DFDS Acquires International Transport Network Connecting Türkiye And Europe From Ekol Logistics

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

DFDS has completed the acquisition of Ekol Logistics’ international transport network, strengthening connections between Türkiye and Europe. The revised (*) agreement includes updates to the terminal agreement with Yalova Port and reinforces Türkiye’s role as a key manufacturing hub.

Key highlights:
Expected 2024 revenue: DKK 3.3bn
3,700 employees joining DFDS
Acquisition value: DKK 1.8bn

“This acquisition enhances our ability to support Türkiye’s growth and strengthens our Mediterranean business,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

The network spans 10 European countries and integrates road, ferry, and rail, positioning DFDS for significant growth in the region.

(*) On November 1st, DFDS announced that it had terminated the share purchase agreement, and the transaction would consequently not take place. (Source: DFDS)

Brittany Ferries Chairman Responds to Jersey’s Ferry Contract Decision

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

Brittany Ferries’ chairman, Jean-Marc Roué, has issued a strong response to Jersey’s chief minister regarding the ongoing ferry contract dispute. In a letter to Lyndon Farnham, Mr Roué expressed both surprise and concern over Jersey’s decision not to accept the joint Condor-Brittany Ferries bid, particularly given Guernsey’s approval following a thorough nine-month tender process.

While confirming Brittany Ferries’ intention to participate in Jersey’s new bid process, Mr Roué also addressed recent critical comments made in the States of Jersey Assembly and reported in the media.

“The company I chair exists solely to prioritise customer satisfaction,” Mr Roué stated in his letter. “All financial benefits from our activities are fully reinvested into the company. For instance, we are currently undergoing the largest fleet renewal in our history, with five new-generation ships, including two powered by cleaner hybrid LNG-electric technology.”

The letter underscores Brittany Ferries’ commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence amid the evolving tender process.

Source: Brittany Ferries Newsroom

GNV Announces Two Top Management Appointments to Strengthen Commercial Strategy

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

GNV, a ferry company that is part of the MSC Group, has announced the appointment of Matteo Della Valle as its new Chief Commercial Officer and Matteo De Candia as the new General Manager of GNV in Spain.

“These new appointments represent an important step in the evolution of the company, which is committed to consolidating its position in the passenger and freight maritime transport sector in the Mediterranean, with a focus on growth in international markets,” the company stated.

Matteo Della Valle, in his new role, will expand his responsibilities to include the coordination of activities for both the passenger and cargo segments. His extensive experience in passenger sales management and his integrated vision of commercial operations are expected to strengthen GNV’s presence and competitiveness in key markets.

Matteo De Candia, formerly the Freight Commercial Director, will now lead GNV’s operations in Spain. His goal will be to consolidate activities in the Spanish market across both passenger and freight sectors. With his deep knowledge of the cargo industry, he is well-positioned to enhance growth opportunities in the Balearic Islands, a strategic region that represents approximately 20% of the company’s business.

Estonian State Fleet: Driving Sustainable Maritime Operations

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

The Estonian State Fleet (ESF), established on 1 January 2023, prioritises reducing CO2 emissions by modernising its ferry fleet and exploring low-emission technologies. It oversees over 250 state-owned vessels, including seven ferries that connect small islands like Kihnu, Ruhnu, and Vormsi. ESF also conducts specialised maritime tasks such as hydrographic surveys and buoy laying, tenders for new vessels, and develops efficient inter-island transport routes.

Although, the ferries are operated through public procurement agreements by private companies, ESF as the owner of the vessels will carry out the procurements and install the energy saving and emission-cutting equipment, such as replacing the onboard conventional lighting to LED lighting, install new propellers and fuel monitoring systems.

Source and more info: Central Baltic Programme

Photo: Passenger catamaran Runö serves the route to Ruhnu island

Green Transition for Denmark’s Shortest Ferry Route!

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

Since 2010, the ferry VENØ has operated Denmark’s shortest ferry route, connecting Kleppen and Venø. With support from Trafikstyrelsen (Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority), the municipality is now set to embark on a green transition for this route.

OSK Design has worked closely with the municipality to develop an electrification project aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing the environmental sustainability of the ferry service. This shift to electric propulsion marks a significant step in Denmark’s mission to advance cleaner, greener maritime transport.

The next steps include a public tender for the ferry’s conversion and finalising plans for harbour infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the new electric ferry. These initiatives will ensure that both the ferry and its facilities are future-ready for sustainable transport.

Source: OSK Design on Linkedin

IMAGE CARDS

By 2024 Newsletter week 47

Özata Shipyard kicked off the NB101 project, the first of two double-ended electric/hybrid ferries with a capacity of 60 vehicles, designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company for Torghatten Nord.

Photo source: Özata Shipyard on Linkedin

GLEN SANNOX, the first of two dual fuel ferries being built by the Port Glasgow shipyard, has been formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).

Launched into the Clyde in November 2017, she is the first vessel in the UK to have a dual-fuel propulsion system which can use both MGO or LNG.

Finnlines Financial Summary: January–September 2024

By 2024 Newsletter week 45
  • Revenue: Reached €547.2 million, a 7% increase from €513.2 million in 2023.
  • EBITDA: Improved by 7% to €140.8 million, up from €131.7 million in the previous year.
  • Net Income: Decreased by 8%, resulting in €52.1 million, compared to €56.9 million in 2023.
  • Debt Reduction: Interest-bearing debt dropped by €70.1 million to €387 million.

Q3 2024 Highlights:

  • Revenue: Increased by 7% to €189.2 million.
  • EBITDA Growth: Saw a substantial 36% rise to €57.1 million.
  • Net Income: Notably grew by 85%, reaching €27.9 million.

Operational Updates:

  • Passenger travel surged, especially on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route, with a 122% increase.
  • A new UK freight route was launched, connecting Finland and Sheerness.
  • Fleet modernisation continues, aligning with environmental regulations; three new green-fuelled vessels are in procurement.

Outlook: Finnlines anticipates improved performance, supported by EU economic recovery, operational efficiencies, and green initiatives. However, some concerns:

  • Economic Headwinds: The beginning of 2024 saw challenges from high interest rates, inflation, and slow economic growth, especially in key markets such as Finland, Germany, and Sweden. These factors have affected freight and passenger demand, though signs of recovery are emerging.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing conflicts, particularly the Ukraine crisis, add uncertainty to the business environment. Any escalation could impact trade flows within the EU and Finnlines’ routes.
  • Labour Disruptions: Early 2024 saw strikes in Finland that disrupted cargo volumes. Although impacts seem contained, further labour issues could hinder operations and revenue growth.
  • Cybersecurity Risks: The increased likelihood of cyberattacks has led Finnlines to focus on cybersecurity measures, essential for safeguarding operations but requiring continuous investment and vigilance.
  • Environmental Compliance Costs: Finnlines is aligning with the EU’s new environmental regulations, including the Emissions Trading Scheme and Fuel EU Maritime regulations starting in 2025. Compliance necessitates significant investment in new vessels and technology, increasing capital expenditures.
  • High Debt Levels: While debt decreased, Finnlines still carries substantial interest-bearing debt (€387 million), making it sensitive to any future interest rate increases that could impact financial expenses.

Overall, Finnlines is navigating these risks by investing in fleet modernisation, expanding routes, and implementing efficiency measures, which should help mitigate some of these concerns over time.

DFDS Q3 2024 Interim Report – Working Through Headwinds

By 2024 Newsletter week 45

“Despite market headwinds, we continued in line with our organic growth ambitions to protect and grow volumes in Q3 on the back of our network strength,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO.

Q3 2024

  • Revenue up 11% to DKK 8.0bn Organic growth was 4%
  • EBIT reduced 11% to DKK 785m
  • Adjusted free cash flow of DKK 396m
  • CO2 ferry emission intensity lowered 1.6%

Outlook 2024 (updated 1 November 2024)

  • EBIT of DKK 1.5-1.7bn
  • Revenue growth of 8-10%
  • Adjusted free cash flow of around DKK 1.2bn

Read the Q3 2024 interim report here:

DFDS Terminates EKOL Acquisition

By 2024 Newsletter week 45

In April 2024, DFDS entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire the international transport network of Ekol Logistics.

As certain contractual conditions (company announcement no. 24 of 9 April 2024), have not been satisfied by the agreed deadline, DFDS has terminated the share purchase agreement and the transaction will consequently not take place.

DFDS 2024 Outlook Lowered by Market Slowdown and Termination EKOL Acquisition

By 2024 Newsletter week 45

DFDS’ EBIT outlook range for 2024 is revised following results below expectations driven by mainly a more widespread slowdown in Europe than previously expected as well as intensified competition in northern European land transport markets and the Mediterranean freight ferry market.

The current market conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the year whilst a rebound in activity was previously expected for the rest of the year.

The termination of the share purchase agreement to acquire the international transport network of EKOL Logistics may moreover in Q4 2024 entail some financial impact.

As a consequence, the EBIT 2024 outlook range is lowered to DKK 1.5-1.7bn from previously DKK 1.7-2.1bn, and the outlook for the adjusted free cash flow is changed to around DKK 1.2bn from previously around DKK 1.5bn.

The revenue growth 2024 outlook is changed to 8-10% from previously 8-11% as revenue from EKOL Logistics was previously included in the revenue outlook.