On 9 February 2026, Stena Line officially completed its acquisition of Wasaline, the Umeå-based ferry operator. The ceremony was held aboard the vessel Aurora Botnia, moored in Holmsund outside Umeå, and brought together politicians and business leaders from both Sweden and Finland.
Among those in attendance were Sweden's Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlsson, Finland's European Affairs Minister Joakim Strand, Stena Line owner Dan Sten Olsson, and the respective CEOs Niclas Mårtensson (Stena Line) and Peter Ståhlberg (Wasaline).
Strengthened ties between Umeå and Vaasa
The deal was announced on 4 November 2025 and means that Wasaline is now part of Stena Line's European network, which spans 20 routes and around 40 vessels. Despite the integration, Wasaline retains its own brand, and Aurora Botnia continues to operate the Umeå–Vaasa route with 20 to 26 departures per week. The vessel remains owned by the municipal company Kvarken Link.
Infrastructure Minister Carlsson underscored the strategic importance of the transport link: "Robust and reliable transport infrastructure is a prerequisite for a competitive industry," also noting that the acquisition strengthens security and ties between Sweden and Finland.
Long-term stability for Wasaline
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson welcomed the transition: "We are tremendously pleased to officially welcome all of Wasaline's staff, passengers and customers into the Stena Line family."
Wasaline CEO Peter Ståhlberg views the acquisition as an opportunity for continued growth: "Stena Line gives us long-term stability in operations and opportunities to expand."
For Umeå and the Kvarken corridor, the deal means that one of the region's most important transport arteries is now tied to one of Europe's leading ferry companies — bringing with it the economies of scale and stability that benefits both freight and passenger traffic.