DFDS Sells Oslo–Frederikshavn–Copenhagen Route to Gotlandsbolaget

DFDS hands over its Oslo‑Frederikshavn‑Copenhagen route to Gotlandsbolaget

What’s happening? At the end of a long chapter, DFDS will transfer the iconic whole‑journey line that runs between Norway, Denmark and the beautiful Danish coast to Gotlandsbolaget. The deal covers the two vessels that have been roaring through the North Sea, the port contracts and even the essential terminal gear.

Employees who are moving along with the route

About 800 of DFDS’s crew members – from crew hands to support desks – will join Gotlandsbolaget. For many of them, it’s a bittersweet send‑off and a warm welcome to a new home.

Words from the top

DFDS CEO Torben Carlsen said, “The route is a part of our history and heritage, and it is with a heavy heart that we have found a new home for the route. We will be saying goodbye to a lot of valued colleagues.”
He added, “We’ve grown and developed significantly over the years, and the route deserves to be in the hands of an owner with cruise experience as a core part of their strategy going forward. We’re happy to have found that with Gotlandsbolaget.”

Gotlandsbolaget’s perspective

CEO Håkan Johansson commented, “This is a cruise‑experience route that already carries more than 700,000 passengers between Norway and Denmark every year. The route fits perfectly with Gotlandsbolaget’s strategic focus.”
He added, “We see great potential in this business. The route is performing well today, and together with our new colleagues, we will ensure continuity and develop the product further. This is yet another step in our strategic direction to expand in passenger shipping.”

In a nutshell

DFDS is passing the baton not just to a new owner but to a crew ready to take the journey forward, while Gotlandsbolaget gets a proven route that fuels its cruise‑focused expansion. The next ports to shore and seas to sail—with new smiles on deck—are on the horizon.

Enabling strategic focus on core business

DFDS Sells the OFC Route – What’s the Deal?

DFDS has decided to part ways with its OFC route, signaling a sharper focus on freight, logistics and passenger transport across Europe. This move is part of the company’s “Moving Together Towards 2030” strategy, aiming to unlock the full potential of its multimodal network.

The New Ferry Network

Moving forward, DFDS will run:

Freight‑only lines in the Mediterranean and North Sea
Combined freight and passenger routes on the Baltic Sea, between the Netherlands and the UK, across the English Channel and the Strait of Gibraltar

All of this will sit neatly alongside DFDS’s European road, rail and logistics capabilities.

The Big News from the Exec Room

“Selling the OFC route was a tough call, but we’re confident it’s the right move for the route and for us,” says Torben Carlsen. “We’ll sharpen our core focus on freight, logistics, and passenger services while staying true to our 2030 vision.”

What Happens to the Ships?

The two vessels, Crown Seaways and Pearl Seaways, will keep their Danish flag and will not be re‑flagged as part of the deal. No seafarers will lose their jobs, and there are no impending layoffs.

Employment Snapshot

After the sale, DFDS will still boast:

21 Danish‑flagged vessels with ~1,100 crew members
Over 1,000 staff across 10+ land‑based offices, terminals, and logistics sites in Denmark
In total, 13,200 employees worldwide

The Bottom Line

The transaction is valued at roughly DKK 400 million, with an optional earn‑out clause. The deal is slated to close in October 2024, pending standard closing conditions—no regulatory approvals needed.