EQT Expands Nordic Ferry Infrastructure Investor Base Amid Transformation to Maritime Leader

In a significant move for maritime transportation, EQT has announced the expansion of its investor base in Nordic Ferry Infrastructure (NFI), a key player in the ferry services across the Nordic region. With a consortium formed by Rederiaktiebolaget Gotland AB, Interogo Infrastructure, and Lægernes Pension taking a 30 percent minority stake, this agreement marks a pivotal moment for NFI as it looks to further develop its operations and enhance its sustainable initiatives.

EQT Infrastructure V, the investment arm behind the acquisition, will continue to hold a majority stake in the company, providing a solid foundation for NFI's future. This strategic partnership aims to bolster the company's initiatives for fleet decarbonization and electrification, while also focusing on growth in existing and new markets. The move is seen as essential given the company's operation of more than 59 ferry routes across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, servicing over 25 million passengers annually.

"Nordic Ferry Infrastructure operates an extensive network spanning over 1,400 kilometers, connecting vital transport routes for both passengers and cargo," stated Ulrich Köllensperger, Partner at EQT Infrastructure. He noted that this transaction is a vital milestone for the firm, welcoming renowned partners like Gotlandsbolaget, which boasts over 160 years of experience in navigating the Nordic waterways. This partnership is expected to enhance NFI’s positioning as a leading ferry operator in the Nordic arena, focusing on sustainable navigation and infrastructure development.

EQT's previous efforts have laid a strong groundwork for NFI, facilitating operational efficiencies through enhanced management structures, optimization of procurement processes, and implementing a sustainability-oriented capital framework. The company has actively pursued a greener operational model, evidenced by an 11 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from 2022 to 2024, a testament to its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The newly broadened investor base is positioned to support NFI's next developmental phase, concentrating on future investments in sustainable technologies and further operational advancements. According to Björn Nilsson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget, NFI represents a valuable long-term investment opportunity, aligning with their strategy to play a leading role in sustainable maritime transportation within the Nordic region.

As the partnership embarks on this new chapter, Carsten Jensen, CEO of Nordic Ferry Infrastructure, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative potential their new partners bring, indicating that the company will focus on improving service delivery, investing in modern fleet capabilities, and pushing towards more sustainable transport solutions across the region. This transformative step in NFI's trajectory reinforces the ongoing commitment to delivering essential transport connectivity, while simultaneously striving for excellence in environmental stewardship.

The success of this investment hinges on customary conditions and necessary regulatory approvals, with Deutsche Bank serving as exclusive financial adviser to EQT and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP as legal counsel. As developments unfold, the maritime industry will be watching closely to see how this partnership will reshape ferry transportation across one of Europe's most picturesque regions.

In conclusion, EQT's strategic alignment with new investors marks a new era for Nordic Ferry Infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a crucial entity in sustainable maritime transport. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to innovation, NFI is set to strengthen its leadership position within the Nordic ferry services landscape, paving the way for a greener and more connected future.

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