Wasaline has updated the visual identity of AURORA BOTNIA following Stena Line’s acquisition of the company.
The ferry now features Stena Line’s red funnel with the well-known S emblem. New elements have also been added along the vessel’s sides, including a slogan and Stena Line’s green wave design.
Wasaline will continue to operate under its own brand, with the same service, identity and customer promises.
Wasaline reported its best February since the company began operations in 2013, carrying 18,191 passengers, an 11% increase year-on-year.
A key driver behind the growth is the popularity of “ice cruises”, attracting groups from across Europe eager to experience the winter scenery of the Kvarken region. The company notes a particularly strong interest from German travel groups, reflecting several years of targeted marketing in European markets.
Wasaline says international guests have responded positively to both the onboard service and the winter travel experience.
Due to rising energy prices, the company will introduce minor timetable adjustments in April. The ferry AURORA BOTNIA will continue operating the Tuesday schedule, while Monday departures from Umeå will take place 30 minutes earlier, allowing the vessel to sail slightly slower and reduce energy consumption.
“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
Wasaline reported a solid year in 2025, with gains in passenger traffic, stable freight performance and significant emissions reductions.
Passenger and Revenue Performance
CEO Peter Ståhlberg noted that despite broader economic headwinds, demand remains resilient, including increased interest from Central European markets for winter sailings, alongside strong traditional demand from Finnish and Swedish customers.
Freight and Cargo
Sustainability and Emissions
Operational Notes
Photo and source: Wasaline
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.
Trailer manufacturer Ekeri and shipping company Wasaline have completed their first fully carbon-neutral trailer transport from Vaasa, Finland to southern Sweden. The achievement combines Wasaline’s emission-free ferry service with intermodal rail transport via Umeå, offering a sustainable logistics chain from port to destination.
All Ekeri trailers shipped with Wasaline now use battery-powered freight capacity, further reducing emissions. “Intermodal transport is the future of efficient, sustainable freight,” says Tony Ehrs, Freight Director at Wasaline.
Green logistics capacity remains available.
www.wasaline.com
Click on here for the new sustainability report.
Wasaline has reported its best February ever, setting new records in both passenger numbers and freight transport. The northernmost shipping line saw 16,415 passengers travel between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden), a 14.6% increase compared to last year. Freight volumes also reached an all-time high for February, with 1,828 units transported, marking 8% growth from 2024.
Photo: Christoffer Bjorklund
Key Developments and Achievements
Outlook
