Major Scandinavian Ferry Merger: Stena Set to Acquire Color Line
Swedish shipping company Stena AB plans to acquire Color Line, a major Norwegian ferry operator, creating a significant merger between two of Scandinavia’s largest ferry businesses. This acquisition is poised to enhance Stena’s footprint in both the passenger and freight transport markets across Europe. The announcement noted that the deal is pending regulatory approval and is projected to be finalized in late Q1 or Q2 of 2027, although financial terms have yet to be disclosed.
As part of the agreement, Stena Rederi AB, a subsidiary of Stena AB, will acquire all shares of Color Group AS from ONS Invest II AS, linked to Norwegian industrialist Olav Nils Sunde and his family. The deal will integrate Color Line’s fleet of five vessels and four international ferry routes with Stena Line’s operations, which already include 40 ships across 19 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Color Line operates routes connecting Norway to Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, including notable services like Oslo–Kiel. In 2025, it reported carrying nearly 3.6 million passengers and 150,000 freight units, generating revenues exceeding NOK 6.7 billion. Meanwhile, Stena Line conducts about 35,000 annual sailings, with considerable revenue and a significant workforce.
Following the acquisition, Color Line is expected to maintain its brand identity, Norwegian management, and local fleet registration. Both companies will continue independent operations during the regulatory review period, ensuring stability for customers and suppliers. This acquisition is seen as a pivotal moment for enhancing the ferry transport landscape in Northern Europe.
