Tommy Andersson takes over the operational management of traffic and production planning.

Bild på Joakim Areaus, Tommy Andersson och Joakim Pettersson

2026-06-10

With extensive experience from the business and a deep understanding of vessels, flows and people, Tommy Andersson, Production Strategist, is now taking over the operational management of traffic and production planning. After more than three decades in the port, he has built broad expertise ranging from hands-on stevedoring work to strategic resource and production planning—a combination that creates confidence both internally and in customer dialogue.

From stevedore to production strategist

Tommy began working at the port in October 1991 and spent many years as a stevedore. During that time, he was involved in loading a large number of vessels and gained hands-on experience that is hard to replace. He has followed the port’s development at close range and has himself been part of the transformation journey that has shaped today’s way of working.

In 2018, he moved into a planning role, where he started working with resource planning—both equipment and staffing—and quickly took on a key role in making the overall operations run smoothly. As the organization later evolved and the work became more strategic, his responsibilities also grew. He now steps into an expert role with decision-making responsibility for traffic and production planning.

Broad experties and a helicopter perspective

What sets Tommy apart is the combination of practical experience and a strategic mindset. He understands the day-to-day reality of supervisors, knows what is required in operations, and can at the same time factor in berth availability, vessel arrival times, staffing, equipment, agreements and regulations. In an environment where conditions can change from minute to minute, presence, flexibility and the ability to quickly find sustainable solutions are essential.

”No two days are the same”

What is most important in your new role?

– It’s about bringing everything together. We need to have full control over vessel arrival times, available berths, resources and staffing, while also being prepared for conditions to change quickly. It’s about staying one step ahead and continuously finding solutions that work in practice.

How does your background support you in your work?

– I’ve worked hands-on for many years and have been involved in loading many vessels. That gives me a solid understanding of the operations from the ground up and makes it easier to relate to the challenges we face in everyday work. That experience is a great support when we plan and prioritize.

Customer dialogue and collaboration in focus

Customer dialogue is a critical part of the role. Contact with agents, shipping lines and cargo owners needs to be close, clear and solution-oriented—especially when something unexpected occurs. For Tommy, this means gathering information early, working proactively and communicating clearly, so that all parties can quickly agree on the best possible setup.

What does customer dialogue mean in your day-to-day work?

– It means a great deal. When we have an open and clear dialogue, we can manage changes better and provide quick responses. It creates confidence for the customer and enables us to find solutions together, even when conditions change.

Confident in the role together with colleagues

The traffic and production planning department also includes Joakim Aréus, Production Planner, and Joakim Pettersson, Harbour Master.

– Together they form a strong team with broad experience and complementary expertise. This creates good conditions for leading the operational traffic and production planning forward. It is a varied role with new challenges all the time. The team also includes two additional colleagues, Martin Runnman and Johan Andersson, who provide support when needed, for example during holidays or sick leave, says Matilda Törnered, Production Manager with personnel responsibility for the department.

In the photo, from left: Joakim Aréus, Tommy Andersson, Joakim Pettersson