Stena Line has announced that it will close its ferry route between Halmstad in Sweden and Grenaa in Denmark, with the service set to end on 30 April 2026. The vessel Stena Nautica will continue to operate sailings on the route until that date.
The decision follows long-term challenges in achieving profitability on the Halmstad–Grenaa route. Stena Line cited strong competition from fixed bridge connections in Denmark, rising operational costs, and ongoing market uncertainty as the main factors behind the closure.
According to Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line, the company is focusing its investments on routes with clearer demand in order to strengthen the long-term resilience of its ferry network and continue supporting both freight and passenger travel across Europe.
Stena Line has operated the Halmstad–Grenaa route since 2020 using a single vessel. The service was relocated from Varberg following redevelopment plans at the Port of Varberg. Stena Line’s Board of Directors has now decided to discontinue the route and to terminate its cooperation agreements with Hallands Hamnar and Grenå Port.
Christina Bromander, Trade Director for Stena Line’s Denmark routes, described the closure as a difficult decision, noting that various measures were explored to improve the route’s performance. However, without a sufficient customer base, continuing operations was no longer viable. She also thanked local authorities, regional partners, and the business communities on both the Swedish and Danish sides for their cooperation over the years.
Stena Line has confirmed that it aims to offer continued employment within the company to as many affected employees as possible. Customers impacted by the closure will be offered alternative travel options, including sailings on the Frederikshavn–Gothenburg route.
Following the closure, Stena Line’s Swedish ferry network will continue to operate six routes with 12 vessels: Gothenburg–Frederikshavn, Gothenburg–Kiel, Trelleborg–Rostock, Karlskrona–Gdynia, Nynäshamn–Ventspils, and, from February 2026, Umeå–Vaasa via the recently acquired Wasaline.
What does this mean for travellers?
Travellers with existing or planned bookings on the Halmstad–Grenaa route can continue to travel as normal until 30 April 2026, when the service is due to end. After this date, the route will no longer operate.
Customers affected by the closure will be offered alternative travel options by Stena Line, including sailings on the Frederikshavn–Gothenburg route. Travellers planning future journeys between Sweden and Denmark may also wish to compare other ferry crossings available through AFerry to find the option that best suits their trip.