Mukran Port Clarifies: No Discussions with HLS Hanse Line Shipping GmbH Regarding Planned Ferry Service
Sassnitz-Mukran, November 6, 2026 – Mukran Port has taken note of media reports regarding plans by HLS Hanse Line Shipping GmbH to resume the ferry service between Sassnitz and Trelleborg. However, the port operator was itself caught off guard by these announcements. To date, there have been neither discussions nor any contact with the shipping company. To Mukran Port’s knowledge, there has also been no exchange between Hanse Line Shipping and the Port of Trelleborg so far. Furthermore, the port has no information regarding the plans and operational requirements mentioned in the reports.
“We have taken note of the announcements, though we were caught off guard by them ourselves. There have been no discussions whatsoever between Hanse Line Shipping GmbH and Mukran Port to date. Nor has the shipping company approached us. We have not spoken about the deployment of a vessel, potential berths, commercial terms, or the necessary operational procedures. Consequently, we are currently unable to assess the announced plans,” explains Henry Forster, Managing Director of Mukran Port.
In principle, a distinction must be made between operating a ferry service and providing the necessary port infrastructure. As the port operator, Mukran Port provides the infrastructural conditions for cargo handling and ferry traffic. Decisions regarding the launch of a route, the deployment of vessels, timetables, as well as the marketing and operation of the ferry service, rest with the respective shipping company. Moreover, any concrete implementation requires prior coordination with the port and an assessment of the operational requirements.
Independent of the current announcements, Mukran Port is actively working to create the conditions for resuming ferry connections to southern Sweden. To this end, the port operator is in discussions with various shipping companies.
“Resuming a ferry service to southern Sweden is a key priority for our port and the entire region. We are holding exploratory talks with various partners on this matter. However, these are still at a stage where it would be premature to make concrete or reliable statements regarding potential routes, operators, or schedules. Our goal remains to develop viable long-term perspectives for ferry traffic to and from Mukran,” says Forster.
About Mukran Port
Located on the island of Rügen, Mukran Port spans nearly 430 hectares and features 22 berths as well as modern ferry, rail, multipurpose, and offshore terminals. With maritime connections to almost all Baltic Sea countries and its proximity to several wind farms, the port also plays a vital role in the offshore wind industry.
In addition, Mukran Port is gaining increasing importance for international tourism. As a maritime gateway to the island of Rügen, it welcomes visitors from across Europe. Direct bus and rail connections allow travelers to conveniently reach the island's tourist highlights.
Located on the island of Rügen, Mukran Port spans nearly 430 hectares and features 22 berths as well as modern ferry, rail, multipurpose, and offshore terminals. With maritime connections to almost all Baltic Sea countries and its proximity to several wind farms, the port also plays a vital role in the offshore wind industry.
In addition, Mukran Port is gaining increasing importance for international tourism. As a maritime gateway to the island of Rügen, it welcomes visitors from across Europe. Direct bus and rail connections allow travelers to conveniently reach the island's tourist highlights.
Media Contact:
MAR COMMUNICATIONS
Felix Zimmermann
Phone: +49 163 300 06 61
Email: presse@mukran-port.de
MAR COMMUNICATIONS
Felix Zimmermann
Phone: +49 163 300 06 61
Email: presse@mukran-port.de