Stena signs agreement to acquire Color Line

The proposed acquisition requires regulatory approval, with Color Line set to retain its own brand and Norwegian management

Swedish group Stena, which also owns Stena Line, has signed an agreement to acquire Norwegian ferry operator Color Line. Completion is expected towards the end of the first quarter or during the second quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

Color Line to remain a separate business

Following completion, Stena intends to retain Color Line as an independent business and brand, with local management in Norway and Norwegian-registered ships. Areas identified for further development include digitalisation, customer service and decarbonisation.

What tour operators need to know

According to the announcement, the agreement does not affect sailings, bookings or existing customer and supplier relationships. Both operators will continue working independently while the transaction awaits approval.

For tour operators using ferries in their Norway programmes, the immediate focus is therefore on monitoring developments. The announcement does not establish any future changes to products or trade arrangements.

More on Stena Line and Color Line.

Header: © Sören Håkanlind