Stena Line Enhances Baltic Sea Network by Acquiring Wasaline Operations
Stena Line has announced its acquisition of NLC Ferry Ab Oy, the operator of the Wasaline brand, which signifies its entry into the ferry route connecting Vaasa in Finland to Umea in Sweden. The agreement, finalized on November 4, 2025, transfers route operations to Stena Line while the vessel Aurora Botnia remains under the ownership of Kvarken Link—an entity jointly owned by the municipalities of Vaasa and Umea.
Wasaline provides the only direct maritime connection between these two cities, with daily crossings over the Kvarken Strait. Stena Line will manage the route operations once the municipal councils of both cities provide their approval, expected by late 2025. The transaction is still subject to standard regulatory approvals, with a full completion anticipated in early 2026.
Stena’s leadership emphasized that this acquisition fits into the company’s strategy to fortify its northern European network and expand sustainable transport links across the Baltic Sea. The incorporation of the Aurora Botnia will improve access to alternative fuel sources and enhance intermodal transport connections to Gothenburg, Trelleborg, and continental Europe.
Once operational, the Umea–Vaasa route will mark Stena Line’s fifth service in the Baltic Sea, complementing its existing routes: Trelleborg–Rostock, Karlskrona–Gdynia, Ventspils–Travemünde, and Nynäshamn–Liepaja. This move further cements Stena Line’s status as a leading ferry operator in the region, serving both passenger and freight requirements through an expanding network of routes and ports.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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