’s largest port escalates, some of Sweden’s largest exporters are warning they may be forced to find alternative harbors abroad to safeguard shipments.
Container capacity at A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S’ APM Terminals facility in Gothenburg has in the past six months dropped to 80 percent of the normal weekly level of 10,000 containers due to a conflict with the Swedish Dockworkers’ Union. It could drop to 40 percent in the coming days as APM plans a partial lockout in response to the industrial action.