Is the Königslinie coming back?: Company announces fast ferry connection to Sweden - port surprised
The port operator in Mukran says he knows nothing about it
Quick Look
- The company HLS Hanse Line Shipping is planning a daily ferry connection between Sassnitz and Trelleborg from summer.
- However, the port operator in Mukran says he knows nothing about it.
- The connection is intended to be the shortest route between Germany and Sweden.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Seven years ago, freight ferry traffic between Sassnitz and Trelleborg ended with the discontinuation of the so-called Royal Line by Stena-Line in the wake of the Corona pandemic. There are already several ferry connections between Germany and Sweden, including from Rostock-Warnemünde, Lübeck and Kiel to Trelleborg, Malmö or Karlshamm.
Seven years ago, freight ferry traffic between Sassnitz and Trelleborg ended. It is the end of a historic connection. It will be revived starting next summer. The port operator is surprised.
There will be another ferry connection between Germany and Sweden next year. As NDR reports, the company HLS Hanse Line Shipping wants to reconnect the towns of Sassnitz on the island of Rügen and Trelleborg from summer onwards. From Monday to Friday there should be three connections in each direction every day.
However, the company apparently caused confusion with its announcement. Because as the port operator in Mukran announced, according to NDR, he knew nothing about it. There were no discussions. Later - without naming a negotiating partner - there is talk of talks at such an early stage that no reliable statements can be made yet.
When asked by the broadcaster, the company spoke of a project idea that was currently being developed. There have been very good discussions with the port in Sassnitz. The company website states: “currently intensive, in-depth coordination and contractual discussions with partners and ports in order to successfully set the course for reliable operations.” The targeted time horizon serves “as a strategic target for the operational start”. Dates are provisional. Nevertheless, both departure times and prices are already mentioned.
According to the company, a trip will take just over two and a half hours. The NDR is currently talking about three and a half hours. Traffic is quiet on weekends. According to the report, crossings can be booked from March, it was initially said. On the site, a countdown counts the remaining time until bookings start - supposedly 114 days left, that would be March 1st. According to the company, prices for private individuals including cars start at 49 euros per direction.
The offer is primarily aimed at freight transport. With the discontinuation of the so-called royal line by Stena-Line seven years ago in the wake of the corona pandemic, there was no direct offer between Rügen and southern Sweden. A catamaran that has been operating in the meantime focused primarily on passengers and cars. The connection is the shortest between Germany and Sweden.
There are already several ferry connections between Germany and Sweden. The fastest route to date connects Rostock-Warnemünde with Trelleborg in around six hours. In addition, ships operate from Lübeck and Kiel to Trelleborg, Malmö or Karlshamm.
The port in Mukran on Rügen is an important location for the offshore industry. The only privately operated LNG terminal in Germany is also located there.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The ferry connection between Sassnitz and Trelleborg could start from summer if contract negotiations have been concluded.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- When exactly should operations start?
- Which partners and ports are included in the contract negotiations?
- Why do the statements from the company and the port operator contradict each other?
- Are the prices and departure times mentioned binding?
