The revised tax framework removes the barrier to repatriating the strategically significant route agreement, which currently extends to 2035. Gotlandsbolaget has now submitted a formal application to Trafikverket requesting the contract relocation to Swedish sovereignty.

The decision represents a significant development for Swedish maritime policy and ensures that Gotland traffic will benefit from the enhanced Swedish tax system throughout the forthcoming concession period.

"Swedish shipping is more important than it has been for many decades due to the international situation, and this decision strengthens Swedish shipping companies' opportunities to develop their national presence," said Björn Nilsson, chief executive of Gotlandsbolaget.

The operator has consistently signalled its intention to bring the agreement home to Sweden should Parliament approve a revised tonnage tax. Gotlandsbolaget's application to Trafikverket now formalises this ambition.

Håkan Johansson, chief executive of Destination Gotland, expressed satisfaction at the outcome. "We are pleased to now achieve what we have pursued since the government announced it would review the Swedish tonnage tax. We will submit a request to Trafikverket to place the economic and strategic management of Gotland traffic on Gotland. We believe it is important that such vital public infrastructure can be led from Sweden in the longer term."

The decision ensures that one of Sweden's most strategically critical ferry routes will henceforth be wholly managed and operated from Swedish territory.