Working Conditions Aboard the Aurora-Botnia

Stena Line is set to broaden its presence in the Baltic Sea with the official acquisition of Wasaline, marking a significant milestone as it prepares to operate the route between Umeå, Sweden, and Vaasa, Finland. This acquisition will introduce its fifth ferry route in the region, poised to strengthen links between these two cities. The ferry 'Aurora Botnia' will continue to be operated by Kvarken Link, with all current employees retaining their roles. Wasaline is currently owned by the municipalities of Umeå and Vaasa via Kvarken Link. As part of the transition, Stena Line will take the helm of NLC Ferry AB Oy/Wasaline. Notably, the Umeå-Vaasa route is set to become history's first international green shipping corridor by 2025, backed by innovative agreements with Gasum and Stena Line. This strategic acquisition will allow Stena Line to tap into advanced environmental technologies and green fuel solutions, setting the stage for enhanced operations on the route. The acquisition is poised for approval from the city councils of Umeå and Vaasa, with regulatory processes expected to finalize it by early 2026. With this new route, Stena Line will oversee a total of 21 ferry routes, further solidifying its leadership in sustainable maritime transport.

On July 21, 2022, the ferry 'Aurora Botnia' promptly returned to Vaasa after a passenger experienced a medical emergency while en route south of Replot. Maritime authorities determined that the patient could receive vital medical assistance more efficiently via the ferry rather than a helicopter medevac. Upon the ferry's return to Vaasa, a dedicated ambulance was prepared to transfer the individual to the hospital without delay. As a result of this incident, both the ferry's scheduled voyage to Umeå and the subsequent departure for Vaasa were delayed by approximately one hour, highlighting the critical importance of swift decision-making in emergency situations at sea.