Maritime Spatial Plan(s)
Status: Adopted
Sweden adopted its Maritime Spatial Plan on 10 February 2022. Three national plans covering the territorial sea and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been prepared: Skagerrak/Kattegat, Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia. The marine spatial plans include Sweden’s Economic Zone and the areas that are not included in properties in Swedish territorial seas from a nautical mile outside the baseline referred to in the Swedish Sea Territory and Maritime Zones Act.
Sweden's plans are available here (in English)
Information on the MSP process in Sweden is available here (in English)
Sweden is developing amendments to their plans to meet new electricity generation targets from offshore wind energy. Proposals shall be submitted to the Government by 31 December, 2024.
MSP legislation
The Swedish Environmental Code (EC, 1998:808) and the Plan and Building Act (2010:900) constitute the legal basis for MSP in Sweden. According to the Environmental Code there shall be three marine spatial plans: Bothnian Bay, Baltic Sea, Western Waters (Skagerrak/Kattegatt) covering the area one nautical mile from the baseline seawards (incl. the EEZ). The plans, which shall be adopted by the Government, shall guide and contribute to sustainable development. The Government may, according to the legislation, adopt regulations prohibiting or limiting activities in the destined geographical areas.
The EU MSP Directive was transposed to national legistaltion through the Marine Spatial Planning Ordinance (2015:400), which contains provisions on geographical boundaries, the content of the marine spatial plans, the responsibility for preparation, consultation and cooperation in the proposal process, and monitoring and review. In parallel, the Plan and Building Act (PBL Act, 2010:900) regulates the responsibilities and mandate for the municipalities to plan land and water including the territorial sea.
National MSP authority
Sweden's competent authority for MSP is the Minstry of Climate and Enterprise
Contacts:
Ministry of Environment
Ms. Anna Ahlén
SE-103 33 Stockholm, Sweden
+46 (0)8 405 10 00
E-mail: anna.ahlenregeringskansliet.se (anna[dot]ahlen[at]regeringskansliet[dot]se)
Web: www.regeringen.se
Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM)
Marine Spatial Planning
Mr. Mr Per Olsson
Head of Division of Marine Spatial Planning
Box 11930, SE-404 39 Göteborg, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)10-698 6907
E-mail: per.olssonhavochvatten.se (per[dot]olsson[at]havochvatten[dot]se)