Stena Line Acquires Wasaline, Strengthening Its Baltic Presence and Green Shipping Strategy
European ferry operator Stena Line has announced plans to acquire the Swedish-Finnish company Wasaline, expanding its Baltic Sea operations to five routes and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable shipping in the region.
The acquisition also includes NLC Ferry Ab Oy, which operates under the Wasaline brand on the Umeå–Vaasa route connecting Sweden and Finland. Currently, this route is jointly owned by the two cities through Kvarken Link.
“At Stena Line, we are delighted to take responsibility for Wasaline and the route between two important regions and cities, Umeå and Vaasa,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
In July 2025, Wasaline launched the first international green shipping corridor, signing a biogas supply agreement with Gasum and a FuelEU Maritime pool partnership with Stena Line.
“With Wasaline, we gain not only a vessel equipped with the latest environmental technology, capable of regular zero-emission operations, but also access to alternative fuels and a reliable intermodal route toward Gothenburg, Trelleborg, and the European continent,” Mårtensson added.
Wasaline is the world’s northernmost shipping company, operating daily passenger and freight services between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden). Its hybrid vessel Aurora Botnia, powered by biogas and batteries, will remain owned by Kvarken Link, while Stena Line will take over operational responsibilities. Both the vessel and Wasaline services carry the Finnish Key Flag symbol, recognizing their contribution to national industry and innovation.
Local authorities emphasized the strategic importance of the route beyond commercial value.
“This comes at a time when infrastructure, civil defense, and emergency preparedness are more critical than ever,” said Hans Lindberg, Chairman of the Umeå Municipal Executive Board. “For Umeå, this is an important step to strengthen regional resilience and connectivity.”
Wasaline CEO Peter Ståhlberg expressed confidence in the transition:
“It is strategically important to ensure the continuity and further development of the Vaasa–Umeå connection. We look forward to enhancing both environmental and operational efficiency together with Stena Line.”
The acquisition remains subject to approval by the municipal councils of Umeå and Vaasa — expected in November 2025 — and standard regulatory clearances. The deal is anticipated to close in early 2026.
With this addition, Stena Line will operate five routes in the Baltic Sea, including:
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Trelleborg–Rostock
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Karlskrona–Gdynia
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Ventspils–Nynäshamn
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Travemünde–Liepāja
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and the new Umeå–Vaasa route.
This acquisition further strengthens Stena Line’s position as a leading Baltic operator and pioneer in green maritime transport.
