Stena Line has finalised its acquisition of Wasaline, bringing the operator of the Umeå–Vaasa ferry link into its European network.

The transaction, first announced in November 2025, was formally completed this month following approvals from the two city councils that previously owned the business, alongside all required regulatory clearances. A ceremony in Umeå marked the closing of the deal.

Andreas Carlson, Sweden's Minister of Infrastructure, and Joakim Strand, Finland's Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Dan Sten Olsson, owner of Stena Line, and Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.

"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" Carlson said.

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 Umeå and Vaasa. Wasaline will retain its brand, subject to minor adjustments.

"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," Mårtensson said.

Peter Ståhlberg, managing director of Wasaline, said: "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."

Aurora Botnia will continue to sail between Umeå and Vaasa according to the existing timetable, with 20-26 departures per week. The hybrid ferry is powered by biogas and batteries and operates what is described as the first international Green Shipping Corridor in operation.

Stena Line runs around 40 vessels across 20 routes in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, carrying out roughly 34,700 sailings each year. The family-owned company is headquartered in Gothenburg.

Wasaline operates the daily passenger and freight service between Vaasa and Umeå, described as the world’s northernmost year-round international ferry route.