Stena Line and Noord Natie Ventspils Terminals (NNVT) have signed a 20-year contract aimed at securing the continuous ferry operation from the Freeport of Ventspils in Latvia.
This long-term agreement is an important part of Stena Lines expansion in the Baltic Sea and the route between Ventspils and Nynäshamn in Sweden. This year, two large modern ropaxes will start operating on the route, increasing the freight capacity by 30 %.
Stena Line started operating between Ventspils and Nynäshamn in 2012. Since then, the operation has more than doubled from one vessel and 10 departures per week to two vessels and 24 departures per week.
Recently, Stena announced the route’s expansion with the deployment of two large modern ropaxes this year, thus increasing the freight capacity on the route.
The new vessels, ‘Stena Scandica’ and ‘Stena Baltica’, will be fitted with sustainable features, such as hybrid scrubbers and ballast water cleaning systems, as well as several fuel efficiency improvements.
Stena Line is expecting to increase both freight and passenger volumes going forward, and recently moved the operation in Nynäshamn to the newly built roro terminal at Stockholm Norvik Port.
The NNVT agreement includes joint investment in the terminal area to cater for current and future tonnage needs on the shortest ferry route between the Baltics and Sweden.
“Ventpils offers a great geographical location, connecting Scandinavia with the Baltics, Russia and the CIS countries.
“This long term agreement is an important step in our continuous expansion in the Baltic Sea and enables us to continue to grow together with our customers and partners. It really show Stena Lines commitment to our Latvian routes,” said Johan Edelman, Trade Director Stena Line Baltic Sea North.
“The terminal with its long-term experience has proven itself as a reliable partner in the field of ro-ro cargo handling. Now our co-operation with the ferry operator Stena Line has reached a new milestone. Improvements to the terminal’s infrastructure and larger vessels will make it possible to attract new volumes of cargo and passengers in upcoming future,” said Aivars Gobiņš, NNVT Board Member.
“Announcement of the Stena Line development plans in Ventspils for at least another 20 years is a positive message not only for freeport of Ventspils, where the Stena Line logo has become an integral part of the port landscape and cargo flow, but also for industrial sector of Latvia and neighbouring countries.
“Safe and convenient export gateway is of great importance for development of economic ties between the Baltics and Scandinavia,” added Andris Purmalis, Freeport of Ventspils Authority CEO.
