On November 27, LKAB inaugurated its new ship loader at the Port of Narvik in Norway, with the milestone representing a strategic investment in the company’s logistics system to create the conditions for long-term operations in the region.
The old ship loader was commissioned in 1977 and has reached the end of its technical lifespan. Now, a modern facility takes over, built to meet today’s requirements for efficiency, work environment and environmental performance, the company says.
Marit Waleniussen, CEO of LKAB Norway, said: “Our logistics is a competitive factor. Every improvement in the port strengthens our position in the global market. The new loader is enclosed and equipped with modern safety solutions, which is important not least from a work environment perspective. This secures our ability to deliver quickly, safely and sustainably.”
The ship loader is part of a larger ongoing investment program of SEK5 billion ($527 million) through 2029. This includes automated silo systems, a new loader at quay 5, sifting stations, belt conveyors, unloading stations and a new storage facility for fines. These are all aimed at streamlining logistics between mine, railway and ship.
Jan Moström, President and CEO of LKAB, said: “We see Narvik as a central part of LKAB’s future. The Iron Ore Line and the port of Narvik are of great economic importance for Sweden and a strategically vital transport corridor for all of Europe. What still remains is to increase capacity along the entire Iron Ore Line.”
Narvik’s ice-free and deep-water port is crucial for LKAB’s exports. Around 300 vessels call annually, of which 200 are loaded with LKAB’s products. LKAB accounts for 80% of all iron ore mined in the EU, and the vast majority is delivered via the Iron Ore Line and the port of Narvik. Each year, about 22 Mt of iron ore products are shipped from Kiruna and Svappavaara to Narvik for export.Transport takes place via the Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan), a critical link in LKAB’s logistics system. Around 10 train sets arrive daily, hauled by IORE locomotives with a capacity of up to 8,000 t per train.
Mostrom added: “We have been in Narvik for over 120 years and plan for at least 120 more. Our continued investments here send a clear signal that we see Narvik as a central part of LKAB’s future.”
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