Stena Line acquires Wasaline

The move further strengthens Stena Line’s position in the Baltic Sea and underscores its commitment to sustainable and connected regional transport.

“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,” said Niclas Mårtensson, chief executive of Stena Line.

Currently, the only existing ferry link between the two cities is operated by NLC Ferry under the Wasaline brand, owned by the 50/50 joint venture Kvarken Link, which is jointly held by the municipalities of Umeå and Vaasa.

Under the newly signed agreement, Stena Line will acquire NLC Ferry and assume operational control of Wasaline. The vessel Aurora Botnia, which serves the route, will continue to be owned by Kvarken Link.

“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 continuing to develop our work on environmental and operational efficiency together with Stena Line,” said Peter Ståhlberg, chief executive of Wasaline.

“This will be a major boost for the region, bringing significant positive synergies.”

In July 2025, Wasaline entered into a biogas agreement with Gasum and a Fuel EU Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, making the Umeå–Vaasa route the first international green shipping corridor.

Pending municipal and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in early 2026, adding a fifth Baltic Sea route to Stena Line’s network.