DFDS buys 22 ferries from Naviera Armas

DFDS buys 22 ferries from Naviera Armas

Copenhagen, Denmark — DFDS, a leading transport and logistics company, has announced its intention to expand its operations in the Strait of Gibraltar by purchasing two ferries from Naviera Armas. The acquisition, which is expected to close in Q1 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, includes a combined freight and passenger ferry (RoPax) and a high-speed catamaran ferry (HSC), as well as existing permits and around 200 employees [1].

The purchase will enhance DFDS' service offerings on its existing routes between Algeciras and Tanger Med, and Algeciras and Ceuta. The two ferries, Volcan de Tamasite and Villa de Agaete, are already operating on these routes, and their addition will provide immediate capacity expansion and service improvements for both freight and passenger customers. The transaction is expected to add around DKK 500m in revenue in 2026 and is anticipated to be accretive to earnings in the same year [1].

DFDS currently operates two ferry routes in the Strait of Gibraltar, and the purchase of these ferries will increase its capacity share on the Algeciras-Tanger Med route. The company has expressed its confidence in the growth potential of the Strait of Gibraltar ferry market, which has exceeded its expectations since entering the market in 2024 [1].

The asset purchase price for the two ferries and associated assets is DKK 240m, and the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. DFDS expects the expansion to have no impact on its 2025 financials. The company's CEO, Torben Carlsen, stated, "The growth of the Strait of Gibraltar ferry market has exceeded our expectations since we entered the market in 2024. The two ferries we are purchasing are already operating on overlapping routes and we expect to deliver a smooth transition and an immediate enhancement of services to both passengers and freight customers" [1].

DFDS operates a transport network in and around Europe with an annual revenue of DKK 30bn and 16,500 full-time employees. The company moves goods in trailers by ferry, road, and rail, and offers complementary and related transport and logistics solutions, as well as short sea and overnight ferry routes for car and foot passengers. DFDS was founded in 1866 and is headquartered and listed in Copenhagen [1].

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/25/3138577/0/en/DFDS-EXPANDS-CAPACITY-ON-STRAIT-OF-GIBRALTAR.html