January Freight and Passenger Volumes Shift in Europe
January Volume Insights for DFDS
Ferry – Freight: In January, DFDS reported total ferry volumes reaching 3.3 million lane meters, marking a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to the previous year. This downturn is largely attributed to reduced automotive volumes in the North Sea region. Additionally, heightened competition along certain Mediterranean routes affected the overall volume performance.
Interestingly, the Channel experience also recorded a drop, attributed to variations in docking schedules. On a brighter note, both the Baltic Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar saw an increase in volumes compared to 2024, showcasing some areas of growth amidst the challenges.
Reflecting on the past twelve months, DFDS noted a robust increase of 7.4% in total transported freight lane meters, escalating from 38.6 million in 2024 to 41.5 million in 2025. When factoring in the increased traffic from the Strait of Gibraltar, the adjusted growth stands at 2.5%.
Ferry – Passenger Dynamics
Passenger volumes for January followed a contrasting trend, registering a significant decline of 12.4% from 2024, with a notable drop of 4.7% when adjusted for the sale of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route. The passenger count was affected by similar docking timing variations. Furthermore, the number of cars transported decreased by 8.5% compared to the previous year, with an adjusted decrease of 4.1% stemming from various route adjustments.
In reflecting on the previous year, the overall number of passengers over the last twelve months surged by 42.7%, jumping to 6.6 million from 4.6 million the year before, benefiting from various operational enhancements that DFDS implemented.
Detailed Volume Overview
DFDS's approach to reporting volumes is extensive, providing valuable insights into volume trends that affect the company's vast European route network, facilitating trade and travel across the region. For January, the breakdown of ferry volumes reveals a complex landscape shaped by both market conditions and operational adjustments.
Freight Volume Comparison
Taking a closer look at the freight volumes:
- January 2023: 3,022 thousand lane meters
- January 2024: 3,329 thousand lane meters
- January 2025: 3,283 thousand lane meters
- Change: -1.4%
Passenger Volume Shifts
The comparative figures for passenger traffic are equally telling:
- January 2023: 173 thousand passengers
- January 2024: 300 thousand passengers
- January 2025: 263 thousand passengers
- Change: -12.4%
Future Prospects
DFDS continues to focus on delivering comprehensive transportation solutions throughout Europe. Despite the challenges seen in January, the overall trend over the past year suggests a positive outlook for the future. The increase in freight volumes and passenger counts over the longer term signals strong resilience and adaptability in the face of competitive pressures.
Insight into DFDS's ferry volumes offers valuable perspectives not only on the company's performance but also on the broader trends affecting the market. Moving forward, strategies will inevitably adapt to enhance operational efficiencies and respond to evolving customer needs.
About DFDS
Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Copenhagen, DFDS operates a wide transport network across Europe, boasting an annual revenue of approximately DKK 30 billion and employing about 14,000 full-time staff. The company specializes in moving goods by ferry, road, and rail while offering related logistics solutions. Additionally, DFDS caters to both car and foot passengers via its ferry routes, underscoring its commitment to facilitating connectivity throughout Europe.
Contact Information
For any inquiries, please reach out to:
Torben Carlsen, CEO +45 33 42 32 01
Karen Boesen, CFO +45 20 58 58 40
Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, IR +45 33 42 33 59
Dennis Kjærsgaard, Media +45 42 30 38 47
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the total ferry volumes for January 2025?
The total ferry volumes in January 2025 were reported at 3.3 million lane meters.
How did the volumes change compared to January 2024?
The volumes decreased by 1.4% from January 2024.
What factors affected passenger volumes in January?
Passenger volumes decreased primarily due to docking timing differences and route adjustments.
What is the anticipated date for the February volume report?
The February volume report is expected to be published on March 12, 2025, around 10:00 am CET.
How has DFDS adapted to market challenges?
DFDS has focused on operational efficiencies and evolving its services to better meet customer needs amid competitive pressures.
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