Stena Line marked the 30th anniversary of its Gdynia – Karlskrona ferry route at the Baltic Business Conference in Gdynia on May 20, 2025. The celebration brought together partners, city officials, and company leaders, including owner Dan Sten Olsson and Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson.

Marek Kiersnowski, Managing Director of Stena Line Poland, highlighted the route’s significance beyond transport. “This connection is a bridge between two countries and a hub for business growth on both sides of the Baltic,” he said. Over three decades, the line has carried around 2.5 million freight units and over 12 million passengers, becoming a vital link for commerce and cultural exchange.

Mayor of Gdynia Aleksandra Kosiorek and Swedish Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath emphasized the route’s impact on regional development and bilateral relations. Kosiorek noted that the ferry line fosters both tourism and business, while von Beckerath stressed that without this connection, Poland would not rank among Sweden’s top ten trade partners.

The conference reflected on the route’s history, from the inaugural Lion Queen in 1995 to today’s modern E-Flexer ferries. Kiersnowski recalled starting as a Hotel Manager on the ferry and praised the company’s long-term commitment to employees and their families.

Economic experts discussed Poland’s rapid development over the last 30 years and the growing role of Central Europe in the global economy. Stena Line leaders highlighted Gdynia as a hub for the largest ro-ro ships in the world, and port officials described investments in modern infrastructure, including Onshore Power Supply and digital systems.

Looking ahead, speakers focused on sustainable growth, intermodal transport, and evolving tourism trends in the Baltic region. New ferries and ongoing innovation aim to meet demand for years to come, while sustainability initiatives, such as battery-powered port operations and alternative fuels, reduce environmental impact.

Dan Sten Olsson and Niclas Mårtensson emphasized confidence and long-term vision in expanding to new markets. “Investing in Poland was the right decision, and we will continue to grow here for the next 30 years,” Mårtensson said.

The anniversary celebration underscored that the Gdynia – Karlskrona route is more than a ferry line—it is a legacy of connection, commerce, and collaboration between Poland and Sweden.