Serco:Strömma starts managing Djurgården ferries in Stockholm harbour

Serco, together with its Swedish joint venture (JV) partner Strömma Tourism & Maritime, today begins operating one of Stockholm harbour's key ferry services on behalf of Stockholm County Council and public ferry company, Waxholms Ångfartygs AB (WÅAB). 

Serco:Strömma will be responsible for the management and operation of the four Djurgården ferries which together carry over two million passengers every year. These ferries play a crucial role in serving the tourism market by transporting local people and visitors to Slussen, Djurgården and Skeppsholmen to visit the many leisure and tourist attractions.

Serco:Strömma secured the eight-year contract in October 2013. The 50:50 JV combines Serco's international expertise in operating land and sea public transport and ship maintenance, with Strömma's experience of delivering high quality leisure and tourism services throughout Scandinavia, as well as its knowledge of operating in the local waters. The business will operate locally under the new name, the Djurgården Ferry Traffic Company.

David Stretch, Serco's Managing Director for Transport Services, said: "We are delighted to take over the running of the Djurgården ferry service for Stockholm County Council and public ferry company, Waxholms Ångfartygs AB. Together with our partner Strömma, we plan to make a number of improvements to the passenger experience and provide an excellent standard of service for both residents and tourists alike."

Jan Larsén, CEO Strömma Turism & Sjöfart AB, added: "We are pleased that we have been given the opportunity to manage the Djurgården ferries service together with our partner Serco. We look forward to delivering significant enhancements for passengers by improving logistics, reducing ferry waiting times and making provisions for cyclists to take their bikes onboard the ferries."