About DFDS - your partner for Passenger and Freight

DFDS is an internationally recognized shipping and logistics company based in Denmark. The company's name, DFDS, is an abbreviation for Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab, which translates to The United Steamship Company in English. This name reflects its origins as a steamship company and highlights its longstanding heritage in the maritime industry.

The company was established in 1866 by the prominent Danish industrialist C.F. Tietgen. DFDS was formed through the merger of the three largest Danish steamship companies at the time, marking a significant consolidation within Denmark's shipping sector. This strategic move allowed DFDS to quickly become a major player in maritime transportation, both within Denmark and internationally.

In its early years, DFDS operated shipping routes that extended far beyond the borders of Europe. The company maintained connections with destinations in the United States, South America, and the Mediterranean region, facilitating global trade and passenger movement. However, since the 1980s, DFDS has shifted its focus primarily to northern Europe, adapting its services to the changing demands of the shipping and logistics market in this region.

Currently, DFDS operates under the brand name DFDS Seaways. The company manages an extensive network of 25 shipping routes, utilizing a fleet of approximately 50 ships that are designed to transport both freight and passengers. These vessels operate mainly in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the English Channel, serving as critical links between various ports and supporting commerce and travel within northern Europe.

In addition to its maritime operations, DFDS also provides comprehensive logistics solutions. The management of rail, road haulage, and container services falls under the responsibility of DFDS Logistics, a division dedicated to ensuring the efficient movement of goods across different modes of transport. This integrated approach allows DFDS to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions to its customers.

As of 2024, DFDS employs approximately 14,000 people. This sizable workforce reflects the company's significant presence in the shipping and logistics industry and its ongoing commitment to providing reliable and innovative transportation services across Europe and beyond.