Passenger Shipping 

 

Passenger Shipping operates passenger routes based on cruise-ferry tonnage in the North Sea and Kattegat/Skagerrak. The most important customer groups are passengers with their own cars, Mini Cruise passengers, conferences and tour operators. In addition, DFDS Canal Tours operates tours around the canals of Copenhagen.

Business area responsible: Carsten Jensen  
Share of Group revenue in 2009: DKK 1.6 bn, equivalent to 23%

Product concepts:    

  • Transport with own vehicle    
  • Package tours    
  • Mini Cruise    
  • Conferences    
  • Freight
Brands:    
  • DFDS Seaways    
  • DFDS Canal Tours
Customer groups:    
  • Families    
  • Groups of friends    
  • Business travellers    
  • Companies, organisations and course organisers    
  • Tour operators, agents and travel agents
Comparable companies/competitors:    
  • Color Line    
  • Fjord Line    
  • PO Ferries    
  • Stena Line    
  • Tallink Silja    
  • Viking Line
Markets, activities and customers
DFDS Seaways operates overnight passenger-shipping services on three routes in the North Sea and Kattegat/Skagerrak. The main target groups are Mini Cruise passengers, holidaymakers travelling in their own cars, group travel and transport, and conference passengers. The onboard experience is important for all travellers. The routes also carry freight.

Ticket sales and related services account for approximately 40% of revenue, onboard sales for approximately 52%. Freight revenue makes up the remaining 8%.

Passenger Shippings´success criteria
The onboard maritime experience is key to fulfilling passengers’ expectations. A positive experience depends upon an attractive onboard environment that offers a varied and contemporary range of food, drinks, shops and entertainment. The recent revamp of the land and sea-based organisation, which further decentralised responsibility for onboard activities, not only improved efficiency but also ensured a higher standard of customer service.

In order to meet customers’ needs, new concepts are still being developed and introduced, e.g. steakhouses, DJ concepts, regionalised menus, refurbishment of shopping areas, and theme cruises, e.g. the “rock cruise”. The quality of cabins and cleaning are also important for passenger comfort. Other important factors include timetables and punctuality.