The Swedish ferry line and port authority agreed to shift the former's operations to the latter's under-construction new harbour in Arendal.

The 25-year agreement includes erecting the new terminal and renting and leasing the area (including a new terminal building).

The parties intend to put the new facility into operation by 2028. It has already been determined that Stena Line's new departure & arrival hall will be located in the building currently housing the Volvo Museum.

Last year in June, the Gothenburg Port Authority (GPA) acquired 108k m2 for Stena Line's move within the seaport. Work is underway to establish an additional 140k m2 of completely new terminal areas, mainly dedicated to Stena Line's relocation.

The land areas occupied by Stena Line's existing operations will be returned to the city and its ongoing urban development.

"With the agreement in place we are a big step closer to a relocation of Stena Line's operations. To consolidate the terminal operations to the heart of the freight hub in the outer port is a logical step that gives us synergies and strengthened opportunities to continue developing the whole port in line with our sustainability ambitions," commented Elvir Dzanic, GPA's CEO.

Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line's CEO, also said, "Stena Line has an ambitious agenda to strengthen our position as a leader in sustainable shipping, and this agreement will provide us with the tools to grow in Gothenburg in the long term. We anticipate continued increased demand from our passengers and freight customers, and in Arendal, we will be able to expand while helping Gothenburg develop in a sustainable direction."

Among others, the line plans to introduce an electric ferry on the Frederikshavn-Gothenburg service.

Photo: Port of Gothenburg