Color Line is a Norway-based company that operates ferry services across various Scandinavian and European routes, primarily in the North Sea and the Skagerrak Strait. Established in the early 1990s through the merger of several Norwegian shipping companies, it has grown into one of the leading providers of ferry transportation between Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. Color Line offers passenger and freight services, catering to tourists, commuters, and the logistics industry.
The company operates a fleet of modern vessels, featuring amenities such as restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and spacious cabins to enhance the travel experience. Its routes are particularly popular for journeys between Oslo and Kiel, as well as Sandefjord and Strömstad, which attract travellers for both leisure and business purposes. In addition to passenger services, Color Line facilitates trade and transportation in Northern Europe.

| Nationality | Norwegian |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Oslo |
| Ownership Type | Private limited company |
| Parent Company | The Color Group AS |
| Foundation Date | 1990 |
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Color Line, a Norwegian-based ferry company, was founded in 1990 through the merger of several established Norwegian shipping companies. Initially focused on providing efficient transportation services between Norway and Denmark, the company quickly expanded its operations to include routes to Sweden, Germany, and beyond, becoming one of the leading ferry operators in Scandinavia.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Color Line grew its fleet and services, adding modern ships equipped with a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment options, to enhance the passenger experience. As Scandinavian tourism and business travel grew, Color Line’s routes, particularly between Oslo and Kiel, became increasingly popular. Its combination of passenger services and freight transportation made it a crucial player in regional logistics.
Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Color Line continued to expand and strengthen its position in the market. The company invested in new vessels, with an emphasis on comfort, environmental sustainability, and efficiency. Despite rising competition from budget airlines and the growing demand for faster travel, Color Line maintained its strong presence in the ferry industry.
In recent years, Color Line has focused on adapting to new environmental standards and consumer expectations, implementing fuel-efficient technologies and sustainability initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint. The company has also navigated challenges such as fluctuating demand and the impact of global events on travel.
Today, Color Line remains a leading operator in Scandinavian and European ferry transport, providing vital passenger and cargo services while continuing to innovate and invest in a sustainable future.
Color Line is committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental impact while providing reliable ferry services across Scandinavia and Europe. The company invests in fuel-efficient vessels, adopts eco-friendly technologies, and implements waste reduction and recycling programs onboard. By promoting sustainable tourism and adhering to strict environmental regulations, Color Line plays a key role in preserving the natural beauty of the regions it serves, ensuring greener transportation for future generations.





Booked the wrongs dates with aferry.com and found it to difficult to change them as the phone number didn't work so had to pay an extra 1000 euro to board , apart from that , the ferry is top class
Everything's fine, except the prices are a real pain for families.
We sat on the deck with our dog for the whole journey. Its extremely cold. Its better to make a place inside for owners and dogs