Farewell to a historic route
The Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen journey continues with new owners as DFDS is parting ways with the historic route. DFDS has operated the route since 1867 serving millions of passengers and generations of families.
In June, it was announced that DFDS is selling mini-cruise route between Norway and Denmark to Swedish shipping company Gotlandsbolaget. Today, the transaction was finalised which means that the two vessels – Crown and Pearl - deployed on the route, port agreements and terminal equipment, and approximately 800 employees will move to Gotlandsbolaget.
Over the decades, the crew, terminal workers and office-based staff have done a remarkable job getting the service to where it is today. Thanks to their efforts and together with passengers and partners, DFDS created a lasting legacy that will now follow the route under new ownership.
“We are proud to have served generations of families on this historic route and to have established the legacy that we are now passing on. Selling the route was a difficult decision, but with this we ensure that the route will develop further, while we strengthen our focus on DFDS’ core business within freight, passenger transport and logistics. I would like to extend our gratitude to our dedicated colleagues and loyal passengers who have been part of the journey. We look forward to supporting Gotlandsbolaget in ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for the route,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.
DFDS will continue to support Gotlandsbolaget in ensuring a smooth transition as the route will be operating under the DFDS brand for a while yet and the transition will be gradual.
The transaction aligns with DFDS’ strategic direction focusing on providing transport and logistics services using combinations of ferry, road, and rail. Today, DFDS has an extensive ferry and logistics network covering more than 20 markets moving goods and people in and around Europe. On group level, DFDS employs 14.000 full-time employees.
