Sweden is a leading maritime nation in Europe, with extensive expertise in green shipping, vessel energy efficiency and emissions reduction, marine equipment manufacturing, and maritime safety etc. As the global shipping industry accelerates its transition toward low-carbon and sustainable development, new opportunities are emerging for maritime cooperation between Sweden and China.

From 8 to 9 June 2026, a Swedish Maritime Technology Delegation organized by Business Sweden visited Nantong, Jiangsu Province. The delegation included representatives from Business Sweden as well as leading Swedish companies in marine segment, including Alfa Laval, Berg Propulsion, Consilium, and Roxtec. The visit received strong support from the Nantong Bureau of Commerce and relevant authorities in Qidong and Haimen. The visit was part of the “Pioneer the possible” program in China and aimed to promote exchanges and cooperation between Sweden and Nantong in shipbuilding, offshore engineering equipment, green shipping, and maritime technology.

During the visit, the delegation visited several leading enterprises, including Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Qidong Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., Wison Group, China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., and China Merchants Cruise Shipyard. The delegation held roundtable discussions with company executives to exchange views on industry developments and potential areas for collaboration.

During the meetings, Axel Brangenfeldt, Head of Business Sweden Shanghai office, noted that Jiangsu is one of the most important destinations for Swedish investment in China, with approximately 40 percent of Swedish investment projects in China located in the province. He highlighted that Jiangsu’s continuously improving business environment has attracted a growing number of Swedish companies in recent years.

As one of China's leading hubs for the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries, Nantong has developed strong capabilities in both shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment manufacturing. Axel Brangenfeldt noted that in recent years, Nantong has accelerated its industrial transformation and upgrading, with a strong focus on high-end, intelligent, and green development. These efforts have created opportunities for Swedish companies to deepen cooperation with Nantong.

During the visit, representatives from Alfa Laval, Berg Propulsion, Consilium, and Roxtec presented their latest technologies and innovations in shipboard equipment, propulsion systems, safety and fire protection solutions, as well as cable and pipe sealing systems. They also engaged in discussions with Chinese industry partners on future cooperation opportunities.

Representatives from both sides agreed that Sweden’s strengths in maritime technology are highly complementary to Nantong’s well-established shipbuilding and offshore engineering industrial base. They identified promising opportunities for further cooperation in green vessels, intelligent offshore equipment, maritime safety, and supply chain collaboration.

During their stay in Nantong, the delegation also visited industrial parks in Qidong and Haimen to gain a better understanding of local industrial development, investment opportunities, and future growth plans.