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Tag: Gotlandsbolaget | Ferry Shipping News

Nov 21
3

Mixed Results for Gotlandsbolaget After Go Nordic Acquisition

By | 2025 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget’s results for January–September 2025 show higher revenues and stable passenger numbers across the group. The acquisition of Go Nordic Cruiseline has more than doubled the number of employees and significantly increased turnover. However, establishment costs and lower-than-expected revenues continue to weigh on the cruise line’s result.

 Quarter: July–September 2025

  • Revenues: SEK 1,415.6m (1,002.7)
  • Costs: SEK –1,079.1m (–695.1)
  • Adjusted operating profit: SEK 352.7m (318.2)
  • Profit after tax: SEK 311.1m (230.4)

The quarter was strengthened by Go Nordic Cruiseline’s first high season under Gotlandsbolaget. Passenger numbers reached 230,000, in line with 2024. Onboard revenues did not meet expectations and establishment costs remain high.

Gotland Alandia Cruises also contributed positively. 161,000 guests travelled on BIRKA GOTLAND, up 3% on the previous year.

Gotland traffic saw a 1% decline during the quarter, although June and August exceeded 2024 levels. Travel by Gotland residents increased by 6% for January–September.

 Period: January–September 2025

  • Revenues: SEK 2,985.3m (1,991.7)
  • Costs: SEK –2,815.5m (–1,677.2)
  • Adjusted operating profit: SEK 157.6m (278.8)
  • Profit after tax: SEK 32.3m (322.7)

Dockings and upgrades of NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN reduced availability in Q1. Exchange-rate effects also had a significant negative impact compared to 2024.

 CEO’s Comment

CEO Björn Nilsson highlighted revenue growth and the contribution from Go Nordic Cruiseline, but noted that 2025 remains an establishment year with high costs. He sees strong potential for both Go Nordic and BIRKA GOTLAND as their market positions strengthen.

Nilsson also emphasised progress in emissions reductions. By exceeding FuelEU Maritime requirements and selling surplus allowances, Gotlandsbolaget can finance increased use of renewable fuels. The order for GOTLAND HORIZON X supports this transition.

The CEO underlined the group’s Nordic footprint and continued commitment to Gotland’s development, including the investment in Brommaflyg and the partnership with Strawberry (hotels).

Oct 03
3

Stable Passenger and Guest Numbers for Gotlandsbolaget in Summer 2025

By | 2025 Newsletter week 40 | No Comments

Destination Gotland: 273,000 passengers in August (+2% vs 2024).

  • June–August: 946,000 passengers (+1%).
  • Growth in June and August offset by a small decline in July.

Go Nordic Cruiseline: First summer on Oslo–Copenhagen route carried 240,000 guests.

  • July strong with 93,000 guests.
  • June–August: down ~1% due to ending Fredrikshavn calls.
  • Passenger volumes satisfactory, but revenues remain below expectations.

Birka Gotland: 53,000 guests in August (+4% vs 2024).

  • June–August: nearly 165,000 guests.
  • +6,000 more Gotland travellers vs 2024.

Gotland Hotels & Properties: 59,000 guest nights June–August.

  • Scandic Visby +11%.
  • Gustavsvik slightly down vs 2024.

Source: Gotlandsbolaget (in Swedish)

Aug 22
3

Gotlandsbolaget H1 Impacted by Go Nordic Establishment

By | 2025 Newsletter week 34 | No Comments

Q2 2025

  • Revenue: SEK 961.1m (604.1m)
  • Adjusted EBIT: –SEK 17.7m (27.3m)
  • Net result after tax: –SEK 53.6m (55.1m)
  • Passenger growth on Gotland routes: +8.1%
  • Go Nordic Cruiseline: 182,500 passengers

H1 2025

  • Revenue: SEK 1,569.7m (989.0m)
  • Adjusted EBIT: –SEK 195.1m (–39.4m)
  • Net result after tax: –SEK 278.8m (92.3m)
  • Destination Gotland: passengers +4.7% (690,400), freight lane metres +2.6% (374,300)
  • Go Nordic Cruiseline: 317,000 passengers, 31,000 vehicles

CEO’s comments

  • Stable performance in Gotland traffic with positive June passenger growth.
  • Go Nordic Cruiseline weighed on results due to launch and lower onboard revenues.
  • Biogas investment and LNG bunkering agreements move traffic towards lower emissions.
  • Gotland Horizon X under construction for delivery in H2 2028.
  • New partnership: Gotland Hotels with Strawberry – Visby hotel to become a Quality Hotel in 2026.

Dividend: SEK 20.30 per share (9.80).

Source: https://corporate.gotlandsbolaget.se/sv/ (in Swedish)

May 23
3

Facts, Figures and Finance

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget: Q1 Report Marked by Seasonal Impact and New Operations

  • Revenue: SEK 608.6 million (384.9)
  • Adjusted EBIT: SEK -177.3 million (-66.7)
  • Net result after tax: SEK -225.2 million (37.2)
  • Key factor: Integration of Go Nordic Cruiseline

The first quarter of 2025 showed a predictable seasonal loss for Gotlandsbolaget, exacerbated by the inclusion of the newly acquired Go Nordic Cruiseline. Both vessels, NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN, were out of service for upgrades, heavily impacting results.

Cruise demand in the Baltic remained weak, affecting Birka Gotland’s performance. Meanwhile, capital management was negatively affected by unrealised currency changes.

Strategic Updates:

  • Launch of Go Nordic Cruiseline (Oslo–Copenhagen).
  • Order placed for the hydrogen-ready GOTLAND HORIZON X, a large-scale catamaran.

Leadership Changes:

  • Björn Nilsson to become CEO from 7 July.
  • Current CEO Håkan Johansson will take on the role of Deputy CEO and lead Destination Gotland.

Political Concern:
The Swedish government has yet to clarify the future of the tonnage tax. Without reforms by 2025, Gotland traffic will be managed from Denmark as of 2027, due to lack of competitive parity.

Looking Ahead:
Summer preparations are under way, with increased departures for Destination Gotland and Birka Gotland. Go Nordic Cruiseline also prepares for its first high season under Gotlandsbolaget ownership, with marketing launched in both Norway and Denmark.

Q1 Report: in Swedish

May 09
3

PEOPLE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Management Changes at Gotlandsbolaget and Viking Line

Gotlandsbolaget

  • Björn Nilsson, current vice chairman of the board, will become the new CEO (7 July 2025)
  • Håkan Johansson, current CEO, will become vice CEO and new CEO of Destination Gotland (with immediate effect)
  • Marcus Risberg, CEO Destination Gotland, is leaving and becoming CEO of Viking Line
  • Board member Lars Wedenborn will become the new chairman of the board. (10 June)
  • Ann-Marie Åström will become vice chairman of the board. (10 June)

Viking Line

  • Viking Line Plc’s Board of Directors has appointed Marcus Risberg as the new CEO. (no later than 1 January 2026).
  • He succeeds Jan Hanses, who is retiring after 11 years as CEO and 38 years in the company’s service.

Source 1: https://corporate.gotlandsbolaget.se/sv/bjorn-nilsson-ny-vd-for-gotlandsbolaget/

Source 2: https://www.vikingline.com/sv/investerare/2A1B630434453DB1

Mar 21
3

Gotlandsbolaget: A Year of Growth and Strategic Expansion in 2024

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget has reported strong results for 2024, marking a year of strategic expansion and financial stability. Total revenue reached SEK 2.62 billion, up from SEK 2.37 billion in 2023, reflecting the company’s continued growth. The adjusted operating profit increased to SEK 218 million, driven by a solid performance in Gotland traffic.

A major milestone was the acquisition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route from DFDS, which expanded Gotlandsbolaget’s footprint in the passenger shipping sector. The transition included the integration of around 800 employees and the addition of the cruise ferries NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN (ex PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS). The rebranding of the route to Go Nordic Cruiseline is set for 2025.

Sustainability remains at the core of Gotlandsbolaget’s strategy. In 2024, the company announced an investment in a biogas plant, securing volumes of fossil-free fuel for the Gotland traffic. Additionally, Gotlandsbolaget ordered the Gotland Horizon X, a next-generation high-speed catamaran designed for future carbon-neutral operations.

While the transition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route incurred start-up costs, the company remains financially solid, with an equity ratio of 82%. Investments in fleet modernisation and environmental sustainability will position Gotlandsbolaget for continued success in the coming years.

Source: Gotlandsbolaget

Feb 14
3

Austal to Build 130-Metre Hydrogen-Ready High-Speed Ferry for Gotlandsbolaget

By | 2025 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

Austal Australasia has secured a contract worth approximately A$270 million to design and construct a groundbreaking 130-metre, hydrogen-ready high-speed RoPax catamaran for Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden. Part of the ‘Horizon X’ programme, this will be the largest vessel ever built by Austal and the first high-speed craft to feature a combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines.

Designed for sustainability and efficiency, the Horizon X catamaran will carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles while being capable of operating on multiple fuel types, including hydrogen. The vessel will be constructed at Austal’s Philippine shipyard using lightweight green aluminium, further reducing emissions. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2028.

This innovative project represents a major step towards climate-neutral ferry operations, setting new standards for speed, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Feb 14
3

Gotlandsbolaget Presents The New Name For The Line Between Oslo And Copenhagen

By | 2025 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

On November 1, Gotlandsbolaget took over the line between Oslo and Copenhagen. Now the new name is being announced: Go Nordic Cruiseline.

The name is designed to reflect the line’s proud Nordic heritage and more than 150 years of history, but also Gotlandsbolaget’s roots and ambitions for the development of the line.

The focus going forward is to develop high-quality onboard experiences with, among other things, newly renovated ships, Nordic entertainment and gastronomy, and more time to explore the Nordic capitals.

Feb 07
3

Gotlandsbolaget Redesigns the Oslo-Copenhagen Ships

By | 2025 Newsletter week 06 | No Comments

In 2024, Gotlandsbolaget acquired the Oslo-Copenhagen cruise line from DFDS, including its 800 employees and the two ships PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS, renamed NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN.

The ships are undergoing a hull and funnel redesign, replacing DFDS’s dark blue with a turquoise green inspired by the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas. Their funnels will feature Gotlandsbolaget’s signature red with a white ‘G’, reflecting the company’s heritage.

Gotlandsbolaget aims to develop the route with a stronger focus on passenger experiences. The 700,000 annual travelers will enjoy a refreshed onboard atmosphere, with full cabin replacements and upgraded common areas. Renovations began with NORDIC PEARL at a Landskrona shipyard.

The Oslo-Copenhagen route, offering overnight crossings every other day, will be relaunched under a new brand in mid-March 2025.

Dec 20
2

Paving the Way for Climate-Neutral Shipping: Gotlandsbolaget’s Major Biogas Investment

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget is taking a giant step towards achieving climate-neutral crossings between Gotland and the mainland by 2045

Partnering with Andion CH4 Renewables and Equitix New Generation Fund, Gotlandsbolaget is investing in a state-of-the-art biogas plant near Eskilstuna, scheduled to produce high-quality liquefied biogas (LBG) by the end of 2026.

Key highlights:

  • 5,400 tonnes of high-quality LBG annually.
  • A 10-year agreement with Destination Gotland to purchase the majority of the plant’s output.
  • 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction over a decade compared to fossil LNG.

Photo: Mike Louagie