Wallenius SOL has agreed to acquire the Ro-Ro vessels Bothniaborg and Balticborg from Royal Wagenborg.
The transaction also includes the transfer of Wagenborg’s long-term Contract of Affreightment with Smurfit Westrock. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The agreement will expand Wallenius SOL’s fleet and strengthen its shipping network between the Bay of Bothnia and continental Europe.
Acquisition expands ice-class fleet
Bothniaborg and Balticborg will add capacity to Wallenius SOL’s industrial Ro-Ro network.
The company operates ice-class vessels on year-round services connecting industrial regions in northern Sweden and Finland with ports across Northern Europe.
Its fleet includes Baltic Enabler and Botnia Enabler, two multi-fuel Ro-Ro vessels designed to operate in demanding ice conditions.
“This acquisition is a natural continuation of what we set out to build, a reliable, sustainable maritime backbone for the industries of northern Europe,” said Elvir Dzanic, CEO of Wallenius SOL.
Dzanic said the additional capacity and long-term partnership with Smurfit Westrock would improve the network’s reach and resilience.
Smurfit Westrock contract transfers to Wallenius SOL
Wagenborg’s existing Contract of Affreightment with Smurfit Westrock will transfer to Wallenius SOL as part of the transaction.
The arrangement will maintain shipping services for Smurfit Westrock’s mill in Piteå, Sweden.
The facility has an annual production capacity of 700,000 tonnes of unbleached and white-top kraftliner. It is also the largest private employer in Piteå and primarily uses renewable energy for its operations.
“This strategically important agreement secures long-term transport capacity, strengthens our competitiveness and supports the transition to fossil-free maritime transport,” said Ulf Aili, CEO of Smurfit Westrock’s Piteå Paper Mill.
Cargo to move into Ro-Ro network
Wallenius SOL plans to integrate Smurfit Westrock’s cargo volumes into its wider shipping network gradually.
The company will transition the cargo from its current stowage arrangements to Ro-Ro cassette operations. It also intends to connect the Piteå cargo flow with future vessels included in its long-term newbuilding programme.
Wallenius SOL said the integration would improve capacity utilisation and support the development of its maritime infrastructure in northern Europe.
Wagenborg focuses on general cargo shipping
The sale reflects Royal Wagenborg’s decision to concentrate on its core ice-class general cargo operations.
Bothniaborg and Balticborg have supported Wagenborg’s partnership with Smurfit Westrock since 2004.
“Bothniaborg and Balticborg have been at the heart of a long-standing collaboration with Smurfit Westrock since 2004,” said Egbert Vuursteen, CEO of Royal Wagenborg.
Vuursteen added that Wallenius SOL’s established network would provide a new platform for the vessels and their associated services.
Wallenius SOL continues fleet investment
Wallenius SOL has invested more than €250 million in its fleet to date and plans further spending under its long-term development programme.
The company aims to operate entirely on renewable fuels by 2035.
Its vessels follow fixed weekly schedules across the Bay of Bothnia, where sea lanes can remain covered by ice for up to five months each year.
