DFDS August volumes slow amid market headwinds

DFDS reported total freight volumes in August 2025 were 3.1 million lane metres, a 1.9% decrease from 2024, or 3.9% lower when adjusted for route changes. Year-to-date growth rates stood at 0.1% unadjusted and -1.2% adjusted. North Sea and Mediterranean volumes declined, while Channel and Baltic Sea volumes increased. Strait of Gibraltar remained flat. For the last twelve months (2025-24), freight lane metres rose 2.5% to 41.6 million, an adjusted increase of 1.9%.

Passenger numbers in August 2025 were adjusted down 3.3% to 911k compared to 2024, with the adjusted year-to-date growth rate at -3.8%. Higher Baltic Sea volumes were offset by lower Channel volumes, and car numbers decreased 3.2% adjusted for route changes. The total number of passengers for the last twelve months (2025-24) fell 10.1% to 5.6 million, a -3.0% adjusted growth rate, attributed to sales of specific routes and additions of new ones.

DFDS will release its September 2025 volume report on October 10, 2025. The company, which operates a transport network across Europe, reported an annual revenue of DKK 30bn and employs 16,500 full-time staff.