After successfully leading the Greencarrier Consolidators Finance Team, Gabrielė Baniulytė has recently stepped into the role of Manager Finance Department. Bringing strong business insight, operational understanding, and a collaborative approach, she now takes on a broader leadership responsibility across Greencarrier. We caught up with her to learn more about the transition, her priorities, and her vision for the future.

You’ve recently stepped into a new role — how does it feel so far?

I’m happy about the opportunity — it means a lot when the company supports your growth and trusts you with a new challenge. It feels rewarding to be appreciated and to know that your colleagues believe in you.

The transition itself has been neither easy nor difficult. There was some stress in the beginning, as there are always new things to learn, but at the same time it feels like a natural continuation of my previous work — just with more responsibility and more people reaching out to me.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?

Overall, my goal is to handle both ongoing and unexpected issues as efficiently as possible, while at the same time looking for ways to make our processes more modern and effective.

What will be your main focus going forward?

My main focus will be to gain a deeper understanding of all business areas — Greencarrier Consolidators, Hecksher, and Greencarrier Liner Agency. I want to identify bottlenecks or areas that haven’t yet been addressed, and adjust the way we work where needed to improve efficiency. A key priority will also be aligning operations and finance so that processes become as simple and smooth as possible for everyone involved.

What experiences or learnings will you bring with you from your previous role?

In my previous role, I gained strong knowledge of the Consolidation business and developed a good understanding of both the system and operational processes. This helped me support the finance team more effectively in solving their challenges.

I also learned how to act as a bridge between different branches and finance, and significantly improved my multitasking skills. Now, my goal is to expand these strengths even further across a broader scope.

What do you enjoy most about working at Greencarrier?

The people and the culture. I really value the way communication works here — it’s easy to reach out, collaborate, and solve problems together in a positive environment. I never feel like I’m on my own; it truly feels like one large team across many countries, departments, and cultures.

I also enjoy the variety — no two days are the same. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging.

Shipping accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – and as a logistics company deeply connected to global trade, we know that our industry has an important role in driving the transition toward a more sustainable world. 

That’s why we launched the Greencarrier Blue Initiative – an initiative dedicated to investing in and partnering with people, projects, and organizations working for a more sustainable world.

Our approach 

The Blue Initiative supports projects that combine environmental protection with long-term impact. 
 
We focus on three key pillars: 

• Strategic investments – Funding projects that address ocean health, emissions reduction, and research for sustainable maritime development. 

• Collaboration for change – Partnering with organizations, innovators, and changemakers working on measurable environmental impact. 

• Community and education – Supporting awareness and engagement that inspire others to act for our shared environment. 

Our initiatives and partnerships

Ocean environment 

The Perfect World Foundation and Project Ocean

In collaboration with The Perfect World Foundation, the Greencarrier Blue Initiative supports marine conservation and biodiversity through Project Ocean, which addresses key threats to the world’s oceans, including plastic pollution, ghost nets, climate change, and biodiversity loss. As part of this collaboration, the initiative supports Sophia, Kenya’s first female Reef Ranger, who works to restore coral reefs and protect marine biodiversity along the Kenyan coast. The program combines local empowerment with tangible environmental action by restoring coral reefs, raising awareness, and safeguarding ecosystems that are critical to ocean health.

John Nurminen Foundation  

Through a three-year collaboration, the Greencarrier Blue Initiative supports John Nurminen Foundation’s work to protect and restore the Baltic Sea. The collaboration contributes to projects that improve marine ecosystems, reduce pollution from shipping, and strengthen biodiversity. Part of the annual contribution also supports the SeaToo Project, which restores underwater habitats such as eelgrass meadows along the coasts of Finland and Sweden, helping to increase the Baltic Sea’s resilience to climate change through measurable conservation efforts.

CleanSea and “100 for the ocean”

Greencarrier Blue Initiative has also partnered with marine conservation organization CleanSea to remove marine litter and protect coastal ecosystems along Sweden’s west coast and in Norway. Through the collaboration, Greencarrier will adopt twelve vulnerable coastal areas as part of CleanSea’s initiative “100 for the Ocean”, which identifies 100 of the most exposed bays, islands and coastal stretches in Bohuslän – areas where thousands of kilograms of plastic wash ashore every year.  

Emission Reduction 

In addition to the above, the Greencarrier Blue Initiative supports and finances Shipping Made Fossil Free, enabling Greencarrier’s logistics customers to reduce fossil CO₂ emissions from transport. Through certified sea and air freight solutions, customers can achieve measurable emission reductions without changing their routes, vessels, aircraft, or logistics setups.

Maritime Biofuel Insets

Through the Maritime Biofuel Insets program, Greencarrier’s logistics companies enable customers to reduce their maritime transport emissions by up to 100%. By investing in verified biofuel use within sea freight, we make it possible for companies to actively decarbonize their supply chains.

Fuel Switch Routes

Building on our insetting solution, Fuel Switch Routes applies certified biofuel insets by default to all LCL shipments from Shanghai to Gothenburg and Hamburg. This means we actively reduce emissions on some of our busiest Asia–Europe routes – a scalable concept paving the way for cleaner ocean freight.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates (SAFc)

The Blue Initiative has financed the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates (SAFc) for one of Greencarrier’s subsidiaries Hecksher, providing air freight solutions.

Made from waste materials and renewable feedstocks, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a crucial step in reducing CO₂ emissions from aviation and driving the shift toward more sustainable global logistics.

Read more about all our emission reduction services here.

Research & innovation 

Collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology 

Chalmers University of Technology is one of Sweden’s leading institutions for innovation and research. The Greencarrier Blue Initiative supports its world-leading research and education in maritime environmental science, led by Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv, a global expert in the field. The collaboration aims to drive the development of sustainable solutions in maritime logistics and promote more responsible, resilient practices across the industry.

WIN-WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award  

The WIN-WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is an international sustainability award that has recognized outstanding solutions to global challenges since 2000. Since 2025, the Blue Initiative has been a partner to the award. 

A shared responsibility 

From coral restoration to reducing CO₂, the Greencarrier Blue Initiative unites our sustainability ambitions with real-world impact. We’re proud to support people and projects that protect our oceans, reduce emissions, and advance the transition to sustainable logistics. 

If you’re working on an initiative that contributes to environmental progress, we’d love to hear from you. 

Contact: 
Josefine Widgren 
Owner & Board Member, Greencarrier 
josefine.widgren@greencarrier.com 

For decades, global supply chains have been built around one assumption: stability.

Reliable trade lanes, predictable transit times and established shipping schedules have enabled businesses to optimise logistics for efficiency and cost. But that assumption no longer holds.

For more than a year, vessels have been rerouted away from the Red Sea via the Cape of Good Hope. What initially appeared to be a temporary disruption has become part of a broader shift in global trade. Longer transit times, capacity constraints and increased volatility are no longer exceptional events—they are becoming part of the operating environment.

The challenge is not simply that disruptions occur. It is that many supply chains are still designed for a level of predictability that no longer exists.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen the conversations with customers change. It’s no longer just about transit times or freight rates—it’s about how quickly supply chains can adapt when conditions change. Resilience has become a strategic priority rather than a nice-to-have.”
– Janni Hartmann, Branch Manager Denmark, Greencarrier Consolidators

When efficiency alone is not enough

Consolidation has always been about creating value through efficiency—bringing shipments together to optimise capacity, reduce costs and improve service.

Those principles remain important.

However, today’s environment requires something more. Customers increasingly need logistics solutions that can adapt when trade routes change, capacity tightens or demand shifts unexpectedly.

Resilience has become just as important as efficiency.

Why Nordic supply chains are feeling the pressure

For Danish and Nordic exporters and importers, these changes are becoming increasingly tangible.

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing and renewable energy depend on reliable transport flows between Asia and Europe. At the same time, Nordic businesses remain heavily reliant on inbound shipments of components, raw materials and consumer goods from Asia.

When disruption becomes structural rather than temporary, highly optimised supply chains can quickly become vulnerable.

The question is no longer whether disruption will occur—but how businesses prepare for it.

Rethinking the role of consolidation

As global trade becomes more complex, the role of the consolidator is evolving.

Success is no longer defined solely by securing the lowest freight rate or maximising utilisation. It is increasingly about helping customers maintain reliable supply chains despite changing market conditions.

That requires greater flexibility in how consolidation networks are designed and managed.

Instead of relying on fixed routing, consolidators need the ability to adapt transport flows when circumstances change. Diversified carrier options, multiple gateway strategies and close coordination across logistics partners all contribute to making supply chains more resilient.

In some situations, hybrid transport solutions—combining consolidation with direct shipments on selected lanes—may also provide the flexibility needed to maintain continuity.

None of this eliminates complexity. In fact, building resilience often requires greater planning, stronger partnerships and accepting that maximum efficiency is not always the optimal outcome.

Designing for resilience

The Red Sea crisis has highlighted a broader reality.

Geopolitical disruption is becoming a long-term factor in global logistics rather than a temporary exception.

For both shippers and logistics providers, the challenge is therefore changing. The objective is no longer simply to optimise supply chains for cost and efficiency, but to design them for resilience.

Consolidation remains a valuable part of that equation—but its role is evolving.

In a more unpredictable world, the greatest value a consolidator can provide is not only moving freight efficiently, but helping customers navigate uncertainty with confidence.

The logistics landscape is changing. Whether you’re looking to strengthen resilience, improve flexibility or rethink your consolidation strategy, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.

Talk to our experts.

Maritime Biofuel Insets make it possible to reduce the fossil CO₂ emissions connected to sea freight by supporting the use of renewable marine fuel. The solution is available for both FCL and LCL shipments, making emission reductions accessible across different shipment types.

How Maritime Biofuel Insets work

Maritime Biofuel Insets are based on Liquefied Biogas, or LBG, a renewable marine fuel produced from manure and other organic waste materials. The solution works through a mass-balance principle, similar to how green electricity works.

This means that renewable fuel is added into the maritime fuel system, and the corresponding emission reductions are allocated to the customer’s shipment. The biofuel may not be used on the exact vessel carrying that specific shipment, but the overall use of renewable fuel in maritime transport increases.

Each order is documented with proof of the fuel allocation and an independently verified certificate showing the CO₂ reduction achieved through the fuel switch.

FCL shipments: choose your reduction level

For FCL shipments, customers can choose between three reduction levels depending on their climate ambitions, budget and reporting needs.

Watch the video below to see how the Maritime Biofuel Insets pricing model works for FCL shipments, with three available reduction levels.

The prices shown are examples based on one TEU, with an average cargo weight of 10 tonnes, on the Shanghai–Hamburg trade lane. Actual pricing may vary depending on shipment details and selected route.

Level 1 – 25% CO₂ reduction
A first step for companies that want to begin reducing emissions from ocean freight.
Price: €37.50

Level 2 – 50% CO₂ reduction
A stronger reduction level for companies with more ambitious Scope 3 targets.
Price: €75

Level 3 – 100% CO₂ reduction
The highest reduction level, designed for companies that want to address the full fossil CO₂ footprint connected to the transport.
Price: €150

LCL shipments: reduce emissions from smaller cargo volumes

Maritime Biofuel Insets are also available for LCL shipments, making it possible to reduce fossil CO₂ emissions even when several customers share container space.

The video below shows the example of how a 1,000 kg LCL shipment can be reduced by 100% through Maritime Biofuel Insets.

As an example, a shipment of average 1000 kg corresponding to 100 kg CO₂ can be reduced by 100% through a biofuel inset at a price of €15.

This makes the model accessible for both larger and smaller shipment volumes, giving companies a simple way to act on their Scope 3 emissions while supporting the broader transition towards fossil-free shipping.

Ready to reduce your ocean freight emissions?

To learn more or book Maritime Biofuel Insets for your shipments, contact us at emissionreductions@greencarrier.com

At the same time, customers need credible documentation to show what has been done and how emissions have been reduced. This is where verified maritime biofuel insets can play an important role.

Greencarrier Consolidators’ Fuel Switch Routes are one way of how verified emission reductions can be integrated into standard consolidation services. All Less-than-Container Load, LCL, import shipments from Shanghai to Hamburg and Gothenburg now include verified maritime biofuel insets by default, at no extra cost to customers.

The purpose is to make lower-emission shipping easier to access and easier to document, both for freight forwarders and for the customers they support. In the bigger picture, the initiative is also a way to accelerate the transition toward fossil-free shipping.

How Fuel Switch Routes work

Maritime biofuel insets are based on a book-and-claim model. Certified maritime biofuel is supplied into the marine fuel system, while the corresponding emission reduction is allocated to a specific shipment.

For LCL shipments on the Fuel Switch Routes from Shanghai to Hamburg or Gothenburg, this process is handled automatically. The shipment is booked as usual, and verified maritime biofuel insets are matched to the transport in the background.

The result is a documented reduction of fossil emissions connected to the shipment, supported by third-party verification. Documentation can be provided to customers upon request, and at the latest by the end of the year.

Why the insets are included by default

On these specific routes, maritime biofuel insets are not offered as an optional add-on. They are included by default.

This approach is based on a practical insight: many companies are interested in reducing transport emissions, but additional cost, separate approval processes and shipment-by-shipment decisions can slow down adoption. By including verified maritime biofuel insets automatically, Greencarrier Consolidators lowers the threshold and gives more customers the opportunity to experience how the solution works in practice.

“Our ambition is to make it easier for customers to take the first step. Instead of asking them to add maritime biofuel insets shipment by shipment, we include them by default on these routes. This allows customers to see the verified impact, receive the documentation and hopefully consider using biofuel insets for more of their shipments going forward,” says Tim Jurischka, CEO Greencarrier Consolidators.

The aim is to reduce emissions on selected routes, while also building awareness of maritime biofuel insets as a credible option for more transport flows. It is also a strategic investment for Greencarrier Consolidators, proactively addressing emissions on some of its most important LCL trade lanes.

Documentation customers can use

Several customers have already used the Fuel Switch Routes and received certificates confirming the verified emission reductions connected to their shipments. This documentation has been well received, especially as many companies are working more actively with Scope 3 follow-up, procurement requirements and sustainability communication.

For freight forwarders, the certificate can also support the dialogue with their own customers. It provides a clear document showing that a concrete emission-reduction measure has been applied to the shipment.

“Greencarrier’s biofuel insetting program takes the complexity out of decarbonization. The official certificate allows us to seamlessly provide our customers with rock-solid, verified evidence of real CO2 savings for their shipments. This greatly supports our sustainability efforts and adds immense value to our customer relations.“
— Lars Schröder Ramirez, Head of Communication and Marketing DECH, Ziegler GmbH.

From left: Lars Schröder (Ziegler), Patrick Westraeus (Greencarrier), Matthias Pichler (Ziegler) and Tim Jurischka (Greencarrier).

A practical step toward broader use

Fuel Switch Routes show how emission-reduction measures can be integrated into everyday logistics. When verified maritime biofuel insets are included by default on selected trade lanes, more shipments can be covered without requiring a separate decision for each booking.

For freight forwarders with LCL import shipments from Shanghai to Hamburg or Gothenburg, the service provides a practical way to offer verified emission reductions within an existing transport setup.

For shipments outside the Fuel Switch Routes, Maritime Biofuel Insets can also be added to other shipments, regardless of destination. In these cases, the inset is selected as a paid option by the customer.

This makes it possible to use the same verified approach beyond the Shanghai–Hamburg and Shanghai–Gothenburg routes, for companies that want to reduce and document emissions from more parts of their transport flows.

More information about Maritime Biofuel Insets, including pricing, is available on the Maritime Biofuel Insets page. To explore how you can reduce emissions from other parts of your transport flows, contact us at emissionreductions@greencarrier.com

What inspired you to start CleanSea? 

CleanSea started as a UF project in school, originally founded by my twin brother. Since we graduated at the same time, I joined him after high school and together we decided to turn it into a full-time company.

For me, my motivation is about leaving a positive imprint behind me in my life. I want to know that my life leaves a positive impact on the world around me, and making sure we have a healthy planet is quite fundamental for all life on Earth. 

What’s one thing people often misunderstand about ocean pollution? 

I think a lot of people like to simplify the issue – and the solution – by looking for one responsible party. Is it older generations or younger ones? Companies or individuals? But when we collect trash and see where it comes from, one thing becomes very clear: it’s everyone. Some pollution comes from industry, some from private individuals, and some from systems that haven’t been sustainable for decades. The important thing is recognising that we all need to do better. 

People also underestimate how much they can help the ocean. It’s true that a single person can’t remove all ocean pollution – but sometimes removing just one piece of trash can be the difference between life and death for a marine life. And for that fish, bird or seal, that choice means everything. And when we all make small impactful choices together, we make a massive difference for our planet. 

Why is protecting our oceans more important than ever today? 

Because every day we break a new world record for how much plastic exists in the ocean. Ocean pollution is one of the fastest growing environmental issues on the planet, and it will not get better unless we make changes.  

What role can businesses play in creating a healthier ocean? 

Businesses can play a huge role. It can be anything from organising volunteer clean-up days to reducing plastic consumption, educating employees, or supporting organisations like CleanSea that work with ocean protection every day – just like Greencarrier. When companies take responsibility, they also inspire customers and communities to do the same.

On World Ocean Day, what’s one action you’d encourage everyone to take? 

Make at least one small choice for the ocean. People often underestimate how powerful small actions can be, but when millions of people make slightly better choices every day, the impact becomes enormous.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with CleanSea? 

The most rewarding part for me has been the fact that I can say we’ve reached 100 metric tonnes of trash removed. Each day the amount of trash we’ve permanently removed from the ocean gets a little higher and the ocean is a little better off because of it. Every item we pick up is gone from the coastline and each kilo removed can save lives!

If you could share one message with the world this World Ocean Day, what would it be? 

The ocean is not separate from us, and it is essential to all life on Earth. It regulates our climate, produces 50% of all oxygen on earth, and it is the source of all life on Earth.

To learn more about CleanSea and their important mission of protecting our seas, head to CleanSea’s website.

Reducing emissions has become a central priority in ocean shipping. For Evergreen Line, this is not a new direction but an ongoing focus, reflected in investments in modern vessels, fuel flexibility and operational efficiency.

Setting long-term climate targets

To align with the global trend toward green shipping, Evergreen Marine Corp. has a CO₂ reduction target for its fleet. Using 2008 as the baseline, the company aim to reduce CO₂ emission intensity by 70% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These objectives are at the heart of Evergreen’s global climate action.

Like most shipping companies, Evergreen’s approach relies on multiple steps rather than one single technological solution.

Operational improvements remain one of the most immediate ways to reduce emissions. Measures such as speed optimization (slow steaming), improved voyage planning and more efficient cargo handling can significantly lower fuel consumption across large global fleets.

These measures have already become common practice across the container shipping sector as carriers look for ways to improve efficiency while the fuel producers continues developing scalable low-carbon fuels.

Fleet renewal as a key strategy

Another central part of Evergreen’s strategy is modernizing its fleet. Today, Evergreen deploys one of the most modern container vessel fleets, with around 80% of its vessels less than 10 years old – something that clearly differentiates the company within the industry.

Newer container vessels are significantly more energy efficient than previous generations thanks to improvements in hull design, propulsion systems and onboard energy management.

In recent years, Evergreen has placed several large orders for new vessels designed to support the industry’s transition toward lower-emission shipping. In 2023, the company ordered 24 methanol dual-fuel container ships of approximately 16,000 TEU capacity, designed to operate on methanol as well as conventional marine fuels.

The company has also ordered 11 ultra-large LNG dual-fuel vessels (24,000 TEU) as well as 14 LNG dual-fuel vessels of around 14,000 TEU capacity in 2025, further strengthening its dual-fuel fleet pipeline.

Together, these investments reflect a modern and forward-looking orderbook, positioning Evergreen with a fleet that is both competitive and increasingly aligned with the industry’s transition toward lower-emission shipping.

Preparing for the fuels of the future

Alternative marine fuels are widely seen as essential for reducing shipping emissions over the long term. However, the transition is complex because global infrastructure for new fuels such as methanol, ammonia or hydrogen is still developing, and volumes are still limited, with a higher cost level compared to conventional marine fuels.

By investing in dual-fuel vessels, Evergreen is preparing its fleet for a future in which different fuel solutions may coexist during the industry’s transition period.

This approach allows ships to operate using conventional fuels today while gradually shifting toward lower-emission alternatives as supply chains and port infrastructure evolve.

Efficiency improvements on board

In addition to investing in new vessels, Evergreen has introduced a range of technical and operational measures to improve environmental performance across its fleet.

These include technologies and practices such as:

• Advanced anti-fouling hull coatings that reduce drag
• Operational efficiency improvements and retrofits to reduce fuel consumption
• Ballast water management systems designed to protect marine ecosystems
• Compatibility with shore power in ports where such infrastructure is available

Together, these measures contribute to meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and emissions across the fleet.

A long-term transition for the shipping industry

Decarbonizing ocean shipping will take time. Container ships typically operate for 20–30 years, meaning that fleet renewal cycles are long and capital-intensive. At the same time, the global infrastructure needed for alternative fuels is still being developed.

For carriers like Evergreen, the transition therefore involves balancing short-term efficiency improvements with long-term investments in new vessels and fuel technologies.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has, through its 2023 revised greenhouse gas strategy, set a target of reaching net-zero emissions from international shipping by around 2050. While discussions on how to implement this – including elements of a global regulatory framework – are ongoing, the investments being made today by container carriers will play an important role in shaping whether the industry can reach that ambition.

As shipping continues to evolve, strategies like Evergreen’s — combining operational efficiency, modern vessels and fuel flexibility — are likely to remain central to the industry’s pathway toward lower-emission ocean transport.

Greencarrier and the City of Gothenburg have agreed on a shared ambition to create a long-term home for the Götheborg at Masthuggskajen. The goal is for the vessel to play a central role in a new historical experience centre scheduled to open in 2031, contributing to a more vibrant waterfront area near Järntorget.

For decades, the ship Götheborg has been a powerful symbol of Gothenburg’s role as a city of trade and maritime heritage. With the agreed permanent location — between Stena Line’s current Denmark terminal and the peninsula currently being developed outside Järntorget — this story can continue to live on and be shared even more strongly.

Greencarrier plans to develop an exciting destination integrated with the company’s new headquarters, as well as additional office space for lease. This solution creates the conditions to ensure the long-term maintenance and accessibility of the vessel, while presenting its history, voyages, and significance to Gothenburg in an engaging way for new generations of visitors.

Picture by The Swedish East India Company (SOIC), Guests & Concepts and CoForma.

– The Götheborg has played an important role in Gothenburg’s history, both through the original ship and now again in modern times. I am pleased that we have found a solution to preserve and make this invaluable part of our cultural heritage accessible to both residents and visitors, says Jonas Attenius, Chair of the City Executive Board.

Aiming to create an iconic destination

The vessel has been owned and maintained by Greencarrier since 2021, with private funds invested in the project. The destination will also be privately operated, with a long-term perspective. The city intends to sell the land at market value.

The current timeline assumes that planning work will begin immediately and that Greencarrier will gain access to the land in 2028. Parts of the quay area are currently used by Stena Line, which plans to relocate its operations to Arendal. The companies are discussing a separate agreement.

– This agreement enables us to take the next step in establishing a permanent home for the Götheborg in Gothenburg. Our ambition is to create an iconic destination and a vibrant meeting place for future generations — while strengthening the city’s role as a hub for trade and maritime activity, says Stefan Björk, owner of Greencarrier and the Götheborg.

Picture by The Swedish East India Company (SOIC), Guests & Concepts and CoForma.

A strong historical narrative of Gothenburg

Analyses conducted as part of the project indicate that the planned experience centre centred around the Götheborg could generate significant tourism-related economic impact for Gothenburg. Estimates suggest up to SEK 300 million annually once the destination has become an established visitor attraction.

The replica Götheborg embodies the immense importance of the Swedish East India Company for trade, industry, and the development of the city — not least through the donations that helped lay the foundation for institutions such as Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Chalmers University of Technology.

– We have been involved with the Götheborg since the idea of reconstructing the ship first emerged, and we know the great value it holds for Gothenburg. Strengthening this historical narrative in the heart of the city will be of great benefit to businesses, the visitor economy, and all residents. I cannot imagine a better permanent solution than the one we have now agreed upon, says Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Gothenburg.

The memorandum of understanding between the city and Greencarrier means that the City of Gothenburg commits to facilitating swift progress in all parts of the project. While the declaration of intent is not legally binding, it marks the starting point for the next phase of the process.

The City of Gothenburg will need to make further decisions before the project can be realised. The next step is for Greencarrier to apply for a new or amended detailed development plan later this spring.

About the Götheborg

The Götheborg was one of the Swedish East India Company’s trading ships and completed three voyages to China between 1739 and 1745. On its return from the third voyage, the ship ran aground just outside Älvsborg Fortress at the entrance to Gothenburg and sank. A large part of the cargo was salvaged, and the entire crew survived.

Around 250 years later, in the 1990s, diving operations began at the wreck site. In 1995, construction of a full-scale reconstruction of the ship was initiated, and the replica was completed in 2003. Since then, the Götheborg has undertaken several long voyages — including to China, Australia, Brazil, and around Europe — serving as a platform for international relations and trade. In 2023, the ship participated in Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations, opening the festivities with a ceremonial salute.

For more information, visit gotheborg.se

About the Swedish East India Company (SOIC)

The Swedish East India Company was founded in 1731 and became one of Sweden’s most successful trading enterprises. During the 18th century, the company contributed significantly to the development of Gothenburg and to national progress in trade, shipping, shipbuilding, science, and infrastructure.

Today, Greencarrier is reviving the company by creating a new kind of trading enterprise, where modern commerce meets the maritime and logistics heritage of the past. Through the ownership of SOIC and the historic vessel Götheborg, a central part of Sweden’s maritime heritage is preserved and developed — while opening up new opportunities for the future of global trade.

For more information, visit soic.se

Contact:

Christian Borg, Press Manager, Business Region Gothenburg
+46 707 61 56 06
christian.borg@businessregion.se

Cecilia Jonebäck, Head of Communications, Greencarrier
+46 31 85 32 52
cecilia.joneback@greencarrier.com

Peter Wannding, Press Officer, Urban Development Administration, City of Gothenburg
+46 73 910 23 88
peter.wannding@exploatering.goteborg.se

Stefan Strömberg, Press Officer, Port of Gothenburg
+46 70 436 01 51
stefan.stromberg@portgot.se

A natural introduction to the industry 

Anna’s first connection to the shipping industry came through a family member. 

“My uncle was the one who introduced me to the industry,” she explains. “We are very alike, so naturally I became curious about the work he was doing.” 

What started as curiosity quickly turned into genuine interest. The more she learned about the trainee programme and the business itself, the more appealing it became. 

“What really attracted me was the international aspect of the industry and the fact that it connects people and businesses across the world. I find it exciting to be part of something that is constantly moving and evolving.” 

Learning by doing 

One of the biggest surprises came early in her journey: how quickly she was trusted with responsibility. 

“I was surprised by how quickly I was given responsibility. It didn’t take long before I started interacting with customers and helping them with their questions.” 

While stepping into customer dialogue felt slightly nerve-wracking at first, it quickly became a source of motivation. 

Growing into the role 

As Anna transitioned from trainee to Customer Service Representative, she began to understand what truly defines success in the industry. 

“You quickly learn what sets your company apart and what makes customers stay loyal in an industry where things are constantly changing,” she says. 

For her, delivering strong customer service is both a priority and a personal driver. 

“Knowing that great customer service is something we not only prioritize but are also being recognized for really motivates me to deliver the best service possible.” 

Building relationships and understanding the business 

A key milestone in Anna’s journey has been the opportunity to connect with others in the industry. 

“Meeting people – both customers and colleagues – has given me a larger understanding of the business and how important strong relationships are in this industry.” 

These connections have helped her see the bigger picture and how different parts of the business come together. 

Stepping outside the comfort zone 

Shipping is an industry where continuous learning is part of the job – something Anna embraces fully. 

“I have been told that in this industry you never really stop learning. Even after finishing the trainee period, there will always be more to learn, and that is something I really like about it.” 

She also recognises that development requires personal initiative. 

“My workplace provides the framework, but I am also responsible for my own learning. I have to stay curious, take initiative, and challenge myself to understand new things.” 

Finding motivation in people and progress 

As a self-described “people person,” Anna finds energy in working closely with customers. 

“I really enjoy the dialogue with customers and helping them find solutions. It’s very rewarding when you work together to solve a challenge with a shipment – you’re working toward the same goal.” 

Her motivation is also driven by personal growth. 

“I enjoy pushing myself and seeing how much I can develop over time. When I set a goal, I’m very determined to improve and do better.”  

Looking ahead 

For Anna, the future in the industry feels open and full of possibilities. 

“It feels like the opportunities are endless and that you largely set your own limits. I’m looking forward to a career full of learning and change – and hopefully many years to come at Greencarrier.” 

Advice to future trainees 

For anyone considering a trainee position, her advice is simple: 

“Go for it. You learn a lot very quickly because it’s very hands-on.” 

She also encourages new candidates not to feel intimidated. 

“You’re surrounded by people with a lot of experience, but they are also happy to share their knowledge and want to see you grow and succeed.” 

Looking for a new career challenge? Check out our open positions at greencarrier.com/career.

Greencarrier has partnered with marine conservation organization CleanSea to remove marine litter and protect coastal ecosystems along Sweden’s west coast and in Norway. Through the collaboration, Greencarrier becomes CleanSea’s largest corporate partner and will adopt twelve vulnerable coastal areas as part of CleanSea’s initiative “100 for the Ocean.”

Marine litter is a growing environmental challenge along Sweden’s west coast. Every hour, the equivalent of five bathtubs of plastic washes ashore along the Bohuslän coastline due to ocean currents carrying waste from across the North Sea.

As part of the partnership, Greencarrier will adopt twelve exposed bays and coastal areas, including Hönö, Hinsholmen, Södra Öckerö and Norra Grundsund, where CleanSea will conduct regular clean-up operations throughout the year to remove waste such as fishing gear, plastics and other marine debris.

The adopted sites are part of CleanSea’s initiative “100 for the Ocean,” which identifies 100 of the most exposed bays, islands and coastal stretches in Bohuslän—areas where thousands of kilograms of plastic wash ashore every year.

In addition to maintaining these areas, CleanSea will remove at least one tonne of marine litter annually through the partnership and carry out a minimum of five clean-up operations along the Norwegian coastline, contributing to a cleaner marine environment and making a meaningful difference for marine life in these areas.

The collaboration also includes Greencarrier employees participating in coastal clean-up events together with CleanSea.

The partnership is part of Greencarrier’s Blue Initiative, which supports projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping and contributing to healthier oceans.

“As a company closely connected to the ocean through global shipping and logistics, we believe we have a responsibility to contribute to healthier seas. Partnering with CleanSea allows us not only to take concrete action by removing plastic from our coastlines, but also to raise awareness of the scale of marine litter and its impact on ocean life,” says Josefine Widegren, Owner and Board Member, Greencarrier Group.

“Our goal is to protect the ocean and its incredible wildlife. Together with Greencarrier, we can strengthen our efforts to reduce marine litter and work towards making the west coast the cleanest coastline in Europe,” says Lukas Julher, Managing Director, CleanSea.

About CleanSea
CleanSea was founded by a group of young entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability and ocean conservation, originally starting as a UF (Young Enterprise) initiative. Today, the organization works to remove harmful waste from the sea and coastline, primarily along Sweden’s west coast — one of the regions most affected by marine litter in Northern Europe.

More information: The Story of CleanSea