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Tag: Stena Line | Ferry Shipping News

Feb 13
3

A Ceremony Marked the Official Completion of Stena Line’s Acquisition of Wasaline.

By | 2026 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

“The close and strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland is of central strategic importance to both our countries. 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”, said Andreas Carlsson, Minister of Infrastructure in Sweden.

Together with 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, they carried out the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Source: News Cision Stena Line

Feb 13
3

Stena Line Invests in Gothenburg–Kiel Upgrade

By | 2026 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

Stena Line has invested millions in an extensive refurbishment and modernisation of STENA GERMANICA and STENA SCANDINAVICA, which operate on the Gothenburg–Kiel route. Following their recent return from shipyard, passengers can now enjoy renovated restaurant and bar areas as well as upgraded outdoor decks, completed ahead of the upcoming travel season.

The investment underlines Stena Line’s continued commitment to strengthening its overnight product on the important Sweden–Germany corridor and enhancing onboard comfort as competition across the Baltic intensifies.

Feb 08
3

Stena Line To Close Halmstad–Grenaa Route

By | 2026 Newsletter week 06 | No Comments

Stena Line will discontinue its ferry connection between Halmstad (Sweden) and Grenaa (Denmark).
STENA NAUTICA will continue operating the route until 30 April 2026.

Key points:

  • The decision follows long-term difficulties in achieving profitability on the route.
  • Stena Line will focus investments on routes with clearer demand, supporting both freight and passenger traffic more efficiently.
  • Main factors behind the closure include:
    • Strong competition from fixed bridge links in Denmark
    • A strained cost environment
    • Challenging market conditions driven by global uncertainty and weak economic climate
  • Stena Line has served Halmstad–Grenaa since 2020, after relocating from Varberg.
  • Agreements will be reached with Hallands Hamnar and Grenå Port to terminate the cooperation.
Feb 02
3

Stena Line Completes Acquisition of Liepaja Terminal Operator Terrabalt

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

Stena Line has completed the acquisition of terminal operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia, and has officially taken over RoRo, bulk and general cargo operations. All regulatory approvals have been granted, and Stena Line is now registered as the owner.

Key points:

  • The terminal has been renamed Stena Line Ports Liepajas SEZ.
  • Liepaja is Latvia’s third-largest port and a key logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region.
  • Stena Line currently operates the Liepaja–Travemünde route with two vessels.

Stena Line plans to gradually modernise the terminal infrastructure.

Trade Director Liene Lemane said the deal reflects strong confidence in the Baltic region’s long-term trade potential.

Stena Line will follow a similar development path as in Ventspils, acquired nearly three years ago.

In parallel, the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority will rebuild berth 46.

The berth reconstruction project is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2027.

The acquisition strengthens Stena Line’s Baltic Sea network, which includes:

  • Port operations in Ventspils and Karlskrona
  • Ferry routes linking Latvia, Sweden, Germany and Poland
Jan 16
3

Stena Line Sets New Freight Record on Belfast Routes

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Stena Line recorded another freight record on its three Belfast routes in 2025.

Volumes increased by 1.0% to almost 600,000 freight units, shipped to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham.

The Belfast–Liverpool route led growth, exceeding 270,000 units, while Belfast–Heysham posted its highest volumes in five years.

Further growth is expected with the introduction of STENA CONNECTA in January, joining STENA FUTURA.

Together, the two newbuilds will add 40% freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route.

Nov 28
3

Godby Shipping Charters MISTRAL to Stena Line

By | 2025 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Godby Shipping has signed a one-year time charter agreement with Stena Line for the RoRo vessel MISTRAL. The deal includes an option for Stena Line to extend the charter.

Before entering service, MISTRAL will dry dock at the Remontowa shipyard in early 2026. The yard period will include standard maintenance and several energy-efficiency upgrades. New propeller blades and a redesigned bulb will be installed. Both are optimised for service speeds of 10–14 knots and will deliver notable fuel savings.

MISTRAL already features a Variable Frequency Drive, making the vessel fuel efficient even before the new modifications. The upcoming upgrades will further enhance environmental performance.

Godby Shipping states that these investments form part of a wider strategy to meet tightening regulations. CII, the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime all increase pressure on operators to cut emissions. Optimising the existing fleet is therefore essential for compliance and competitiveness.

Under the new charter, MISTRAL will operate for Stena Line between Europoort Rotterdam and Harwich, supporting a key North Sea trade.

Nov 28
3

Stena Line and ABP Begin Work on New Immingham RoRo Terminal

By | 2025 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments
  • Stena Line and ABP will build a new £200m RoRo terminal in Immingham.
  • Immingham is becoming a key hub for Stena Line’s freight routes to the Netherlands.
  • The new Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal (IERRT) will allow quicker sailing times and larger vessels.
  • Stena Line has signed a long-term agreement with ABP, securing operations well into the next century.
  • ABP highlights the project as strengthening UK–EU supply chain resilience.
  • The UK Government calls the investment a major boost for Lincolnshire and the North.
  • The project will create 700 construction jobs and 200 permanent roles in terminal operations.
Nov 06
3

Stena Line to Acquire Wasaline and Strengthen Its Baltic Sea Presence

By | 2025 Newsletter week 45 | No Comments

Stena Line will acquire NLC Ferry Ab Oy/Wasaline, taking over the operation of the ferry route between Umeå (Sweden) and Vaasa (Finland).

When will the transfer of ownership take place?

In the beginning of 2026, after city councils and authorities have approved the deal.

What happens to ferry AURORA BOTNIA?

Kvarken Link, a company owned by the cities of Vaasa and Umeå, continues to own the ship. NLC Ferry, under the new ownership, charters and mans the ship.

 

The Wasaline brand will remain.

What are the minimum requirements for traffic?

Agreement between Vaasa, Umeå and Stena Line states a minimum of 20 departures per week. At the moment, there are 20-26 departures (winter-high season).

For how long is the contract valid?

The charter agreement and the traffic requirements are agreed for 10 years, after which Stena Line has the possibility to either extend the agreement or to purchase the ship. Stena Line has expressed their long-term commitment to operate and develop the route.

Oct 03
3

Stena Line Secures 50-Year Agreement in Frederikshavn

By | 2025 Newsletter week 40 | No Comments
  • Stena Line has signed a historic 50-year deal with the Municipality of Frederikshavn to operate the RoPax ferry terminal.
  • The agreement secures the company’s long-term presence in North Jutland and expands its operating rights within the port.
  • Stena Line will also act as negotiating partner for external customers needing port services.
  • The deal aligns with Stena Line’s wider strategic investments, including the planned relocation of its Gothenburg terminals to Arendal.
  • The Gothenburg–Frederikshavn route is currently served by STENA DANICA and STENA JUTLANDICA with 3–4 daily departures.

Source: Stena Line