Port of Aarhus: Denmark's largest commercial port delivers historic results in an eventful year

The Port of Aarhus ended 2022 with the highest cargo turnover in fourteen years and is making Danish history with a new Danish record for container turnover. The total profit from port operations amounted to DKK 161 million.

The year 2022 was an eventful year with the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and sky-high inflation. This was also felt at the Port of Aarhus. It was also a year in which the port's application for a port expansion was a major issue.

"Inmany ways, it has been an eventful and completely unpredictable year. Global challenges became local. Security of supply and defense security were put on the agenda in earnest. This was also the case at the Port of Aarhus.That's why I'm proud that we're coming out of the year with as strong a result as weare," says Thomas Haber Borch, CEO of the Port of Aarhus.

In 2022, the Port of Aarhus had the highest total cargo throughput in fourteen years. 11,047,319 tons of goods were shipped across the quay. This is an increase of 9% compared to 2021. Together with the companies, the port also delivers a new Danish record for container turnover. In 2022, a total of 756,757 20-foot containers were lifted over the quay.

"Theboard is pleased that the Port of Aarhus, together with the business community, has delivered progress in all business areas. This is an important reminder that the Port of Aarhus is Denmark's port, supporting the green transition, creating jobs and prosperity for the benefit of both citizens in Aarhus and the whole country," says Jacob Bundsgaard, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Aarhus.

The need for port expansion grew throughout the year

In 2022, the lack of space at the port intensified, and the Port of Aarhus' application for a port expansion was a major topic of public and political debate.

"In 2022, we have also spent a lot of time on our application for a port expansion. There is no doubt that the interest in the expansion is great and that the waves have been high. We have had to deal with this both internally among our employees and together with the companies. I am therefore very pleased that a broad political majority has chosen to take responsibility for the development and future-proofing of the port with an agreement on an expansion of the Port of Aarhus," says Thomas Haber Borch.

Important steps towards becoming the most sustainable port in the Baltic Sea Region

The Port of Aarhus aims to become the most sustainable port in the Baltic Sea region and CO2 neutral by 2030. In 2022, the port took further steps in this direction, achieving a CO2 reduction of 18% compared to 2021.

"As Denmark's largest commercial port, we have a special responsibility to take the lead on green issues. We have ambitious goals, and despite the very high level of activity at the port in 2022, we took important steps towards achievingthem," says Thomas Haber Borch.