SCA Implements Changes to Its RoRo Traffic, Reducing Emissions

Oct. 6, 2026 - SCA Logistics on October 1 implemented several changes that optimize RoRo traffic.

Prior to the change, three RoRo ships depart from Umeå each week: two to Kiel and one each to London and Rotterdam. From October 1, there will be two departures per week, one on each route.

With the new arrangement, the average speed of the vessels will be reduced from approximately 15 knots to 11–12 knots. Together with a higher load factor, especially on the northbound voyages, this means that the vessels can be used more resource-efficiently.

“This means reduced emissions and a higher fill rate for the ships,” says Magnus Svensson, Purchasing and Logistics Director at SCA Logistics. “By planning logistics smarter, we can reduce emissions per tonne-kilometre by around 40 percent.”

Expanding with Piteå

An important part of the new arrangement is that the line will be expanded to include Piteå. When time is freed up in the timetable, ships that previously only called at Umeå can continue north to Piteå Port on Haraholmen. There, goods from SCA industries in Munksund are loaded, while recycled fiber and other goods are unloaded.

Calling Vlissingen

Another change is that ships carrying kraftliner and pulp to Western and Central Europe will call at Vlissingen instead of Rotterdam. This applies to both RoRo ships and complementary bulk ships.

“It is a short and relatively easy sailing for our ships to Visslingen, which saves us a couple of hours per trip. It is another way for us to make shipping more efficient and reduce emissions. We also believe that our already high delivery reliability can be even better,” Magnus concludes.

SCA is based in Sundsvall, Sweden, and offers packaging paper, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners and efficient transport solutions.

SOURCE: SCA