Stena Line to discontinue Halmstad–Grenaa route

What the closure says about demand and route viability

The ferry connection between Halmstad in Sweden and Grenaa in Denmark will be discontinued. Stena Line has confirmed that operations will end on 30 April 2026, citing long-term profitability challenges, strong competition from fixed bridge connections, and a strained cost environment.

The route has been operating since 2020 with a single vessel, but despite ongoing efforts, demand levels did not support continued operation.

Rather than an isolated decision, the closure reflects a broader trend in regional transport: Short-distance ferry routes are increasingly evaluated against clear demand, time efficiency and cost structures.

For tour operators and planners, this highlights:

• growing selectivity in ferry-based access

• stronger focus on routes with proven, sustained demand

• the need to reassess itineraries where ferries are a core element

Ferries remain essential in the Nordic transport network, but only where market conditions support long-term resilience.

More on Stena Line.

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