Gothenburg, Sweden | November 4, 2025 – Leading European ferry operator Stena Line has announced the acquisition of NLC Ferry Ab Oy/Wasaline, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the Baltic Sea. The deal includes taking over the ferry service between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden, further enhancing Stena Line’s strategic network in Northern Europe.
Under the agreement, Stena Line will acquire NLC Ferry, which operates under the Wasaline brand, while the vessel Aurora Botnia—the world’s northernmost year-round international ferry—will remain jointly owned by the cities of Vaasa and Umeå through their 50/50-owned company Kvarken Link. The acquisition is subject to approval by both municipal councils and relevant authorities, with closing expected in early 2026.
“It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we at Stena Line take on the responsibility for Wasaline and the route between two important regions and cities, Umeå and Vaasa,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Sustainability
The Vaasa–Umeå route plays a vital role in connecting Finland and Sweden, both economically and socially. The route serves freight and passenger traffic across the Kvarken Strait, supporting logistics, regional development, and cross-border cooperation.
Peter Ståhlberg, CEO of Wasaline, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition for regional growth and sustainable operations “It is strategically important to ensure that the service between Vaasa and Umeå continues and has the possibility to grow in the future. We look forward to developing our work on environmental and operational efficiency together with Stena Line. This will be a major boost for the region, bringing significant positive synergies.”
All Wasaline staff, both onboard and ashore, will continue in their current roles, ensuring continuity of service for passengers and cargo customers.
Expanding the Green Corridor and Intermodal Opportunities
Earlier in July 2025, Wasaline entered into a biogas supply agreement with Gasum and a FuelEU Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, making the Umeå–Vaasa connection the first international green shipping corridor.
With this acquisition, Stena Line further reinforces its position as one of the ferry industry’s sustainability leaders.
“With Wasaline, we gain not only a vessel equipped with the latest environmental technology—capable of sailing CO₂-neutral on a regular basis—but also greater access to alternative fuels,” Mårtensson added. “We also strengthen our intermodal transport link from the Baltic Sea toward Gothenburg and Trelleborg, and further to continental Europe.”
Local Leaders Welcome the Move
Municipal representatives from both Vaasa and Umeå have expressed strong support for the acquisition, citing it as a positive step for the region’s economy, resilience, and long-term transport infrastructure.
“Together with the City of Vaasa, we have strengthened the connections across the Kvarken and proven that the service is profitable. For us in Umeå, it is important to take steps that strengthen resilience and opportunities in our part of the world,” said Hans Lindberg, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board, Umeå Municipality.
“We are very proud of our decision to ensure the ferry connection across the Kvarken,” added Frans Villanen, Chair of the City Council of Vaasa. “Now it is time to bring in a larger operator with the knowledge, expertise, and resources that the cities themselves do not possess. We are pleased to have found a shared vision with Stena Line.”
Strategic Expansion in the Baltic Sea
With the addition of the Umeå–Vaasa route, Stena Line will operate five routes in the Baltic Sea, including:
- Trelleborg–Rostock
- Karlskrona–Gdynia
- Ventspils–Travemünde
- Nynäshamn–Liepāja
- Umeå–Vaasa (pending completion of acquisition)
The expansion further cements Stena Line’s role as a key logistics and passenger transport provider in Northern Europe, operating 20 routes and approximately 34,700 sailings annually across the continent.
About Stena Line
Stena Line is one of Europe’s leading ferry operators, with around 40 vessels and 20 routes across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Stena Line plays a major role in European logistics and intermodal transport, integrating sea, rail, and road networks. The company employs 6,550 people and has an annual turnover of 19.6 billion SEK.
About Wasaline
Wasaline operates the daily Vaasa–Umeå ferry service — the northernmost year-round international route in the world — serving both passengers and freight. Its hybrid vessel, Aurora Botnia, runs on biogas and battery power, making Wasaline the first carbon-neutral shipping company in the Baltic Sea. The company has been awarded Finland’s Key Flag Symbol for domestic work and innovation.
Source: Wasaline