Geotechnical Consulting for Sweden’s Largest Dredging Project – Malmporten in Lule

Project goals

The purpose of Malmporten is to improve transport conditions in the fairways of northern Sweden and to increase the cargo handling capacity of the Port of Luleå. By deepening and widening the fairways and constructing a new deep-sea port, the project creates conditions for more efficient and safer maritime transport with significantly reduced environmental impact.

Mitta’s goal in the project is to ensure a stable and sustainable geotechnical foundation for the implementation of the project through expert support in all phases.

Project scope and execution

Malmporten is the largest dredging project in modern Swedish history. Once completed, the Port of Luleå will be able to receive significantly larger and fully loaded vessels thanks to deeper and wider fairways. This enables a fourfold increase in cargo handling capacity and creates new opportunities for cost-effective, climate-friendly transport.

Mitta’s geotechnical assignment covers the entire process – from environmental permits and technical design to procurement and execution of both dredging operations and the construction of the deep-sea port. As a geotechnical advisor, Mitta continuously contributes to investigations, design, and technical consulting related to foundations, geotechnics, and construction throughout the project.

Challenges and solutions

The project began in 2014 as a direct procurement by the Port of Luleå and has since grown in both scope and strategic importance. Since 2020, the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Port of Luleå have shared responsibility for the project.

Technically, the geotechnical challenges are significant: managing large volumes of dredged material, complex permitting processes, and schedules that must be adjusted as the project evolves. Mitta has played a key role in continuously adapting geotechnical planning to the changing conditions of the project.

“Among other things, we have delivered geotechnical investigation reports as a basis for procurement and provided advice on the selection of technical solutions,” says Håkan Rosén, senior geotechnical engineer at Mitta.

Max Bjurström, project manager at the Swedish Maritime Administration, confirms that Mitta’s contribution has been both extensive and valuable.

“We have received daily support in operations and the project regarding both planned and unplanned activities. Mitta has responded quickly when deviations arise and we need support,” says Bjurström, and continues:

“We have been very satisfied with the collaboration! A strong trust has been built over many years.”

When asked whether he would recommend Mitta to others or hire the company again, he replies:

“Yes, absolutely.”

For more information about Malmporten, visit the web page: https://malmporten.se