During the same year tax free sales ended in traffic within the EU, meaning that most profits on the Vaasa—Umeå service disappeared. On December 31, 2000, Silja Line closed down traffic across kvarken completely, and Wasa Queen was laid up in Vaasa awaiting potential buyers.
The elimination of tax-free sales within the EU during the same year resulted in a loss of revenue for the Vaasa—Umeå service. Silja Line ceased operations across the Kvarken on December 31, 2000, and the Wasa Queen was placed in storage at Vaasa until potential buyers were found.