There are about 50 public ports and a number of industry-owned loading quays along the Swedish coastline through which essentially all Swedish foreign trade is handled. The ports are the node between land and sea transports and are essential for an efficient function of the entire logistic chain.

Public ports in Sweden are mainly municipally owned and are at an increased frequency run by joint port and stevedoring companies on market conditions and in competition with each other and with oversea ports.  

The ports are independent of the state but their key role in the transport system make them a vital component of a smooth-running and efficient transport system.
 
The Swedish Maritime Administration cooperates with the ports in several areas related to both practical initiatives related to maritime traffic and in various transport policy contexts and EU initiatives. A Port Council has been established for the purpose of maintaining regular contact between the Swedish Maritime Administration, the ports and the port companies’ industry organisation, “Ports of Sweden.”