According to the Swedish Maritime Administration, the number of passengers in the Swedish ports increased by 27 percent – to 3,164,745 – compared to the first quarter of last year.
“What we see is a continued recovery after the pandemic. It is a sharp increase compared to 2022, although the number of passengers in total in the first quarter is not yet up to the same levels as 2019, which can be considered a normal year for passenger traffic at sea,” says Niclas Härenstam, director of communications at the Swedish Maritime Administration, in one press release.
Ferry traffic accounts for the large increase.
“It is close at hand that an explanation could lie in the financial situation where many families now move with a thinner wallet. Traveling by ferry is an excellent alternative to other ways of traveling which are often more expensive,” says Härenstam.
The increase occurred in January and February, while March was a more tame month.
Freight volumes fell three percent. But in March the decline was almost six percent.
If the trend continues, it could be a sign that the recession is beginning to be felt even for shipping.
“It remains to be seen whether it is the beginning of a downward trend or whether it is temporary,” says Härenstam.