1961-1965 

M.s. ENGLAND was entered into service on the Esbjerg -Harwich route  

In 1964 J. Lauritzen was in possession of a share capital of somewhat more than 50%, and the shipowner Knud Lauritzen and Director Henry Jensen were elected to the board of directors. DFDS continued to be run as an independent company, and there soon was a "marriage of convenience" between the two companies.

Share capital was increased from DKK 80 million to DKK 120 million. M.s. ENGLAND was entered into service on the Esbjerg -Harwich route and plans were made for ro/ro tonnage and for a car ferry connection between Sjællands Odde and Ebeltoft.

In 1965 the Transport Rationalization Department, which later became DFDS Transport, began its activities. M.s. AKERSHUS, the first real passenger-and-car ship which could also take trucks and trailers, was entered into service on the Frederikshavn-Oslo route.