Swedish shipping group Stena AB has announced plans to buy the Norwegian ferry operator Color Line. This merger will combine two of the largest ferry companies in Scandinavia and will greatly enhance Stena's footprint in the European passenger and freight markets.
The deal, which was revealed on Monday, is pending regulatory approval and is expected to finalize in late Q1 or during Q2 of 2027. The financial details of the agreement have not been shared.
As part of this acquisition, Stena Rederi AB, a subsidiary of Stena AB, will buy all shares of Color Group AS from ONS Invest II AS, owned by Norwegian businessman Olav Nils Sunde and his family.
This transaction will bring Color Line’s fleet of five vessels and four international ferry routes under the umbrella of Stena Line, which operates one of the largest ferry services in Europe with 40 ships across 19 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Color Line connects Norway with Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, including the Oslo–Kiel route served by its large cruise ferries Color Magic and Color Fantasy. Other routes include services from Kristiansand and Larvik to Hirtshals in Denmark, and from Sandefjord to Strömstad in Sweden.
In 2025, Color Line transported nearly 3.6 million passengers and handled 150,000 freight units, generating revenue of over NOK 6.7 billion (around $700 million).
Meanwhile, Stena Line operates about 35,000 sailings each year, transporting passengers and freight throughout a vast European network. The company reported a revenue of SEK 20.2 billion and employs approximately 8,750 staff members.
This merger is expected to strengthen Stena’s position in Scandinavian ferry transport while integrating Color Line’s established services into its broader European operations.
Niclas Mårtensson, the CEO of Stena Line, remarked, “This is a true milestone in Stena Line’s history,” describing the acquisition as a chance to grow the companies’ operations and enhance tourism and sustainable shipping.
Despite the change in ownership, Stena plans to keep Color Line as an independent entity, maintaining its brand, Norwegian management, and Norwegian-registered fleet.
Additionally, Stena intends to invest in decarbonizing the fleet, advancing technology, improving digital services, and enhancing customer service and freight logistics.
Color Line CEO Trond Kleivdal expressed support for the agreement, noting that Stena’s ownership will provide a more robust foundation for Color Line's future, while preserving its established market position.
Both companies assured that there will be no immediate changes to ferry schedules, bookings, or existing relationships with customers and suppliers. The operators will continue to run independently while the acquisition is reviewed by regulators.
This proposed acquisition marks a significant shift in the Northern European ferry industry by uniting two long-standing family-owned maritime businesses with complementary routes and a strong presence in passenger and freight services.