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Södra optimizes the transportation chain

On the Värö Peninsula in Varberg Municipality, about 60 kilometers south of Gothenburg, lies the Värö mill, which contains one of the world’s largest and most modern sulfate pulp mills, an efficient sawmill, and a newly built factory for the production of cross-laminated timber. The strategic proximity to the forests of western Sweden and the western coastline makes the Värö mill an ideal location for optimizing both raw material transport and the shipping of finished products.

Anders Ripström, Purchasing Manager for Logistics and Transport at Södra, talks about the collaboration with Hallands Hamnar: "Since the mill in Värö started in the early 1970s, we have had a strong relationship with Hallands Hamnar. To export pulp, sawn timber, and dissolving pulp to Europe, the USA, and Asia, we work with both the ports in Varberg and Halmstad. From Halmstad, our goods are shipped in containers, and as break-bulk from Varberg."

For Södra, logistics costs and a robust supply chain are crucial. Therefore, it is important to have a partner who can optimize the transportation chain and ensure stable capacity and delivery capability over time. "Delivery capability, customer satisfaction, and logistics costs significantly impact our net results, so it is essential that the collaboration runs smoothly," explains Anders. "An efficient and well-functioning logistics chain is not just an advantage, but a necessity for us, as we handle large volumes where shipping costs can represent a significant portion of our total costs." Anders emphasizes the importance of efficiency in the logistics chain: "Every day, we have five trains commuting between Värö and the port in Varberg. These shuttles are key to ensuring that our transports are reliable and that we can maintain a high level of efficiency. Being able to rely on Hallands Hamnar to handle this part of the chain with precision and commitment is invaluable to us."

Another important issue is sustainability. "To reduce our climate footprint, we are focusing on large-scale electrification, fossil-free input materials and fuels, as well as energy and resource efficiency to accelerate the transition to a climate-friendly future together with our customers and suppliers”, says Anders. "Hallands Hamnar has also made significant progress by using fossil-free fuels and preparing for electric charging of ships in the port. Together, these measures are important for our long-term sustainability", Anders continues.

The new port area is a platform for innovation.

The future of the collaboration between Södra and Hallands Hamnar looks bright. With the new Farehamnen in place (inauguration takes place on September 9, 2024), there are great opportunities for further efficiencies. "We look forward to continuing to develop our partnership and finding even better and more refined solutions for our logistics chain," concludes Anders. "The new port area is a platform for innovation, and we already have projects underway that will help us fully capitalize on this investment."

We have a long history of positive experiences with each other, and we are taking joint steps forward," says Anders Ripström."It is a good collaboration where we discuss and act on activities that need to be addressed in the short term while keeping our eyes on the future. We do this together. This collaboration has proven to be successful, and we look forward to continuing this joint journey."

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