NORDIC REGION. Group Stena, which owns ferry company Stena Line, has struck an agreement to acquire Norwegian cruise ferry company Color Line, subject to regulatory approval. The move to combine the two private, family-owned entities will create a new maritime powerhouse in the Nordic and Baltic markets.
A statement said, “Following completion, Stena intends for Color Line to continue as a separate, independent business and brand, with local management in Norway and Norwegian-registered ships.
“At the same time, Stena will use its industrial expertise, reach and experience to strengthen and further develop Color Line – including in decarbonisation, technology and digitalisation, customer service and logistics.”
The consolidation also joins together two sizeable travel retail businesses.
Color Line is one of Gebr. Heinemann’s biggest partners for supply and distribution. Stena Line’s retail business is supported by its affiliate R&F Travel Retail on land and at sea.
Stena Line’s statement said the signing of the agreement “will not affect sailings, bookings or ongoing customer and supplier relationships within Color Line or Stena-owned Stena Line”. Both companies will continue to operate as separate, independent businesses while the transaction awaits regulatory approval, it noted.
Of the agreement, Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said, “This is a true milestone in Stena Line’s history, further strengthening our ability to be a reliable link between places, people and communities.
“When we welcome Color Line to the Stena family, I am confident that together we will be able not only to develop our business opportunities but also to contribute to the positive development of communities, including through tourism and more sustainable shipping.”
Color Line CEO Trond Kleivdal said, “Color Line is one of the most recognised and valued brands in our industry, and Stena wants to preserve these strengths while giving us a stronger foundation for the company’s further development and renewal as part of Stena. Together with our skilled and dedicated employees, we will have the strength to shape the future through quality, efficiency and reliability in every part of our business.”
The proposed transaction is expected to be completed towards the end of Q1 or during Q2 2027.
Stena Line is one of Europe’s leading ferry operators, with 40 ships and 19 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Color Line has a fleet of five ships operating four international ferry routes, calling at seven ports in Norway, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. 🛳️
