 Apart from during the two world wars there has been a continuous service operating between these two countries, initially by the railway companies serving the east coast of England together with Stoomvaart Maatschappij Zeeland a Dutch ferry company.In 1990 Stena Line had purchased both parts and Stena Line Holland BV came into being.A passenger service has operated from Harwich to Hoek van Holland since the late 19th century apart from a break during the Second World War.