DFDS

DFDS has completed the acquisition of Naviera Armas’ Algeciras–Tangier Med ferry operations following approval from the Spanish and Moroccan competition authorities.

The transaction is valued at DKK 165m.

The acquisition includes the 2004-built RoPax VOLCAN DE TAMASITE, route operating permits and the transfer of around 200 employees. (ferry to be renamed MARHABA SEAWAYS)

DFDS’ share of capacity on a RoRo (EOS) used jointly by operators on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route will also increase from 33% to 50%.

The acquired operations will be integrated into DFDS’ existing Algeciras–Tangier Med service, expanding its freight and passenger offering and adding scale in a growing market.

DFDS will not proceed with the separate acquisition of Naviera Armas’ Algeciras–Ceuta operations. The company said the Spanish competition authority’s requirements exceeded the conditions agreed for the transaction.

DFDS maintains its 2026 capital expenditure outlook at DKK 1.7bn, with the acquisition cost expected to be offset by lower operating capital expenditure. Its adjusted free cash flow outlook also remains unchanged, as this measure excludes acquisition expenditure.

DFDS will deploy ARK FUTURA as a second RoRo vessel on its Damietta–Trieste route from 15 October 2026, doubling the frequency to two weekly departures in each direction.

Launched in November 2024 as DFDS’ first direct freight ferry connection between Egypt and Italy, the service has recorded strong growth. The additional vessel will increase capacity for trade between North Africa and Europe, with fresh fruit and vegetables, textiles and industrial products among the main cargoes.

Lars Hoffmann, Vice President and Head of Mediterranean at DFDS, described the expansion as an important milestone, highlighting Egypt’s growing role as a market and trade gateway.

Departures will operate from Damietta on Mondays and Fridays, and from Trieste on Mondays and Thursdays.

DFDS carried 3.1m lane metres of freight in August 2026, unchanged from August 2025.

North Sea volumes increased on most routes, while Strait of Gibraltar volumes were well above last year. Mediterranean volumes were slightly lower, mainly due to a decline on one route. Baltic Sea and Channel volumes also fell. The Channel decline was in line with the wider ferry market.

Passenger numbers decreased 4.6% to 934,000, mainly due to lower Dover Strait traffic, reflecting an overall market decline.

Over the last 12 months, freight volumes rose 0.4% to 41.8m lane metres but fell 0.5% when adjusted for route changes. Passenger numbers declined 12.4% to 4.9m, or 5.3% on an adjusted basis.

DFDS has appointed Sandeep Shahi as Chief Digital & Information Officer and member of its Executive Management Team. He will join the company on 16 November 2026.

Shahi is currently Chief Information Officer for FedEx in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, India and South Africa. He also leads Global Field IT worldwide. He previously held senior technology roles at DHL Group and SAP.

He succeeds Rune Keldsen, who will leave DFDS at the end of September to become Chief Information Officer at Ørsted.

DFDS shareholders elected Niels Smedegaard and Jan Johan Kühl to the company’s Board of Directors during an Extraordinary General Meeting on 8 September 2026.

Smedegaard was subsequently appointed Chair of the Board, while Kristian V. Mørch continues as Vice Chair.

Claus V. Hemmingsen stepped down from the Board at the EGM, as previously announced.

Following the Board changes, DFDS has moved the publication of its Q3 2026 results from 5 November to 11 November.

DFDS transported 3.5m freight lane metres in July 2026, down 3.2% compared with July 2025.

North Sea volumes were just below last year as growth on Continent–UK routes was offset by lower volumes out of Scandinavia. Mediterranean volumes declined due to a softer overall market and reduced capacity on certain routes, while Channel volumes were also below 2025.

Baltic Sea freight volumes remained stable. Strait of Gibraltar volumes increased, while growth continued on the Egypt route.

Over the last twelve months, freight volumes increased 0.3% to 41.8m lane metres, but decreased 0.5% when adjusted for route changes.

Passenger volumes decreased 1.6% in July to 752,000, mainly due to lower traffic on the Strait of Gibraltar. On a rolling twelve-month basis, passenger numbers were down 15.0%, or 5.1% adjusted for route changes.

DFDS will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) following a request from its largest shareholder, Lauritzen Fonden Holding ApS, to elect two new Board members.

Former DFDS CEO Niels Smedegaard and Polaris Management Managing Partner Jan Johan Kühl will be proposed for election.

The move comes as DFDS embarks on a review of its future strategy. Lauritzen Fonden Holding believes that the development and subsequent execution of the new strategy should also be accompanied by a change of Chair.

Claus V. Hemmingsen will therefore step down from the Board in connection with the EGM. He has served on the DFDS Board since 2012 and as Chair since 2017.

Niels Smedegaard led DFDS as CEO from 2007 to 2019 and currently chairs several companies, including ISS, Falck and Nordic Ferry Infrastructure.

The EGM is expected to take place on 8 September 2026. Following the meeting, the Board is expected to elect a new Chair.