January 23, 2026
At Grand Port de Dunkerque, RoRo activity showed contrasting trends across trade lanes in 2025.
Cross Channel (Dunkerque–Dover):
- Freight traffic down 3%.
- Passenger car traffic down 13%.
- Overall market described as slightly weaker year-on-year.
Ireland services:
- RoRo freight volumes up 11%.
- Passenger traffic up 8%.
- Continued year-on-year confirmation of a robust business model.
- In September 2025, DFDS reinforced the service with VICTORIA SEAWAYS, doubling passenger capacity and increasing freight capacity by 18% compared with OPTIMA SEAWAYS.
Overall RoRo results (2025):
- Freight units: 486,000 (-1%).
- Passenger cars: 324,000 (-12%).
- Passengers: 1,601,000 (-9%).
Automotive logistics:
- Following the opening of a new vehicle logistics centre in the eastern port area in 2024, maritime vehicle exports continued to grow.
- A total of 52 car-carrier calls were handled in 2025, supporting the regional automotive industry.
Despite pressure on cross-Channel volumes, Dunkerque’s Ireland routes and automotive exports remain clear growth drivers.
Source: Dunkerque Port (in French)
