The first phase of Nordporten, Umeå harbor's extensive expansion project, will be completed by fall 2026 after construction start in March 2025. The project adapts the harbor for increased cargo volumes and larger, more modern vessels.

Nordporten is a response to forecasts pointing toward increasing cargo volumes in Umeå harbor, driven by major investments in northern Sweden from both existing operations and new establishments. At the same time, the shipping sector is undergoing extensive transformation.

The first phase includes the Northern quay and enables more efficient logistics flows in the harbor. The entire Nordporten project, which continues until 2030, also includes construction of a new energy pier and fire water building, expansion of the Southern quay and Pier quay, shore power, and dredging.

The expansion will make Umeå harbor more competitive and capable of handling growing freight volumes, especially containers, bulk cargo, and special cargo, while supporting more modern vessels with greater draft.

For the business community in the Umeå region, the harbor expansion is strategically important. Several major projects in northern Sweden – including Liquid Wind's e-fuel facility in Umeå and other green industrial investments – will generate significant freight traffic.

Umeå harbor is an important link in the northern corridor and the connection to Finland via the Kvarken connection. With improved capacity, the harbor can handle the increased exports and imports that follow from the region's industrial growth.

The Swedish Maritime Administration is simultaneously deepening the fairway to Umeå harbor, which enables larger vessels and increased efficiency in maritime transport. Project Nordporten is coordinated with this development.

When the entire project is completed in 2030, Umeå harbor will have undergone extensive modernization worth 1.4 billion kronor. This positions the harbor as a key player in northern Sweden's logistics infrastructure and a prerequisite for the region's continued industrial development.

The first phase, completed in fall 2026, forms the foundation for continued expansion and enables increased cargo handling already during 2026.