Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the line in question was, first, halted on 14 March for the time being, but then, on 19 March, it was shut down permanently - after more than 40 years of operations.

"This is a tough decision to make, but we are experiencing tough times in general as a company. The Oslo-Frederikshavn route is totally dependent on its passenger service and summer peak season. We estimate that we due to the coronavirus won't have a peak season this year and we simply can't afford to wait and hope until next year," Niclas Mårtensson, CEO, Stena Line, commented.

As a result, Stena Line will close its office in Oslo, a move that will affect 30 shore-based employees.

The service's Stena Saga is laid up in her port of registry, Gothenburg.

At the same time, Stena Line has given notice to 950 employees, both on- (Stena Line Travel Group and Retail & Food Services daughter companies) and offshore (nine Swedish-flagged vessels).

Photo: Stena Line