By
Laura Hyde |
Stena Line has completed its acquisition of Wasaline, marking the moment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Umeå, Sweden.
Andreas Carlsson, Minister of Infrastructure in Sweden, was joined by Joakim Strand, Finland’s Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Dan Sten Olsson, owner of Stena Line, and Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line, to cut the ribbon to officially welcome Wasaline to Stena Line.
“The close and strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland is of central strategic importance to both our countries,” said Carlsson. “Robust and reliable transport links are a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive business sector as well as for strengthened preparedness and security. Ferry traffic between Sweden and Finland is attractive and viable, as underscored by today’s ceremony.”
Stena Line began the purchasing process in November 2025, taking over the operation of the ferry service between Umeå and Vaasa in Finland, which is now the first international green shipping corridor. Hybrid ferry Aurora Botnia will continue to offer 20-26 departures per week on the route and will remain jointly owned by the cities’ company Kvarken Link.
“We are incredibly pleased to finally officially welcome all of Wasaline’s employees, passengers, and customers to the Stena Line family,” said Mårtensson. “This is a very important connection and a very well-managed company that we are now taking over, and we do so with both enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility and humility.”
Wasaline will continue operations with its brand retained, subject to minor adjustments.
“This is a big day for us; now entirely new opportunities open up for Wasaline as we become part of a larger group,” said Peter Ståhlberg, managing director of Wasaline. “Stena Line provides us with long-term stability in operations and opportunities for growth. We are proud to become part of the Stena Line family.”