WALLENIUS SOL buys two Wagenborg RoRo’s and secures long-term CoA

The Sweden-based RoRo liner company WALLENIUS SOL has announced the acquisition of two RoRo vessels from The Netherlands-based Royal Wagenborg, Bothniaborg and Balticborg, together with a long-term Contract of Affreightment (CoA) with Smurfit Westrock, Europe’s largest kraftliner mill, located in Piteå, Sweden.

The acquisition of Bothniaborg and Balticborg from Wagenborg extends WALLENIUS SOL’s fleet and capacity, reinforcing its ability to serve the region’s industrial customers with connections year-round, including during the demanding winter ice season.

As part of this transaction, Wagenborg existing Contract of Affreightment with Smurfit Westrock will transfer to WALLENIUS SOL AB, ensuring full continuity of service for the mill’s logistics operations.

The partnership will evolve over time as WALLENIUS SOL integrates Smurfit Westrock’s volumes fully into its shipping network, transitioning from current stowage modes to RoRo cassette operations and eventually connecting the Piteå flow to next-generation vessels as part of WALLENIUS SOL’s long-term newbuilding programme.

The transaction represents Wagenborg’s strategic focus on its core activities in ice class general cargo shipping.

“This acquisition is a natural continuation of what we set out to build, a reliable, sustainable maritime backbone for the industries of northern Europe. By investing in transport infrastructure capacity and welcoming Smurfit Westrock as a long-term partner, we strengthen both the reach and the resilience of the system. We are proud to take on this responsibility and are committed to delivering the service these volumes deserve,” said Elvir Dzanic, CEO, WALLENIUS SOL.

“Bothniaborg and Balticborg have been at the heart of a long-standing collaboration with Smurfit Westrock since 2004. Together, we have built and operated a reliable service in a demanding region, which makes this a moment we look back on with appreciation. At the same time, we are pleased that both vessels have found a new home with WALLENIUS SOL to continue their journey,” added Egbert Vuursteen, CEO Royal Wagenborg.