Rooting for ro-ro: Exploring how strategic choices by pulp and paper companies contributed to Sweden's specialized maritime export systems, 1960–2015

Abstract

The Nordic, particularly Swedish and Finnish, pulp and paper (P&P) companies are represented in earlier research as using specialized maritime transport systems – based on roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels – in long-term collaborations with shipping companies after the Second World War. However, the strategic choices of the P&P companies that led to this development have not been researched. Based on studies of the Swedish P&P companies that developed specialized maritime transport systems during the period 1960–2015, this article sheds light on the reasons for these maritime transport systems. As well as the growth of exports, the expansion of P&P companies through mergers and acquisitions and the increased value of the exported goods, the study shows that the Swedish ro-ro trend, diversified and sensitive products, pressure from customers for frequent and speedy deliveries, and a fairly short distance to stable main markets, were additional factors.