Stena Line takes over ferry and RoRo port operations in Ventspils
The Swedish shipping company
Stena Line
recently announced the acquisition of the ferry and RoRo terminal operations in the port of Ventspils in Latvia. The measure is part of a series of investments that Stena Line is making in the eastern and northern Baltic Sea region, which include the expansion of its fleet and network.
Strengthening the position in the Baltic Sea region
With the acquisition of the ferry and RoRo terminal operations in Ventspils, the company further strengthens its position in the Baltic Sea region. Stena Line has been operating a ferry service between Nynäshamn and Ventspils since 2012. The commitment in Latvia provides the shipping company with further expansion opportunities in the region, not least due to Latvia’s growing importance as a maritime nation with increasing trade volumes.
Commitment to the location and to Latvia
“The Baltic Sea is an important growth region for Stena Line, and our investment in Ventspils is a clear commitment to the location and to Latvia. With this strategic move, we have secured a long-term position in an important part of our European network and I look forward to working with our customers and partners to further expand in the region,” says Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line.
Capacity increase and modernization
Increasing customer demand on to route between Latvia and Sweden was most recently met by Stena Line with a 30 percent increase in capacity through the deployment of the two ferries Stena Baltica and Stena Scandica. to second Latvia connection, from Travemünde to Liepaja, the Stena Livia and Stena Flavia are now larger, more modern and faster ferries.
Successful new route and new ferries
On Stena Line’s newest route, the ferry from Nynäshman to Hanko in Finland, which has been in operation since February 2022, freight and passenger volumes are steadily increasing. During 2022, the company has also launched two brand new E-Flexer ferries – Stena Estelle and Stena Ebba are in operation on to ferry route from Karlskrona to Gdynia.
Book Stena Line Ferries
Subject to the approval of the competent authorities
Stena Line’s acquisition of the ferry and RoRo port operations in Ventspils is an important step for the company to further expand its presence in the Baltic Sea region. The commitment in Latvia offers the shipping company further expansion opportunities in the region, especially due to the country’s growing importance as a maritime nation with an increasing trade volume.
With the expansion of its fleet and network, including increased capacity to route between Latvia and Sweden and the commissioning of two brand new E-Flexer ferries, Stena Line is meeting the growing demand to freight and passenger transport in the Baltic Sea.
The takeover of the ferry and RoRo port operations is subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. Commercial details of the agreement will not be disclosed.
Overall, the acquisition of the ferry and RoRo terminal operations in Ventspils is a strategic step for Stena Line to strengthen its position in the Baltic Sea region and further support its customers and partners in the region.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
What do you think about the acquisition? Should port operations be put in the hands of shipping companies or should they rather be in public hands? Write it in the comments.
