DFDS August volumes
DFDS reported softer freight and passenger volumes in August 2025. Freight volumes declined year-on-year, with weakness on UK and Mediterranean routes partly offset by growth on Channel and Baltic services. Passenger numbers also fell, driven by lower Channel traffic, while the twelve-month trend shows freight growth but continued passenger declines.
Ferry – freight: Total volumes in August 2025 of 3.1m lane metres were 1.9% below 2024 and 3.9% lower adjusted for route changes. YTD growth rates were 0.1% and -1.2%, respectively.
North Sea volumes were below 2024 driven by mainly lower activity on routes calling the UK. Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 following a slowdown in Turkish automotive manufacturing and domestic demand as well as reduced capacity on one route.
Channel volumes were above 2024 driven by the new Jersey routes. Baltic Sea volumes were above 2024 while Strait of Gibraltar volumes were on level with 2024.
For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 2.5% to 41.6m from 40.6m in 2024-23. The increase was 1.9% adjusted for route changes.
Ferry – passenger: The number of passengers in August 2025 was adjusted for route changes* down 3.3% to 911k vs 2024 and the adjusted YTD growth rate was -3.8%. Higher passenger volumes in Baltic Sea were offset by mainly lower Channel volumes. The number of cars in August was 3.2% below 2024 adjusted for route changes.
For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers decreased 10.1% to 5.6m compared to 6.2m for 2024-23. The growth rate was -3.0% adjusted for route changes.
*Adjusted for sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen end October 2025, exit from Tarifa-Tanger Ville early May 2025, and addition of Jersey routes from end March 2025.
DFDS ferry volumes |
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August |
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Last-12-months |
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Freight |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
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2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
Lane metres, '000 |
2,967 |
3,193 |
3,134 |
-1.9% |
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38,585 |
40,600 |
41,622 |
2.5% |
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Passenger |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
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2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
Passengers, '000 |
715 |
1,207 |
980 |
-18.8% |
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4,422 |
6,249 |
5,619 |
-10.1% |
Sep 12 2025