Sweden-based ferry operator Stena Line has officially completed its acquisition of Finnish ferry company Wasaline following a ceremony in Umeå on Monday, marking the closing of the transaction.
The deal, first announced on 4 November 2025, saw Stena Line purchase NLC Ferry Oy/Wasaline and take over operation of the ferry service between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland. The transaction has since been reviewed and approved by the respective city councils — the former owners — and received all necessary regulatory clearances.
The vessel Aurora Botnia, which operates on the route, will continue to be owned by Kvarken Link, a company jointly owned by the cities of Vaasa and Umeå. Wasaline will continue operating under its existing brand, subject to minor adjustments, as part of Stena Line’s European ferry network, which comprises 20 routes and 40 vessels.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony in Umeå was attended by Swedish Minister of Infrastructure Andreas Carlson, Finland’s Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand, Stena Line owner Dan Sten Olsson and CEO Niclas Mårtensson.
“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 and for the security of supply. The ferry services between Sweden and Finland are attractive and viable, as underscored by today’s ceremony,” Carlson said.
Mårtensson welcomed Wasaline into the group, describing the route as a key connection and the company as well managed. Wasaline Managing Director Peter Ståhlberg said joining Stena Line would provide long-term operational stability and opportunities for growth.
Aurora Botnia will continue to operate on its existing timetable of 20–26 departures per week between Vaasa and Umeå.
The hybrid ferry runs on a combination of biogas and batteries and has been positioned as part of a cross-border green shipping corridor between Finland and Sweden.
