Stena Line Hosts High-Level Political Visit in Rostock to Highlight Strategic Rail Ferry Link

22 October 2025

Stena Line welcomed key German government representatives for a political visit at the ferry berth in Rostock’s Überseehafen to showcase the vital role of its rail ferry connection between Rostock and Trelleborg.

Technical details

The visit, organized by Stena Line GmbH & Co. KG and Stena Line AB, brought together Christoph Ploß, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Industry and Tourism, and Georg Günther, Member of the Bundestag.

Following a welcome session at the ferry center, guests transferred to the FS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where they observed the complex process of loading train wagons onto the ferry. On board, Captains Fredrik Löfvendahl and Nicklas Bergenland provided insights into the operational, technical, and political significance of this unique transport service.

The event highlighted Stena Line’s unique rail ferry service between Rostock and Trelleborg, which can carry complete freight trains, locomotives, and oversized cargo — serving as the only alternative to the Öresund Bridge for rail freight between Germany and Sweden. The company emphasized the vital strategic and defense role of this link, as well as the high costs of maintaining such specialized vessels and infrastructure.

While the Swedish government has already recognized and supported the service through national funding, Stena Line used the opportunity to call for greater political backing in Germany to secure the long-term operation and modernization of this crucial transport corridor.

The visit concluded with positive discussions on future cooperation and the shared goal of strengthening sustainable and resilient freight transport between Northern Europe’s key maritime hubs.