The Port of Gdynia Authority has concluded the tender procedure for the selection of ferry operators to utilise the Public Ferry Terminal, opened in June of this year.
Stena Line was awarded the contract, and, following the signing of the new agreement, will continue its operations at the terminal in the coming years.
Marek Kiersnowski, Trade Director for the Stena Line Gdynia/Karlskrona route, said: “The outcome of the tender secures the continuity of our strategic Gdynia/Karlskrona service, which is one of the most important ferry connections in the Baltic Sea.
“It also holds the status of a ‘Motorway of the Sea’ within the EU transport network. This decision confirms the shared commitment of Stena Line and the Port of Gdynia to long-term development, investment stability, and sustainable shipping in our region,” he said.
Under the terms of the new contract, valid between 2026/2032, Stena Line plans to implement a number of new initiatives, including 24/7 freight handling, automated drop & collect systems, and shipping hybrid electrification.
Together with partners in Gdynia and Karlskrona, the company will strengthen the role of the ferry link as a strategic connection between Scandinavia and Central Europe, supporting EU climate goals and the competitiveness of the Baltic corridor.
Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line CEO, added: “Our uninterrupted presence at the Public Ferry Terminal in Gdynia means further developing its role as a modern, environmentally friendly, and integrated logistics hub.
“By continuing our co-operation with the Port of Gdynia, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing reliable services for both passengers and freight customers,” he said.
Stena Line has been operating the Gdynia/Karlskrona route for 30 years. During that time, the company has carried more than 12 mill passengers and 2.5 mill freight units.
Today, the route is operated by three vessels, including two 240 m long E-Flexer ropaxes.
In June, 2022, Stena Line moved its operations to Gdynia’s Public Ferry Terminal.
In addition, the ferry company will acquire all shares in the port operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia.
By acquiring the Latvian company, Stena Line takes over the operation of the ro-ro, bulk and general cargo terminal in Liepaja, Latvia’s third-largest port.
The Liepaja port is managed within the framework of the Liepāja Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a free trade zone established in 1997 that includes the port, industrial area, and airport.
Stena Line currently operates the Liepaja/Travemünde route with two vessels.
“Our investment in Liepaja means that we continue to be a long-term partner to Latvia and contribute to the further development of the country’s competitiveness and growth.
“We believe in a prosperous future for the Baltic Sea region, where investments in infrastructure and increased cooperation between the countries are key to strengthening trade and resilience throughout the region,” Mårtensson said.
“Trade and supply chain resilience requires a long-term perspective, and in close partnership with the Latvian State, Liepaja Special Economic Zone, and not least our customers, we continue to build for the future,” added Carl-Johan Hellner, COO Ports & Terminals at Stena Line.
Stena Line’s Baltic Sea network also includes services on the Ventspils/Nynäshamn route with two vessels. Since May, 2023, Stena Line has also owned Ventspils port operations, the country’s second largest port.
Elsewhere, the Gdynia/Karlskrona route is operated with three vessels, and the company also holds a majority stake in the port operator KBP (Karlskrona Baltic Port).
The Trelleborg/Rostock route is operated with Sweden’s only two ferries with rail capacity, which are an important component of rail traffic redundancy and the connection with continental Europe.
“With this acquisition, we strengthen our own position and secure the future conditions for our customers in the region. We look forward to developing the port and its infrastructure for safe and high-quality operations,” Mårtensson concluded.
The acquisition of the port operator is subject to approval by the Latvian competition authority and other institutions. Until approval is attained, the current owners will continue to operate the terminals.
Stena Line has also announced a restructuring of its ports leadership team with the creation of a new Managing Director (MD) role for UK and Ireland Ports.
The newly appointed Managing Director, Sarah West, will join Stena Line in January, 2026, bringing extensive experience and leadership to the role.
This change reflects Stena Line’s commitment to strengthening its port operations, as the company continues to invest significantly in its infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.
Hellner said: “We’re delighted to have Sarah join our fantastic team and lead our UK and Ireland port and terminal operations.
“Over the past five years, we’ve made substantial investments in vessels, ports, and terminals across the UK and Ireland. With Sarah’s leadership, we aim to deliver the highest quality service across every aspect of our customers’ journey. I wish her and the team every success and will be there to support them all the way,” he said.
She will join Stena Line following her role as CEO of Harwich Haven Authority, where she oversaw marine services for key ports, including Felixstowe, Ipswich, and Harwich.
Her career also includes senior roles, such as leading the operational implementation of the South Harbour at the Port of Aberdeen and COO at the Port of Dover during the challenging periods of COVID and Brexit.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Stena Line is at a transformative point in its long history in the UK and Ireland. I’m excited to work with the team to develop and implement our plans for the future.”
