Stena Line has announced the acquisition of NLC Ferry Ab Oy/Wasaline, taking over operations of the ferry route between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden) — a key link across the Gulf of Bothnia.
“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, Umeå and Vaasa,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
The ferry connection, currently operated by NLC Ferry under the brand Wasaline, is jointly owned by the two cities through Kvarken Link, a 50/50-owned company. Under the new agreement, Stena Line will acquire NLC Ferry and assume operational control, while the environmentally advanced vessel Aurora Botnia will remain under Kvarken Link’s ownership.
“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. Wasaline’s staff, both onshore and onboard, will continue to deliver the same great service as today. This will be a major boost for the region, bringing significant positive synergies,” said Peter Ståhlberg, CEO of Wasaline.
The acquisition strengthens Stena Line’s position in the Baltic Sea, expanding its network and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable ferry transport in Northern Europe.
