September Freight Volumes Show Mixed Results
In evaluating the total freight volumes for September, it is evident that DFDS has a mixed performance. The total freight lane metres reached 3.5 million, marking a slight increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year. However, once route adjustments are considered, there's a 1.2% decline. This brings the year-to-date (YTD) growth rates to a modest 0.2% and a contracted 1.2% respectively, underlining the complexity of current market dynamics.
Regional Performance Insights
Interestingly, the North Sea routes remained stable, reflecting consistent demand. In contrast, the Mediterranean volumes saw a dip, influenced by a slowdown in the automotive manufacturing sector in Turkey and a drop in domestic demand. This was exacerbated by a strategic reduction in capacity on one route to better navigate the competitive landscape.
The Channel routes performed well, showcasing growth fueled by the introduction of new Jersey routes. Additionally, both Baltic Sea and Strait of Gibraltar volumes continued to exceed the previous year's performance.
Over the last twelve months, the total transported freight lane metres increased by 2.3%, rising from 40.7 million in the previous year to 41.7 million this year. Adjusting for route changes, this growth still reflects a positive trend at 1.2%.
Passenger Volumes Reflect Shift
Conversely, the passenger volumes tell a different story. In September, there was a notable decrease of 7.4%, with a total of 392,000 passengers recorded compared to 2024. This substantial drop translates to a year-to-date decline of 4.1%. Notably, while Baltic Sea volumes saw an upsurge, decreased traffic on Channel routes offset these gains.
In terms of car transportation, figures fell by 5.7% compared to last year. This trend can be partly attributed to ongoing adjustments across various travel routes.
Long-term Trends
When analyzing the total number of passengers over the preceding twelve months, there was a significant reduction of 14.5%, with totals dropping to 5.5 million from 6.4 million the previous year. Adjusted for route changes, the growth rate remains mildly positive at 0.4%.
This adjustment was influenced by recent strategic route changes, namely the sale of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route towards the end of October and the exit from the Tarifa-Tanger Ville route earlier in May, alongside the addition of Jersey routes in late March.
Future Projections and Company Insights
DFDS provides these insights in its monthly ferry volume reports, which are vital for understanding the evolving trends in both freight and passenger transport across Europe. The anticipated report for October is scheduled for release soon, further illuminating current market conditions and potential future directions.
Maintaining a robust network across Europe, DFDS operates with an annual revenue of DKK 30 billion and employs around 16,500 full-time staff. The company has established itself as a formidable player in moving goods—using a combination of ferry, road, and rail transport—while also facilitating travel for car and foot passengers.
Contact Details
For more information or inquiries, please reach out to:
Torben Carlsen, CEO at +45 33 42 32 01
Karen Boesen, CFO at +45 20 58 58 40
Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, Investor Relations at +45 33 42 33 59
Dennis Kjærsgaard, Media Relations at +45 42 30 38 47
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent trends in freight volumes for DFDS?
In September, DFDS's freight volumes increased by 0.8% compared to 2024, with regional performance showing varied results.
How did passenger volumes change in September?
Passenger volumes saw a decline of 7.4%, with significant changes observed in Channel routes impacting overall performance.
What factors contributed to the mixed outcomes in passenger traffic?
Key factors include lower traffic on significant routes and ongoing adjustments in response to market conditions.
When will the next volume report be released?
The October report is expected to be published on 6 November 2025 at around 7.30 am CET.
What is DFDS's operational revenue?
DFDS operates with an impressive annual revenue of DKK 30 billion, highlighting its strong presence in the transport sector.
