Dan Sten Olsson, Chief Executive of Stena Sphere has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast in recognition of his impact across industry and commerce through his global leadership as well as Stena Line’s long-term contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy.
The honorary degree was formally conferred during the University’s winter graduation ceremonies on Tuesday 2nd December.
Dan Stena Olsson joined Stena Sphere, the family-owned global business in 1972 and under his leadership, it has grown into one of Sweden’s largest privately owned companies. It has business interests across Europe including Stena Line ferry operations, offshore drilling, real estate and metal recycling. This year Stena Line, the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea marked the 30th anniversary of operations in Belfast Harbour.
Mr Olsson commented: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from Queen’s University Belfast. To be recognised by such a prestigious and internationally respected educational institution is a privilege that I accept with both joy and gratitude.”
Mr Olsson added: “The city of Belfast holds a very special place in my heart and for 30 years, Stena Line has been proud to call Belfast one of our most important business hubs. My family and I have developed a strong and heartfelt connection to Belfast and its people, and it’s such a wonderful surprise to be recognised in this unique way by a city we hold in such high esteem.”
Queen’s University Belfast also recognised seven other inspiring honorary graduates during the winter graduation ceremony, recognising global achievement in diplomacy, business, science, the arts and community life. Among those honoured were playwright Owen McCafferty; Finnebrogue co-founder Christine Lynn; distinguished US diplomat The Honourable Barbara J. Stephenson.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Our honorary graduates this winter represent excellence across so many fields, from diplomacy and business to medicine, the arts and community service. Each has made a distinctive and lasting contribution to society, reflecting the values of Queen’s and inspiring others to make their own mark on the world.”
Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet providing up to 238 weekly sailings offering the widest choice of routes including: combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, in addition to the dedicated freight only routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin. This year Stena Line celebrated 30 years of operations in Belfast Harbour and in Dublin Port.
