Cargo Express
Waves of Change: Transforming maritime freight transport together


The Cargo Express project is co-funded by the Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak (ÖKS) program, a European Union initiative supporting cross-border collaboration in southern Scandinavia to drive sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
Cargo Express is focused on developing a sustainable and efficient intra-european maritime transport system, addressing the growing need for more environmentally friendly transport solutions across borders.
About the project
Cargo Express primary goal is to develop the design of a future maritime transport network - with calls in several key ports within the Kattegat-Skagerak area to facilitate a shift of significant amounts of cargo volumes from land to sea.
The project aims at identifying what is needed for the proposed design to be realised, taking into account significant factors such as:
Technology, products and processes
Regulatory frameworks
Transport economics and business models
Purchase criteria
Infrastructure development and investments
Key objectives
- Understand transport quality needs: Identify the criteria major transport buyers prioritize—cost, emissions, lead time, and delivery precision—to shape the next generation of maritime systems.
- Develop new concepts: Based on scenario analysis and data-driven insights, we design effective and scalable solutions for short-sea shipping routes, particularly between Sweden’s west coast and the Oslo Fjord area.
- Promote collaboration: Foster partnerships between Swedish automotive and Norwegian maritime clusters, integrating national and regional expertise to tackle cross-border transport challenges.
- Scale and sustain: Develop a roadmap for implementing autonomous, fossil-free maritime systems by 2032.
Why Cargo Express?
The project builds on successful Norwegian initiatives, such as ASKO Maritime’s autonomous and electric shipping solutions, and adapts these innovations for cross-border applications. By bridging industrial ecosystems, we aim to lead the shift towards green shipping corridors and achieve significant reductions in road-based freight.
Our Partners
Cargo Express is a collaborative effort between:
• CLOSER - Project coordinator and hosted by Lindholmen Science Park.
• ASKO Maritime AS - Pioneers in zero-emission logistics.
• Sustainable Autonomous Mobility Systems Norway (SAMS) - Innovators in autonomous and sustainable mobility solutions.
• University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) - Providing expertise in maritime studies and multimodal logistics.
“With Cargo Express, we want to move cargo shipping from land to sea—together!”
Kristoffer Skjutare, Projektledare Closer
Join Cargo Express!
Are you a transport user, industry stakeholder, or policymaker? Join Cargo Express and help us shift cargo shipping from road to sea!
Share your insights, challenges, and perspectives with us!
Contacts
Looking for more information? Eager to get involved and contribute? Don't hesitate to reach out!
