Swedish ferry operator Stena Line has announced the closure of its Nynäshamn, Sweden and Hanko, Finland route.
Stena said that the main reason was falling freight demand, due to the development of the current geopolitical situation.
The route will operate until 20th October, after which both of the vessels on the route will be redeployed in the charter market or within the Stena Line fleet.
At the beginning of 2022, Stena Line launched the new Sweden/Finland route in response to heavy market demand and on direct request from existing logistical network customers.
Due to the development of the current geopolitical situation, the freight volumes were reduced and services on this particular market became saturated.
As a result, the demand from Stena Lines trade customers did not develop as expected.
In addition, the Finnish government’s decision to grant an exemption from the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) from 1st January, 2024 for vessels trading via Åland will create an uneven commercial landscape with a clear advantage of operating via Åland.
“It is with a heavy heart we have reached the point, where we have to discontinue our route between Sweden and Finland. This has been a very difficult decision, but after considering all aspects we are convinced that we have made the right decision,” explained Johan Edelman, Trade Director Baltic Sea North, Stena Line.
Stena is in dialogue with the trade union and other people employed on the route, keeping them informed.
All freight customers and passengers will be informed and offered a refund if they have booked tickets after 20th October. They will also be given help to secure other means of transport, if necessary.
