"After developing an illness this summer that has limited my ability to continue working to the extent I had intended, I have decided to bring forward my retirement. I am deeply grateful for the support and trust I have received during my time as Managing Director of Wasaline," said Ståhlberg.

Ståhlberg joined Wasaline in 2013 as Fleet Manager and was appointed Managing Director soon afterwards. During his tenure, the Kvarken operator went from a loss-making company to a profitable business carrying passengers and freight between Vaasa and Umeå. One of his most significant achievements was leading the procurement, concept development and design of the hybrid RoPax newbuild AURORA BOTNIA.

"Together with his colleagues, Peter has built the Wasaline we know today. He has done an outstanding job in developing a ferry company that few believed in at the beginning. Under his leadership, Wasaline has grown from a loss-making company into a profitable and future-oriented business operating one of the world's most modern hybrid vessels, AURORA BOTNIA," said Elisabeth Lönne, Chief Commercial Officer at Stena Line.

Ståhlberg had a long seagoing career before he moved ashore. He has spent 42 years in shipping, including 22 years as Master on passenger and cruise vessels worldwide. He specialised in polar operations and completed five seasons in Antarctica, along with several seasons in the Arctic and Alaska. He has also worked on numerous newbuild projects, the opening of new routes, and conversion and development projects in the cruise industry.

"It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated and professional organisation, both on board and ashore. I am particularly pleased to have been part of the process of transferring ownership of the company to Stena Line, which I am convinced is the best solution for the long-term development of traffic across the Kvarken region," Ståhlberg concluded.

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