Norway's largest container terminal Yilport Oslo handled a total of 238,000 containers (TEU) in 2018, an increase of 14% from the previous year.
The Norwegian container port operator said that as the cargo from Europe are growing, Oslo has become the logistics hub in Norway.
"About 80% of the goods that come in containers, everything from bicycles, books to electronics, curbstones and foodstuffs is destined to Oslo and the neighboring areas. Norway's most modern container terminal is close to a large and growing market. Half of the Norwegian population is within a three hours drive from port of Oslo," it said.
"We want to commend the work that the container operator YILPort Oslo, together with the shipping companies, has closed over time. Good capacity and quality are crucial. We are in the process of getting a very competitive container terminal," said Port Director, Ingvar M. Mathisen, who added that increased sea transport is an important contribution in the green shift, and to reach Oslo's goal of a future zero emission port.
Sea transport is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and more than halves greenhouse gas emissions compared to other modes of transport.
The increased volume in 2018 is mainly in European cargo, which previously came from Europe to Norway with trucks. Changes in the transport market and lack of truck drivers in several countries in Europe have led to increased prices for road transport.
Yilport aims to become a zero emission terminal. Terminal container cranes are among the world's quietest, zero-emission cranes. The Port of Oslo has provided environmental grants that enable the purchase of six new electric trucks that will replace diesel-powered machines, it said.