Stena Line expands Baltic Sea operations

The Swedish ferry company has announced the purchase of all shares in Terrabalt, the operator of RoRo, bulk and general cargo terminals in Liepaja, Latvia’s third-largest port.

“Our investment in Liepaja means we continue to be a long-term partner to Latvia and contribute to the development of the country’s competitiveness and growth,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.

“We believe in a prosperous future for the Baltic Sea region, where investments in port infrastructure are key to strengthening trade and resilience.”

Strategic advantages

This acquisition deepens Stena Line’s investment in Baltic Sea trade and enhances its control over key port operations.

Liepaja’s port, part of the Liepāja Special Economic Zone (SEZ), offers free trade advantages and includes industrial and airport facilities.

Stena Line already operates ferries on the Liepaja–Travemünde route with two vessels, providing a vital link between Latvia and Germany.

It’s a move follows Stena Line’s acquisition of port operations in Ventspils, Latvia’s second-largest port, in 2023.

The company also operates ferry services on the Ventspils–Nynäshamn, Gdynia–Karlskrona and Trelleborg–Rostock routes, underscoring its strategic commitment to Baltic Sea transport.

The acquisition is pending approval from Latvia’s competition authority and other regulators. Until then, Terrabalt’s current owners will continue operations.

“With this acquisition, we secure future conditions for our customers in the region and look forward to developing safe, high-quality port operations,” Mr Mårtensson concluded.