”"The close and strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland is of central strategic importance for both our countries. Robust and reliable transport is a basic prerequisite for a competitive business sector and strengthened preparedness and security. Ferry traffic between Sweden and Finland is attractive and viable, which is underlined by today's ceremony," said Andreas Carlsson, Sweden's Minister for Infrastructure, before jointly carrying out the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Joakim Strand, Finland's Minister for Europe and Corporate Governance, Dan Sten Olsson, owner of Stena Line, and Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.
Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand emphasized the importance of the Vaasa-Umeå ferry line for the region as well as for Finland and Sweden.
It was on 4 November 2025 that Stena Line announced the purchase of the company NLC Ferry Oy/Wasaline, which entailed a takeover of the operation of the ferry line between Umeå and Vaasa. Since then, the deal has been processed and approved by the cities, as well as the previous owners, and the respective council assemblies, and has received other required authority approvals. The ship Aurora Botnia, which sails on the route, continues to be owned by the cities' company Kvarken Link.
From now on, Wasaline is part of Stena Line and the European ferry network and port operations, which includes a total of 20 lines and 40 vessels. Wasaline will, with minor adjustments, continue its operations with the brand name maintained in the future.
”"We are extremely happy to finally officially welcome all of Wasaline's staff, passengers and customers to the Stena Line family. It is a very important connection and a very well-run 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.
”"It's a big day for us today. Now a whole new opportunity opens up for Wasaline as we become part of a larger group. Stena Line gives us long-term security in traffic and growth opportunities. We are proud to become part of the Stena Line family," says Wasaline's CEO Peter Ståhlberg.
Aurora Botnia continues to sail between Umeå and Vaasa according to the previous schedule with a total of 20–26 departures per week.
Wasaline's hybrid ship Aurora Botnia is powered by biogas and batteries and is the first international green shipping corridor in operation.
According to the press release.
