The report highlights an economic situation in Europe in 2024 with the same challenges as in recent years: great deal of uncertainty, high inflation and rising costs. The vital freight market continued to show a downward trend. Freight customers are under economic pressure and are looking for cost-effective logistics solutions.

More and more freight customers are also leaving trailers in the port and allowing Stena Line to transport their goods without accompanying drivers. This is part of the company’s offering of tailor-made, intermodal logistics solutions, which the company is able to offer together with external partners thanks to good port infrastructure.

During the year, Stena Line continued its digitalisation of the entire customer journey, from booking through to crossing. By using AI, the company has been able to streamline both pricing and the utilisation of cargo decks in order to provide customers with the best service. AI is also a support that enables vessels to sail with even greater energy efficiency.

As part of the company’s streamlining work, a cost reduction programme was launched in 2024. According to the report, this will take full effect in 2026 and is expected to improve EBITDA by SEK 500 million compared with 2024. 2024 was the first year that Stena Line was affected by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The challenge in terms of Stena Line’s sustainability work is therefore to balance the cost increases associated with emission allowances and the need for investment in the fleet with a market that has so far been reluctant to pay extra for sustainable solutions. The interplay between these factors is currently limiting the potential speed of the transition.

Stena Line has been able to make investments to secure its future and lay the foundation for profitable and sustainable growth. Building of the STENA FUTURA and STENA CONNECTA, both able to run on both electricity and alternative fuels such as biodiesel and methanol. Stena Line is building a new ro-ro terminal at Immingham in the UK. A new route between Dublin and Liverpool was opened in February 2024.

During the year 49% of Moroccan ferry company AML was acquired, and Stena Line took over responsibility for and operation of the company’s two ferry routes between Morocco and Spain. This investment will cover the freight volumes that are expected to increase in the region due to industrial growth and Morocco’s growing international trade, the report points out. The direct expenses from the ferry operation were in 2024 SEK 14,031 million (SEK 13,108 million).

Full report https://stena.com/app/uploads/2025/04/stena-ab-annual-review-2024-web.pdf

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