DFDS Is Testing Intelligent Drones

By 2019 Newsletter week 20

DFDS is developing and testing drones that can help us keep track of the trailers in the terminals in cooperation with Lorenz Technology, a Danish company developing drones based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The drones can autonomously zip around the terminal locating trailers, scanning and analysing trailer numbers, while integrating a real-time data flow to terminal management systems. This data can help terminal staff with different tasks, including precise location of trailers and improved weight management when loading ferries for increased operating efficiency.
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TOP STORY

By 2019 newsletter week 19

DFDS Opens New Route Between Zeebrugge and Gothenburg for Stora Enso

9 May, DFDS and Stora Enso have entered into a 5-year agreement to annually carry around 700,000 tons of paper and board products between Gothenburg and Zeebrugge.

To accommodate the volumes of the agreement, DFDS will open a route between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Zeebrugge, Belgium.

The new route will be operated by three ro-ro ferries. Two ro-ro ferries – SLINGEBORG and SCHIEBORG – will be acquired for DKK 270m. These vessels were originally designed for the route, and for this cargo. They were chartered by Stora Enso and operated by SOL Continent Line since November 2014. The ships will no longer be available to SOL Continent Line, which means that the SOL service between Gothenburg and Zeebrugge will end on 17 June, 2019. (read the SOL press release here)

DFDS will also transfer one ro-ro from DFDS’ existing route between Gothenburg and Ghent that currently deploys four freight ferries.

The new Zeebrugge-Gothenburg route is expected to begin operating mid-June, 2019.

Stora Enso has the option to extend the agreement with three year.

New Headquarters For DFDS

By 2019 newsletter week 19

DFDS and the pension fund investor PensionDanmark signed an agreement to build a new head office for DFDS in Copenhagen.

It will be built at Marmorvej near the Copenhagen – Oslo route’s terminal.

The new headquarters will give the opportunity to gather all head-office staff and functions in the same building, and at the same time offer great and modern facilities.

The new head office will be constructed by PensionDanmark and rented by DFDS.

It will be a building offering six floors and 12,500 square meters for 700 people with offices, meeting rooms, fitness facilities, car and bike parking and a big auditorium, among other things.

DFDS plans to move in 2021.

DFDS Q1 On Track Strong Performance in North Sea

By 2019 newsletter week 19

In Q1, revenue increased 11% to DKK 3.9bn driven by the expansion in the Mediterranean and stockpiling in UK ahead of the initial Brexit-date end of March. The Easter timing difference vs 2018 lowered passenger revenue.

EBITDA before special items increased 13% to DKK 677m driven by the Mediterranean expansion and strong performance in North Sea.

Baltic Sea’s result was lowered by one-off additional operating costs as capacity was maintained during dockings, one of which was extended. In addition, the Easter timing difference reduced passenger earnings compared to Q1 2018, especially in the Passenger business unit.

Logistics continued to improve performance in UK & Ireland. In Sweden and Belgium earnings were lower as Q1 2018 included peak earnings from a large contract.

The first in a series of six new freight ferries was delivered in February and successfully deployed in March between Istanbul and Trieste.

2019 EBITDA outlook unchanged: DKK 3.8-4.0bn (2018: DKK 3.6bn, restated)

Key figures Q1 2019

  • +11% Revenue: DKK 3.9bn (3.5)
  • +13% EBITDA: DKK 677m (597)
  • -22.3% Profit before tax DKK 159m (204)

Outlook 2019 Unchanged

  • 10-12% revenue growth
  • EBITDA-range of DKK 3.8-4.0bn (2018: DKK 3.6bn)

Keel-Laying Ceremony Initiates Construction Of Fourth Freight Ferry In China

By 2019 Newsletter week 14

The third DFDS freight ferry from China had not been outside the dry dock for long before the site team and construction crew started the construction of our fourth newbuilding.

March 27, the traditional keel-laying ceremony took place at the Jinling Shipyard to officially celebrate the start of construction of the fourth DFDS freight ferry. In line with Chinese tradition, a coin was placed under the keel and this time Chief Engineer Matti Thomsen was given the honour of sealing it as a symbol of luck throughout the construction process and while at sea.

The fourth freight ferry is expected to be delivered in the last quarter of 2019.

Port Of Pendik Welcomes DFDS New Mega Freight Ferry

By 2019 Newsletter week 9

The newest addition to the DFDS fleet, GOTHIA SEAWAYS, arrived on 23 February at the Port of Pendik in Turkey. She will be set in service from 9 March with an expected arrival on 11 March in Trieste.

The freight ferry will soon be taken to the GEMAK Shipyard to get a rebranding and a name change followed by an official naming ceremony early March.