The Swedish established Blue Economy sectors directly employ almost 106 300 people and generates around €5.6 billion in GVA (2021). The Blue Economy has had a positive, albeit limited, impact on the Swedish economy and employment rates.
In Sweden, the share of Blue Economy GVA to the national economy has increased steadily since 2012 until reaching 1.7%, its highest point in 2017 and 2019. Then it decreased to 1.1% in 2020, the same level as in 2012 and 2014, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic this time. It has mildly recovered since then, reaching 1.2% of the overall national GVA in 2021.
Similarly, the share of Blue Economy jobs to national employment was increasing until reaching 3.2%, its highest level in 2017. Then it decreased to 1.9% in 2020, as in 2012 and 2014, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has mildly recovered since then, reaching 2.1% of the overall national GVA in 2021.
The Swedish Blue Economy is dominated by Coastal tourism, which contributed 67% to Swedish Blue Economy jobs and 55% to its GVA in 2021. The relative importance of the Coastal tourism sector has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coastal tourism was the sector most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with employment decreasing by 41% and GVA by nearly 46% in 2020.
It is followed by the Maritime transport sector, which is also an important contributor, representing 14% of the Swedish Blue Economy jobs and 21% of GVA. Next is the Shipbuilding and repair sector, contributing with 11% to the Swedish Blue Economy GVA and 8% of the employment.
In the EU, Sweden ranks 6th in terms of GVA and 7th in employment for Maritime transport; and 6th in terms of GVA and 8th in employment for Coastal tourism; and 7th in terms of GVA and 10th in terms of employment for Shipbuilding and repair.
The largest container ports in Sweden are: Göteborg (21th in the EU), Trelleborg, Stockholm, and Helsingborg. In total, Swedish ports handle approximately 4.1% of total EU cargo operations.
The ports of Helsingborg, Ystad and Gotland (Baltic sea) are in the top 20 of EU ports by number of passengers the 12th 26th, and 38th, respectively, in 2021.
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) is the responsible government agency tasked to protect, restore and ensure sustainable use of freshwater resources and seas including fisheries management.
The Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment has the Swedish government's mission to transfer knowledge between researchers, authorities and decision-makers. Through expert mediation, research reviews, analyses and syntheses, the institute contributes knowledge and advice for sustainable management of the sea.
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) promotes economic growth and regional development in Sweden, including activities related to the blue economy. They may provide information on funding, support for business development, and economic initiatives in the maritime and coastal sectors.
Other national sources of information on the Swedish Blue Economy are:
- Swedish Maritime Administration (Sjöfartsverket).
For more national level data, please visit the Dashboards section within the EU Blue Economy Observatory, where you can also find information about Educational and Employment opportunities in the Blue Economy sectors.
