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Tag: DFDS | Ferry Shipping News

May 17
3

DFDS April 2025 Report: Easter Timing Is Good for Passenger Numbers

By | 2025 Newsletter week 20 | No Comments

This year Easter holidays fell in April (last year in March). In general, this decreases freight volumes and increases passenger volumes.

RoRo – freight:

  • Total volumes in April 2025 of 3.5m lane metres were 0.7% below 2024 and down 2.5% adjusted for route changes. YTD growth rates were -0.4% and -1.0%, respectively.
  • North Sea volumes were below 2024 following primarily a dip in automotive volumes between Germany and the UK.
  • Mediterranean volumes were above 2024 driven by mainly a shift of road volumes to ferry, a capacity increase between Tunisia and France, and the opening of a new route between Egypt and Italy.
  • Channel volumes were below 2024 due to mainly the Easter timing difference.
  • Baltic Sea volumes were below 2024 driven mostly by a temporary capacity reduction on one route following tonnage changes.
  • Strait of Gibraltar volumes were above 2024.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 4.6% to 41.4m from 39.6m in 2024-23. The increase was 0.7% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in April 2025 was adjusted for route changes* up 15.1% to 432k vs 2024 and the adjusted YTD growth rate was -3.2%.
  • The monthly increase was driven by mainly the Easter timing difference.
  • The number of cars in April was 13.0% above 2024 adjusted for route changes.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers increased 15.9% to 5.9m compared to 5.1m for 2024-23. The increase was 3.7% adjusted for route changes.

*Adjusted for sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen end October 2025, Tarifa-Tanger Ville due to considerable capacity changes ahead of exit from route early May 2025, and addition of Jersey routes from end March 2025.

May 09
3

FINANCE FACTS FIGURES

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

DFDS Q1 2025: 10 Key Takeaways from the CEO’s Comments

  1. 2025 is a transitional year
    DFDS is laying the groundwork to improve financial performance after a challenging 2024.
  2. Most business units on track
    The majority of business units are maintaining or improving performance as expected.
  3. Three focus areas are being addressed
    Efforts are underway to:

    • Adapt Mediterranean ferry operations to increased competition
    • Turn around Logistics in Türkiye & Europe South by year-end
    • Delivering on the Logistics turnaround projects initiated in 2024.
  4. Continued negative impact from focus areas
    The earnings drag from the three problem areas persisted into Q1, as anticipated.
  5. Earnings trend improving from March
    Initial signs of improvement emerged in March, thanks to turnaround actions.
  6. Turnaround actions implemented
    DFDS has:

    • Raised prices
    • Adjusted capacity
    • Reduced headcount
    • Shut down unprofitable activities
    • Merged or closed offices.
  7. More improvements expected in Q2 and beyond
    The CEO expects a more visible earnings recovery from Q2 2025 onwards.
  8. Geopolitical tailwinds validate network strategy
    Expansion into nearshoring markets like Türkiye and Morocco is being reinforced by current geopolitical shifts and Europe’s drive for self-reliance.
  9. No short-term economic boost expected
    Muted European growth is anticipated for 2025, with potential risks from shifting US policies. Germany’s stepped-up investment in defence and infrastructure is projected to support European growth, with tangible effects anticipated in 2026.
  10. Stronger financials expected in H2
    Cash flow is improving due to working capital and capex discipline. DFDS expects stronger financial solidity in the second half of the year as earnings rise and debt falls.

Q1 2025

  • Revenue up 8% to DKK 7.5bn. Organic growth was -1%
  • EBIT reduced DKK 317m to DKK -117m
  • Adjusted free cash flow increased DKK 573m to DKK 246m
  • CO2 ferry emission intensity from own fleet lowered 5.9%

Read the Q1 2025 interim report here:

https://www.dfds.com/en/about/investors/reports-and-presentations/q1-report-2025

Apr 11
3

DFDS March Volumes

By | 2025 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

March 2025 volume numbers are compared to 2024 impacted by the Easter holiday period falling in April this year compared to March in 2024. In general, this increases freight volumes and decreases passenger volumes compared to March 2024.

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in March 2025 of 3.8m lane metres were 4.1% above 2024 and up 3.6% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -0.2% and -0.5%, respectively.
  • North Sea volumes were above 2024 as most routes carried higher volumes.
  • Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 due to increased ferry competition in the corridor between Türkiye and Italy.
  • Channel and Baltic Sea volumes were both above 2024 driven mainly by the Easter timing difference.
  • Strait of Gibraltar volumes were also above 2024 driven by general market growth and the Easter impact.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 5.9% to 41.5m from 39.2m in 2024-23. The increase was 2.0% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in March 2025 was 46.3% below 2024 and down 29.5% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -27.4% and -12.1%, respectively.
  • The adjusted monthly decrease was driven by mainly the Easter timing difference.
  • The number of cars was 38.9% below 2024 and down 30.8% adjusted for route changes.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers increased 26.9% to 6.3m compared to 5.0m for 2024-23. The increase was 2.3% adjusted for route changes.
Mar 16
3

DFDS Reports Passenger Growth, Freight Decline in February 2025

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Freight Volumes

  • Total freight: 3.4 million lane metres (-3.6% YoY).
  • Regional performance:
    • North Sea: Lower automotive volumes, slowdown in food exports to the UK.
    • Mediterranean: Decreased capacity due to competition.
    • Channel: Decline mainly due to the leap year impact.
    • Baltic Sea & Strait of Gibraltar: Increased volumes.
  • Last 12 months: 41.4 million lane metres (+5.7% YoY).

Passenger Volumes

  • Total passengers: 286,000 (-13.6% YoY), adjusted growth of +4.1% after route sale.
  • Car volumes: 14.5% below 2024, adjusted decrease of 3.9%.
  • Growth areas: Higher volumes on the Strait of Gibraltar and Baltic Sea routes.
  • Last 12 months: 6.6 million passengers (+38.2% YoY, adjusted growth of 5.9%).

 More details: link to DFDS website

Mar 02
3

DFDS Secures New Six-Year Contract with Danish Defence for Military Transport

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

DFDS has secured a new six-year contract with the Danish Defence to provide up to eight freight ferries for the transport of military equipment amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

The contract, which expands the scope of the current agreement, will commence in 2026. Under its terms, the RoRo vessels will be made available to the Danish Defence at short notice when required.

The agreement has been signed with the Joint Movement and Transportation Organization (JMTO) and the ARK Project (ARK), replacing the existing contract established in 2020.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Feb 14
4

DFDS January Volumes: First Month Of The Year Impacted By Timing Of Dockings

By | 2025 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

Ferry – freight

  • Total volumes in January 2025 of 3.3m lane metres were 1.4% below 2024.
  • North Sea volumes were below 2024 due to mainly lower automotive volumes.
  • Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 following increased competition in one corridor.
  • Channel volumes were below 2024 due to docking timing differences.
  • Baltic Sea and Strait of Gibraltar volumes were both above 2024.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 7.4% to 41.5m from 38.6m in 2024-23. The increase was 2.5% adjusted for Strait of Gibraltar added from January 2024.

Ferry – passenger

  • The number of passengers in January 2025 was 12.4% below 2024 and down 4.7% adjusted for the sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen.
  • The adjusted decrease was driven mostly by docking timing differences.
  • The number of cars was 8.5% below 2024 and down 4.1% adjusted for route changes.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers increased 42.7% to 6.6m compared to 4.6m for 2024-23. The increase was 2.9% adjusted for route changes.

Feb 07
4

New Managing Director for Adria Port in Trieste Joins from DFDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 06 | No Comments

Starting in May, the Managing Director of Samer Seaports & Terminals (DFDS) in Trieste will transition to become the next CEO of Adria Port Inc., a company fully owned by the Hungarian state.

Adria Port’s mission is to implement Hungary’s port development project in Trieste, supporting the country’s foreign trade, expanding its logistics network for economic benefit, and contributing to sustainable economic growth. The company operates under the supervision of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Designed as a multipurpose terminal, Adria Port will provide container handling, RoRo operations, and general cargo services. The company emphasises efficiency and flexibility, aiming to ensure the seamless handling of diverse cargo types.

The terminal is expected to commence operations in 2026.

Jan 28
2

DFDS: 2024 Preliminary Results, 2025 Preliminary Outlook & Financial Ambitions

By | 2025 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Preliminary results for 2024     

  • DFDS’ revenue for 2024 increased 9.0% to DKK 29.8bn which was in line with the latest outlook revenue growth range of 8-10%.
  • The 2024 EBIT was DKK 1.5bn in line with the latest EBIT outlook range of DKK 1.5-1.7bn.
  • The adjusted free cash flow for 2024 was DKK 1.0bn compared to an outlook of around DKK 1.2bn.

Preliminary outlook for 2025

  • DFDS’ EBIT for 2025 is expected to be around DKK 1.0bn.
  • The EBIT expectation includes substantial negative earnings impacts from the changed competitive environment of the Mediterranean ferry network. The addition of the Türkiye & Europe South business area (previously Ekol International Transport) to the Logistics Division will as expected also reduce EBIT in 2025.

DFDS will in 2025 focus on:

  • Adapting Mediterranean ferry operations to the changed competitive environment.
  • Turning Türkiye & Europe South around to breakeven by year-end 2025.
  • Progressing the Logistics turnarounds initiated in 2024.
  • Deleveraging the capital structure will also be a priority in 2025 along with a review of non-core asset ownership.

The annual report for 2024 is set for release on 21 February.

Jan 20
2

DFDS December: Adjusted Growth on Level

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in December 2024 were 6.4% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes in 2024, closure of Calais-Tilbury in 2023, and the opening of Damietta-Trieste in 2024.
  • December volumes were in general lowered by the holiday season’s greater impact on the number of operating days compared to 2023. North Sea volumes were therefore below 2023.
  • Channel continued to trend above 2023 while Baltic Sea and Mediterranean volumes were on level with 2023 with the latter facing increased competition in one corridor
  • In 2024, total transported freight lane metres increased 8.4% to 41.5m from 38.3m in 2023. The increase was 4.0% adjusted for the above route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in December 2024 was 16.5% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the above route changes as well as the sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen.
  • The number of cars was 17.4% above 2023 and down 4.2% adjusted for route changes.
  • In 2024, the total number of passengers increased 47.6% to 6.6m compared to 4.5m in 2023. The increase was 7.4% adjusted for route changes.
Jan 10
2

Jersey: DFDS Guernsey: Brittany Ferries

By | 2025 Newsletter week 02 | No Comments

Now it is official: the two Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey, will each have a separate ferry company deserving each island.

Early December 2024, the Government of Guernsey has signed a contract with Brittany Ferries for 15 years. Brittany Ferries is the parent company of Condor Ferries.

End of December, the Government of Jersey has signed a contract with DFDS for 20 years.

A DFDS news release explains:

  • Under the contract, DFDS will provide passenger and freight services to the UK and France: routes from Jersey to Poole, Portsmouth and Saint Malo.
  • Two primary focus areas for the ferry operation: life-line freight and passenger services for Jersey residents and tourism.
  • The last three quarters of 2025, the total number of passengers on the routes are expected to amount to around 400k of which more than half are related to tourism. The majority of freight volumes (mainly unaccompanied trailers) are transported between Portsmouth and Jersey.
  • For the last three quarters of 2025, freight volumes are expected to amount to around 450k lane metres.
  • The four ferries to be deployed include two HSCs (high-speed craft), one RoPax ferry, and one RoRo ferry.
  • As part of the concession agreement, DFDS is planning to renew the deployed fleet through mainly introduction of new-buildings between 2030 and 2032.

Quid Saint-Malo?

 Brittany Ferries submitted its schedules for 2025 to the Port of Saint-Malo on 14 November, one day earlier than DFDS. As a result, Brittany – Condor Ferries is given scheduling priority for the Port of Saint-Malo in 2025.

It will be interesting to see how Saint-Malo copes with the berthing arrangements for the different competitors.

Remark:

As of December 2023, the estimated populations of the two main Channel Islands are:

  • Jersey: approximately 103,650 residents.
  • Guernsey: approximately 64,781 residents.
  • Bailiwick of Guernsey includes Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm.

Photo: Mike Louagie