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“The close and strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland is of central strategic importance to both our countries. Robust and reliable transport links are a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive business sector as well as for strengthened preparedness and security. Ferry traffic between Sweden and Finland is attractive and viable, as underscored by today’s ceremony”, said Andreas Carlsson, Minister of Infrastructure in Sweden.
Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand also emphasized the importance of the Vaasa–Umeå ferry route for both the region and for Finland and Sweden.
Dan Sten Olsson, owner of Stena Line, Joakim Strand, Finland’s Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Andreas Carlsson, Minister of Infrastructure in Sweden and Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
Last year in November we announced the purchase of the company NLC Ferry Oy/Wasaline, which involved taking over the operation of the ferry service between Umeå and Vaasa. Since then, the transaction has been reviewed and approved by the respective city councils, which were also the former owners, and has received all other required regulatory approvals. The vessel Aurora Botnia, which operates on the route, will continue to be owned by the cities’ jointly owned company Kvarken Link.
Wasaline is now part of our network and port operations but will continue its operations with its brand retained, with minor adjustments, going forward.
“We are incredibly pleased to finally officially welcome all of Wasaline’s employees, passengers, and customers to the Stena Line family. This is a very important connection and a very well-managed company that we are now taking over, and we do so with both enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility and humility,” says Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
“This is a big day for us. Now entirely new opportunities open up for Wasaline as we become part of a larger group. Stena Line provides us with long-term stability in operations and opportunities for growth. We are proud to become part of the Stena Line family,” says Peter Ståhlberg, Managing Director of Wasaline.
Aurora Botnia will continue to sail between Umeå and Vasa according to the existing timetable, with a total of 20–26 departures per week. Its hybrid ferry Aurora Botnia is powered by biogas and batteries and is the first international Green Shipping Corridor in operation.