HARNESSING WIND POWER
Stena Line is one of the world’s largest and most successful ferry operators. Industry Europe looks at the company’s culture concerning safety and the environment and a philosophy that keeps it at the forefront of the ferry industry.
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tena Line was established in 1939 in Gothenburg, Sweden, by Sten A Olsson who began by creating the metal trading company: Sten A Olssons Metallproduktor. Following several strategic mergers and some major acquisitions, including that of the UK operator, Sealink British Ferries, the company grew to become a major force in the ferry industry. In 2010, Stena Lines’ biggest reorganisation programme began with two brand-new Super-ferries going into service. The investment was the biggest to date in Stena Line’s history with a total of SEK 7 billion being invested in the
two new ferries and in the conversion of four of their sister ships. Today, the company operates 19 major ferry routes in Scandinavia and around the United Kingdom with connections between eight different countries. With its fleet of 35 modern vessels the company employs around 3000 people.
Innovation for a better world Stena’s vision for providing added value is that customers must have the best possible experience when they choose Stena Line for their travel, holidays, relaxation or freight
transport. The company’s focus is firmly on constantly improving its services by developing innovative products and services that optimise the travel experience for all. Traditionally the company has had a strong culture of innovation, with its own employees contributing thousands of ideas for every-day improvements, a great many of which have been adopted over the years. A recent example of Stena’s innovation at work is its introduction of the world’s first passenger ferry to be equipped with two wind turbines at the prow, which contribute by supplying energy and reducing fuel consump-
