November Report: Freight and Passenger Volumes for DFDS
Ferry – Freight Update: In November 2025, DFDS recorded a total of 3.6 million lane meters of freight, reflecting a decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. When considering the impact of route changes, the drop stands at 3.8%. Cumulatively, year-to-date growth rates were slightly negative at -0.4% and -1.8%, respectively.
The freight volumes in the North Sea segment were notably lower than those in 2024, with most routes displaying weaker performance. As anticipated, Mediterranean freight volume also fell short of 2024 figures, primarily due to reduced capacity.
In contrast, Channel volumes remained consistent with 2024, thanks to the influx from the new Jersey routes, which helped to mitigate a slowdown in the overall volumes for the Dover Strait. Positive growth was observed in the Baltic Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, with both regions reporting numbers above those from 2024.
Looking back over the last twelve months, total freight lane meters transported showed a slight increase of 0.1%, rising from 41.4 million to 41.5 million. However, when adjusted for route changes, freight transport reflected a decrease of 2.1%.
Passenger Volume Insights
Ferry – Passenger Statistics: Adjusted for route changes, the number of passengers in November 2025 dropped by 10.5%, totaling 195,000 compared to 2024. The adjusted year-to-date growth rate mirrored this decline, showing a reduction of 4.5%.
While passenger volumes in the Strait of Gibraltar experienced an uptick, they were overshadowed by significant declines in the Channel routes. Furthermore, the number of vehicles transported saw a decrease of 6.8% when adjusted for route changes.
Over the preceding twelve months, passenger numbers drastically decreased by 19.7%, sinking from 6.6 million in 2024 to 5.3 million for 2025. This change equates to a change of 5.5% once adjusted for changes in routes.
*The adjustments are related to the discontinuation of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route at the end of October 2025, the withdrawal from Tarifa-Tanger Ville in early May 2025, and the addition of Jersey routes at the end of March 2025.
DFDS Ferry Operations
DFDS meticulously reports monthly ferry volumes for both freight and passenger categories, providing essential insights into volume trends across its European route network. This data is crucial for enabling trade and travel within Europe. The next volume report, detailing December 2025 statistics, will be released on January 13, 2026, around 10:00 am CET.
About DFDS
DFDS operates a comprehensive transport network throughout Europe, boasting an impressive annual revenue of DKK 30 billion and employing 16,500 dedicated members of staff. The company specializes in transporting goods using ferries, roadways, and rail, while also delivering supplemental logistics solutions.
Additionally, DFDS caters to the needs of car and foot passengers through its extensive short sea and overnight ferry services. Founded in 1866, the company remains headquartered in Copenhagen while actively participating in the European transport sector.
Contact Information
Torben Carlsen, CEO: +45 33 42 32 01
Karen Boesen, CFO: +45 20 58 58 40
Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, Investor Relations: +45 33 42 33 59
Dennis Kjærsgaard, Media Relations: +45 42 30 38 47
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key highlights of DFDS' November 2025 report?
The report highlighted a 1.8% decline in freight volume and a 10.5% drop in passenger numbers compared to November 2024.
How did the North Sea and Mediterranean routes perform?
North Sea volumes were disappointing, while Mediterranean routes also saw decreases due to capacity reductions.
What influenced the changes in passenger volumes?
The decline in passenger volumes was due to lower Channel traffic, which outweighed gains in the Strait of Gibraltar.
When will the next DFDS volume report be released?
The December 2025 volume report is scheduled for release on January 13, 2026.
What services does DFDS provide?
DFDS offers ferry transport for freight and passengers, along with additional logistics solutions across Europe.
