Today, we welcome our newest addition to our fleet, Côte d’Opale, that was delivered to Stena and handed over to us six weeks ahead of schedule. We have signed a long-term charter agreement with Stena RoRo and the 216-metre-long ferry will become the longest ferry operating on the English Channel. To mark the delivery, a ceremony with representatives from Stena RoRo, DFDS and the shipyard was held on site and the ferry will soon embark on […]
Anders started in DFDS 11 May 1981. During the last 40 years Anders has served on several vessels; the latest 11 years onboard Pearl Seaways. Anders is a well-liked colleague who is skilled at what he does. He takes good care of the engine and all onboard Pearl sleep well when Anders is on night […]
Just look at these fantastic photos of our newbuilding on sea trial. As you might know, sea trials are conducted to test and validate the equipment and systems. At Guangzhou Shipyard International in China, it is customary to conduct two sea trials. The first sea trial is to test main functions, machinery, propulsion systems etc. The second is considered […]
Last week, we sold our ferry ‘Gothia Seaways’ to Luxembourg-based CLdN. At the same time, we acquired the freight ferry ‘Meleq’ from CLdN which we have named Acacia Seaways. Last Thursday 15 April, we said farewell to Gothia Seaways that was acquired by CldN and will be renamed Maxine. The handover was officially marked at […]
DFDS upgrades its vehicle fleet with 57 new Volvo FH trucks. With improved fuel-efficiency and driver safety, the new trucks will help us optimize logistics flows and reduce the environmental footprint of road transport. Volvo FH matches DFDS’ top priorities Our long-standing relationship with Volvo Trucks continues with the investment of 57 new Volvo FH trucks. Fuel efficiency, driver safety, and reduced emissions […]
The service will start on 1st June and will offer one daily sailing in each direction between the two ports. It will be operated by the Gothia Seaways, which can carry up to 165 unaccompanied freight units (trailers or containers without drivers). The port of Sheerness, part of Peel Ports’ London Medway cluster, is located […]
A lot is happening at Guangzhou Shipyard International in China where our new combined freight and passenger ferry for the Baltic Sea is being built. On Friday 19 March, another milestone was reached as the inclining test was successfully carried out. Steen Haurum, Site Manager, says: “An inclining test’s purpose is to establish the vessel’s […]
Côte d’Opale is our upcoming combined passenger and freight ferry that is destined for the Channel. It is currently under construction at the AVIC WEIHAI SHIPYARD CO LTD in China. With the launch getting closer, we thought we would catch up with our Onboard Commercial Director, Steve Newbery, to find out more about this ship […]
On 9 March, a total of 7555 lane meters of cargo went out of Klaipeda to Kiel and Karlshamn altogether. It is an absolute record on Baltic routes despite the pandemic related restrictions. We have strong demand, which we are able to accommodate thanks to sweeper vessels – Ark Futura and Finlandia Seaways, operating on both […]
As you know, we welcomed Huisman Group into DFDS in December 2019. Since then, our experience, organisation and skills within part-load has grown considerably. Now it is time to expand facilities. To ensure that we can keep up with demand and build an even stronger business, a brand-new 12,000 sqm warehouse in Wijchen, The Netherlands, will stand ready in November 2021. In addition to the existing warehouse in Wijchen, the new modern warehouse will double the […]
New rules in place to fight the risk of Covid-19 infection Danish authorities have updated Covid-19 travel regulations. Three Covid-19 tests and isolation are now required for people travelling to Denmark to work. The first test must be done a maximum of 24 hours before the time of entry. Only people who can present a negative test may enter Denmark. Once they have arrived […]
Photo by Jens Vinderslev. On the 1st April, DFDS will introduce a fourth freight ferry to the successful direct ferry service between Rosslare Europort in Ireland and the Grand Port of Dunkerque in Northern France. The new freight ferry is DFDS’ “Ark Dania” with a capacity of 188 truck units (including 12 driver accompanied units and 176 unaccompanied units/trailers). The direct service is favoured by haulage companies and industry alike, as it avoids the delays, border checks and complicated paperwork that come […]
Further to the latest update from DK government on travel restrictions, our service between Copenhagen – Frederikshavn – Oslo will now be suspended up to and including 5 April 2021. Our next possible sailing will be from 6 April 2021. Kasper Moos, Head of BU Group Passenger, says: “As the travel restrictions continues, we will extend the the lay-up […]
If you want an all round update on DFDS, there is no better source of information available than the full Annual Report 2020 that was just published. The CSR report is focused on our many great initiatives regarding climate, diversity & inclusion, safety and other important topics. This is reviewed in detail in a separate article. The […]
Torben Carlsen’s CEO letter in DFDS’ 2020 CSR Report: The power of commitment 2020 was an extraordinary year that impacted us all. As a transport and logistics company, we are used to being exposed to global events and its impact on our infrastructure. However, the corona pandemic impacted us with such intensity and magnitude that […]
As Chinese New Year fell on our production yard in Weihai earlier this month, those working on the Côte d’Opale got a well-deserved rest. They’ve earned it as their hard work has meant the ship is almost 90% complete. As one of the largest ships on the Channel, the Côte d’Opale is well equipped for post-covid travel. It will offer a choice of dining options with plenty of […]
Scandia Seaways, Hollandia Seaways and Tulipa Seaways all caught in one shot at Vlaardingen. Thank you to Paul Lammers for sharing. After a successful maiden voyage, Scandia Seaways arrived in Vlaardingen on 8 February. Since then, work has gone into preparing the 6,700 lane metre freight ferry for the day she hits the route. Yesterday, it was finally that day. A busy crew ensured a smooth loading and made her ready for her […]
New year, new training programmes: Time to let your manager know if you’re interested in joining ZOOM, NAVIGATE, or HORIZON to develop your talent and leadership skills. “Our learning and development programmes aim to nurture our people’s need to grow and develop and support our business goals. We are pleased to be able to continue to offer them despite Covid restrictions. […]
Many of us have good intentions. We plan to go for long walks, call that old friend, roll out the yoga mat or do an online course. Detaching yourself from work is easier said than done. Luckily, Senior Project Manager Karen Baurdoux and Product Marketing Manager Amanda Fellov are here to help. Lunch or walking, alone and together After they hosted […]
Update: *Fire suppressed and cooling started* On 11 February, our freight ferry Gallipoli Seaways, sailing from the Pendik Port of Istanbul to the Trieste Port of Italy, was passing from the exit of Dardanelles Strait when a fire broke out in one of the vehicles on the main deck of the ship for reasons currently […]
The UK has left the EU. It means new processes and more paperwork for DFDS and its freight customers working between the UK and EU. Despite years of preparation, the post-Brexit period caused challenges and delays. Extensive form filling, extra inspections and other needs were impossible to foresee. A range of factors including confusion over paperwork were responsible. Easier customs processes This is now becoming manageable. DFDS can offer clearance services that provide a much easier customs process. Eddie Green is the head of DFDS’s cold chain business unit. “From across England and […]
DFDS has a new freight ferry route between Ireland and France. It provides direct and paperless transport between EU countries. It is already popular, enjoying near 100% utilisation from day one. DFDS started a new freight ferry route Rosslare and Dunkerque on 2 January 2021. It gives lorry drivers direct and paperless transport between EU countries. It […]
Positive signs after a tough year for DFDS in Turkey. DFDS’ business in the Mediterranean grew two per cent on the same period last year. This small growth is a positive sign given the global impact of Covid-19 in 2020. DFDS expects to continue this in 2021. Turkey felt the pandemic effects like every other […]
There is always someone you can talk to if you are struggling, whether you need advice on how to regain energy or assistance with adjusting your physical working conditions. Find tips on the Bridge, share your concerns with your manager, colleagues, friends or family, or get help from local HR: We will get through this […]