Sweden's largest-ever dredging project set to begin in summer 2027

The agreement between the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Port of Luleå and the contractor marks the final milestone before construction begins in 2027.

"We are delighted to have this agreement in place. The Malmporten project is an investment that will strengthen Sweden's long-term competitiveness and support economic growth across the country," says Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The Malmporten project will enable more efficient maritime transport to and from the Port of Luleå, supporting the industrial transformation taking place in northern Sweden. Growing production of iron ore, fossil-free steel and other key commodities is increasing demand for larger and more efficient shipping capacity.

Between 2027 and 2030, around 40 kilometres (22 nautical miles) of fairway and the harbour basin will be dredged. In total, approximately 13 million cubic metres of material will be removed—equivalent in volume to around 23 Avicii Arenas.

The project, led jointly by the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Port of Luleå, was launched in 2013 in response to industry's long-term transport needs. The contract for the remaining dredging works represents the final step before full-scale implementation begins next year.

The dredging works will be carried out by Malmporten Dredging Contractors (MDC), the same consortium that completed preparatory dredging as part of the project in 2024. MDC is a joint venture between Boskalis and Van Oord.

"With this contract in place, Sweden's largest-ever dredging project can now move into the implementation phase. It marks an important milestone and reflects many years of close collaboration between the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Port of Luleå. Together with the introduction of our new larger icebreaker, the project will significantly strengthen capacity and enhance the competitiveness of northern Sweden by the winter of 2030/31," says Erik Eklund.

According to Anders Dahl, CEO of the Port of Luleå, accommodating larger vessels will improve both transport efficiency and environmental performance.

"This is a decisive step in preparing the Port of Luleå for future demand. Increased capacity is essential for the mining industry, the steel sector and new industrial investments in northern Sweden. It also provides our customers with the long-term certainty they need to invest and grow," says Anders Dahl, CEO of the Port of Luleå.

The contract is valued at approximately SEK 5.7 billion, and the dredging works are scheduled for completion in August 2030.