In a significant move within the Baltic maritime market, Stena Line has announced the acquisition of Wasaline (operating under NLC Ferry Ab Oy) and will take over operation of the key ferry route between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland.
Strengthening Baltic presence
Stena Line already operates multiple routes in the Baltic Sea region, and with this acquisition it will add the Umeå–Vaasa connection, thereby expanding its footprint. The route is currently the only ferry link between those two cities, operated by Wasaline under ownership of the jointly-owned municipal company Kvarken Link. As part of the deal, the vessel serving the route — the hybrid ferry Aurora Botnia — remains owned by Kvarken Link, while operational control passes to Stena Line.
For the region spanning northern Sweden and western Finland, the agreement brings continuity and potential expansion of passenger and freight services. Local authorities emphasise that maintaining this service is strategically important for regional development, inter-connectivity and resilience. The staff of Wasaline (both on shore and onboard) will continue in their roles, ensuring service consistency.
Sustainability and Green Corridor ambitions
A standout feature of Wasaline is its environmental credentials: the Aurora Botnia is a hybrid RoPax ferry capable of running on alternative fuels and battery systems. In July 2025 Wasaline signed agreements for bio-gas supply and entered into a Fuel EU Maritime pooling arrangement with Stena Line, designating the Umeå–Vaasa route as the first international green shipping corridor in the Baltic Sea region. With this acquisition, Stena Line gains not only the route but access to cutting-edge sustainable ferry operations and enhanced intermodal linkages toward Gothenburg, Trelleborg and the wider European freight network.
The acquisition remains subject to approvals by the municipal councils of Umeå and Vaasa (expected in November 2025) and standard regulatory closing conditions. Completion is anticipated in early 2026. In the meantime, both companies will continue to coordinate transition activities to ensure seamless service and integration under the Stena Line banner.
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Source: Stena Line
