DFDS to sell Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route to Gotlandsbolaget
DFDS will sell mini-cruise route between Norway and Denmark to Swedish shipping company Gotlandsbolaget. The decision will ensure that the route receives the future focus and investments needed to further develop, while DFDS strengthens the focus on its core business within freight, passenger transport and logistics. The sale price is around DKK 400m.
Updated: 26 February 2026 | Published: 10 June 2024
Copenhagen
3 min read

Today, DFDS has announced that the route between Oslo, Frederikshavn and Copenhagen (OFC) will be sold to Gotlandsbolaget. The sale includes the two vessels deployed on the route, port agreements and terminal equipment. As part of the sale, approximately 800 employees in route operations and support functions will also move to Gotlandsbolaget.
“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 and will be saying goodbye to a lot of valued colleagues. We have determined this to be the best way forward for all. We have 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 are happy to have found that with Gotlandsbolaget,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.
The OFC route is first and foremost a cruise experience route carrying more than 700.000 passengers between Norway and Denmark every year. The route fits well with Gotlandsbolaget’s strategic focus:
"We see great potential in this business. The route is performing well today, and together with our new colleagues, we will both work to ensure continuity and develop the product. This is yet another step in our strategic direction to expand in passenger shipping", says Håkan Johansson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget.
Enabling strategic focus on core business
The sale of the OFC route reflects DFDS’ strategic focus on providing transport and logistics services using combinations of ferry, road, and rail transport.
DFDS’ ferry transport network hereafter consists of freight-only routes in the Mediterranean and on the North Sea and combined freight and passenger routes on the Baltic Sea, between the Netherlands and the UK, on the English Channel and on the Strait of Gibraltar. The ferry transport network is complemented by DFDS’s European wide road and rail transport network and logistics services.
“The decision to sell the OFC route has been difficult. We believe it is the right decision and right timing for both the route and DFDS. Going forward we will focus on our core business activities within freight, logistics and transport passengers as we continue to execute on our Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy unlocking the potential of our transportation network,” says Torben Carlsen.
The two vessels – Crown Seaways and Pearl Seaways - will not be reflagged in connection with the transaction and no layoffs are planned as part of the transfer of the route.
When the transaction is finalised, DFDS will have 21 Danish-flagged vessels employing around 1.100 seafarers. In addition, DFDS employs over 1.000 people across more than 10 land-based offices, terminals and logistics sites in Denmark. After the transaction DFDS in total employs 13.200 people.
The sale price is around DKK 400m and the agreement which also includes a potential earn-out payment is expected to be closed in October 2024.
The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions while no regulatory approval conditions apply.
About Gotlandsbolaget
With Gotland as the base, Gotlandsbolaget invests in the shipping of the future and new technology, as well as develops sustainable destinations and places to visit. Gotlandsbolaget was founded in 1865 and is Sweden’s oldest passenger shipping company, and ever since, Gotlandsbolaget has brought Gotland and the mainland closer to each other. The Group has 600 employees and is headquartered in Visby on the island of Gotland. Gotlandsbolaget is listed on Nasdaq First North, Sweden.
Contact:
DFDS
Dennis Kjærsgaard SørensenHead of media relations+45 4230 3847Densore@dfds.com
Gotlandsbolaget
Karin BillHead of Communications, Gotlandsbolaget+46 498 20 10 60karin.bill@gotlandsbolaget.se
Related news

Zeebrugge
17 December 2025
DFDS extends space charter agreement with CLdN
DFDS and CLdN have agreed to extend their space charter agreement on the Zeebrugge-Gothenburg route for an additional five years, while increasing freight capacity. This will enable both companies to better serve customer demand and continue to develop the route and reduce the environmental impact.

Copenhagen
26 August 2025
DFDS expand services on Baltic ferry routes
DFDS and TT Line have entered into a space charter agreement on three ferry routes in the Baltic Sea. With the agreement, DFDS will increase the number of sailings offered between Klaipeda and Karlshamn, as well as bring new services to Trelleborg and Travemünde.

Esbjerg
24 June 2025
Esbjerg–UK route celebrates 150 years of maritime connection
DFDS marks the 150th anniversary of the iconic Esbjerg–UK route, a vital freight corridor that has connected Denmark and the United Kingdom since the inaugural voyage in 1875.

Copenhagen
14 March 2025
DFDS sponsors first Irish sailor to compete in Route du Rhum
Ferry and logistics company DFDS has joined forces with one of Ireland’s most formidable offshore sailors, Pamela Lee, to launch #EmpowHer racing campaign. The initiative aims to support Lee’s quest to compete in the world’s longest and most challenging solo transatlantic race in 2026, the Route du Rhum, while inspiring more women to pursue maritime careers.

Copenhagen
26 February 2025
DFDS awarded extended contract with Danish Defence
DFDS has entered an agreement with the Danish Defence to provide freight ferries for the transport of military equipment. At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the partnership will support military operations and missions. The contract extends the scope of the current contract and starts in 2026, running for up to six years.

Rotterdam
14 January 2025
DFDS launches freight route between Spain and the Netherlands
DFDS is launching a weekly freight service connecting Spain and the Netherlands, aimed at serving the needs of industrial customers, freight forwarders and project cargo owners. In connection with the new route, DFDS and Hydro, a global aluminium and energy company, have signed an agreement for weekly shipment of aluminium.

Copenhagen
2 January 2025
DFDS to provide ferry lifeline service to Jersey
DFDS and the government of Jersey have signed a contract for Jersey’s ferry services. Over the next 20 years, DFDS will provide freight and passenger services connecting Jersey of the Channel Islands to the UK and France beginning 28 March 2025.

Copenhagen
4 December 2024
DFDS is selected as preferred bidder for Jersey ferry services
On December 3, 2024, it was announced that DFDS is the preferred bidder to take on the 15-year contract to provide ferry life-line freight service and passenger services to Jersey of the Channel Islands from 28 March 2025.

Copenhagen
29 November 2024
DFDS retains title as ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’
The European ferry operator, DFDS, continues to set the standard in European ferry travel, celebrating a remarkable achievement at the World Travel Awards.

Trieste
5 November 2024
DFDS Launches a New Freight Ferry Service Between Italy and Egypt
DFDS launches a new direct ferry service between Egypt and Italy, marking a significant expansion in the Mediterranean region. The establishment of a reliable and efficient connection between Damietta in Egypt and Trieste in Italy will support the trade flows between North Africa and Europe.

Copenhagen
31 October 2024
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.

Copenhagen
26 July 2024
DFDS to leave Space Charter Agreement on Dover-Calais
DFDS will leave the space charter agreement with P&O Ferries covering the Channel’s Dover-Calais route.

Casablanca
16 May 2024
DFDS female cadet programme expands to Morocco
DFDS’ female cadet programme Waves of Talent is expanding to the Strait of Gibraltar with a new partnership agreement with the Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM) in Morocco to increase the representation of women in the shipping industry.

Copenhagen
14 May 2024
DFDS to invest €1 billion in battery electric ships for the Channel
DFDS is announcing a substantial €1 billion investment in battery electric vessels, marking its unwavering commitment to decarbonising maritime traffic in the English Channel.

Copenhagen
10 April 2024
H2 Energy and DFDS publish new hydrogen propulsion feasibility study
During the past year, H2 Energy and DFDS have worked together on a project to analyse the feasibility of retrofitting large ferries with a hydrogen propulsion system. Now, the project has been finalized contributing with important knowledge for further analysis on the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for sea and road transport. The project was supported by the Danish Maritime Fund.

Copenhagen
18 January 2024
DFDS and Roskilde University collaborate on decarbonisation technology
Roskilde University and DFDS have entered into a partnership agreement that will contribute to new digital solutions for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions in shipping and other transport sectors.

Copenhagen
28 November 2023
Coop and DFDS join forces to decarbonise heavy transport
10 electric trucks will deliver goods to 365discount, Kvickly/SuperBrugsen and Brugsen supermarkets in Jutland, Denmark after Coop and DFDS have entered into a new strategic partnership.

Copenhagen
13 October 2023
DFDS commits to battery electric vessels on the English channel
Following a visit by the French Minister for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Olivier Becht, DFDS commits to investing in battery-powered vessels to decarbonise the maritime traffic across the English Channel.

Copenhagen
3 October 2023
DFDS scoops historic 12th consecutive win at World Travel Awards
Global ferry operator DFDS continues to make waves across Europe following a record-breaking award-win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Copenhagen
26 September 2023
DFDS makes waves with support for women at sea
World-record-holding offshore sailor Pamela Lee and co-skipper Tiphaine Ragueneau hope to make waves with the support of sponsor DFDS as they prepare for the 30th annual Transat Jacques Vabre race.

Gibraltar
17 September 2023
DFDS expands ferry network to Strait of Gibraltar
DFDS has entered an agreement to acquire FRS Iberia/Maroc, a ferry market leader on the Strait of Gibraltar, expanding its Mediterranean route network to market expected to benefit from nearshoring of supply chains.

Esbjerg
20 June 2023
Teaming up to provide climate-neutral transport between Denmark and the UK
Arla, Danish Crown, DFDS and DSV have teamed up in a new partnership to develop a climate-neutral transport corridor between Denmark and the UK. The ambition for the partnership is to transport Arla’s and Danish Crown’s products from farms in Denmark to consumers in the UK with zero impact on the environment.

Calais
16 June 2023
Transfer of route from Sheerness to Tilbury
DFDS has announced that it will be launching a new unaccompanied freight service from Tilbury to Calais, replacing its existing Sheerness – Calais service.

Copenhagen
23 May 2023
CPH Pride, DFDS and Volvo come together for a more sustainable Pride!
The iconic Copenhagen Pride Parade will become the first Pride Parade in the world to change to use 100% electric vehicles. This is a huge step towards creating a more sustainable event while promoting human rights and LGBTI+ equality. And it could not have been done without the supportive partnerships of DFDS, Volvo Trucks, and PrideUP, Copenhagen Pride’s in-house agency.

Copenhagen
21 April 2023
New PhD project investigates the green transition challenges
DFDS and Aarhus University join forces on a new business PhD project that will bring new perspectives to the green transition challenges that face the maritime industry.

Copenhagen
17 April 2023
A new 5-year agreement paves the way for further reduction of emissions
Danish Crown and DFDS enter into a historic multi-year partnership agreement that includes an intensified commitment to – jointly – ensure the transition to CO2-neutral transport. The agreement also includes the immediate deployment of six additional electric trucks.

Brevik
13 January 2023
DFDS is shipping a 45ft container of clean drinking water to Ukraine
30,000 litres of clean drinking water is right now on its way on a DFDS Ferry to Ukraine to alleviate the immediate needs of civilians caught in the war.

Vlaardingen
22 December 2022
Shore power from Rotterdam for DFDS terminal in Vlaardingen
By the end of 2023, part of the DFDS ships that dock in Vlaardingen will receive electricity via a shore power installation. Rotterdam Shore Power B.V, a joint venture of Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, will supply this shore power. For now, Jinling roll-on-roll-off vessels for scheduled service to and from Immingham will use the shore power installation. The installation will be constructed by Actemium and has been partially made financially possible by subsidies from the central government and the province of South Holland.

Dieppe
19 October 2022
DFDS wins Newhaven-Dieppe tender
On Tuesday, 18 October, it was confirmed that DFDS won a new five-year contract to operate the Newhaven-Dieppe route. Big congratulations to the team.

Copenhagen
16 August 2022
DFDS reports strong Q2 results
DFDS reported strong revenue growth of 67% due to passengers returning much faster than expected, alongside higher freight earnings. EBITDA increased 63% to DKK 1.46bn. Based on the strong performance, DFDS has upgraded its outlook for the full year.

Rosslare
2 August 2022
DFDS to trial Rosslare-Dunkirk passenger service from 5th August
A new passenger service between Ireland and France will launch from Friday 5th August on the company’s Rosslare-Dunkirk route.

Copenhagen
13 June 2022
Continued freight growth and passengers returning
Volume report: Freight up 11%, passenger recovery on track
![Eyes in the sky - drone support - featured article picture [news article]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fz860498abl84%2F1gz9Z17IHO4vD2TdTMaZKk%2F74100e832de031be52819b6a5210ec0f%2Fvlcsnap-2022-04-29-10h21m29s303.png&w=3840&q=75)
Copenhagen
9 June 2022
First in the world: DFDS introduces eyes in the sky
As the first in the world, DFDS is introducing a drone support system as part of the equipment on commercial ships. The drone system will support the captains onboard when docking and sailing in narrow waters. But what does a drone mean for daily operations?

Rosslare
19 May 2022
DFDS adds a third vessel to its new Dunkerque-Rosslare service
DFDS is delighted to confirm that a third vessel last week joined its Rosslare – Dunkerque fleet last week, with the first departure from Dunkerque on Wednesday 11th May.

Copenhagen
11 May 2022
DFDS reports first-quarter results in line with outlook
DFDS reported strong revenue growth of 52%, driven by acquisitions, higher freight and passenger volumes. EBITDA increased 9% to DKK 822m

Copenhagen
10 May 2022
DFDS acquires rail operator primeRail
Today, DFDS & primeRail signed an agreement to become one company as DFDS acquires the German rail operator company. The acquisition strengthens DFDS' rail offerings and is a testament to DFDS' ambition to find sustainable ways to continue providing reliable and valuable services. The acquisition also marks the launch of a new Rail business area in DFDS.

Liverpool
3 May 2022
DFDS buys 171.000 square feet cold store in Liverpool
The UK cold chain business unit of DFDS has acquired a 21,000-pallet cold store in Liverpool, two years on from taking over the lease of the facility.

Copenhagen
23 December 2021
Sale of two sideport ships
DFDS has today entered into sale and lease-back agreements comprising two sideport and container ships with Godby Shipping.

Copenhagen
17 December 2021
We are the world's and Europe's leading ferry operator
We are thrilled to announce that DFDS has been given three awards this year
Copenhagen
13 December 2021
Our largest RoPax ferry is soon on her way to Europe
On 9 December, we had the great pleasure of taking delivery of the first newbuilt passenger vessel contracted by DFDS since SCANDINAVIA was delivered in 1982.

Copenhagen
29 October 2021
The bees are welcome at DFDS' new HQ
The new DFDS headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind. From the building's materials to how we source furniture to waste management and green commuting options – our new work home is built for the people in it and the life surrounding it.

Copenhagen
26 October 2021
Copenhagen’s first shore power facility is inaugurated for the DFDS ferries
A new shore power facility was inaugurated today at the DFDS terminal in Copenhagen by, among others, Copenhagen’s Lord Mayor Lars Weiss. The facility significantly reduces the ships’ CO2 emissions while they are in port, thus ensuring cleaner air for the benefit of the environment and even more so for the neighbours on Østerbro.

Copenhagen
12 October 2021
September Volume Report
Continued Freight Growth offset by UK slowdown

Istanbul
17 August 2021
Trade between EU and Turkey keeps our Mediterranean network busy
Starting at the end of 2020, trade between EU and Turkey has increased supported by depreciation of the Turkish Lira. High trade levels keep colleagues happy and busy as the Turkish economy is expected to continue its growth.

Copenhagen
17 August 2021
Environmental, Social, and Governance actions now reported quarterly
DFDS Environmental, Social, and Governance efforts are now going to be reported with every Quarterly Report

United Kingdom
4 August 2021
DFDS welcomes new ferry to the Channel
DFDS welcomes its newest ferry, Côte d’Opale, to the Dover-Calais route today on 4 August when it makes its maiden voyage to Dover.
United Kingdom
23 July 2021
Rising unaccompanied volumes in UK traffic
The half-year shipping volumes in 2021 for the Cuxhaven-Immingham route exceed expectations and gives hope for continued successful development in the second half of 2021.

Copenhagen
12 July 2021
June volume report: freight up 19% following lockdowns in 2020
DFDS reports monthly ferry volumes for freight and passengers to provide insight into the development of volume trends in DFDS’ European route network.
Copenhagen
2 July 2021
Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways sail again
Pearl and Crown will finally cast off and set sail for Norway with passengers today.

Copenhagen
15 June 2021
Now the DFDS ferries in Copenhagen will be receiving shore power
The work to establish a shore power facility at the DFDS Seaways ferry terminal in Copenhagen is in full swing. The initiative is a joint collaboration between CMP and DFDS, with the Swedish company Actemium as contractor and COWI as technical advisor.

Copenhagen
11 June 2021
Freight up 31% following lockdowns in 2020
DFDS reports monthly ferry volumes for freight and passengers to provide additional insight into the development of volume trends in DFDS’ European route network.

Copenhagen
31 May 2021
Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen starts on 2 July
Oslo – Frederikshavn – Copenhagen route will resume sailings on 2 July for Pearl Seaways and 3 July for Crown Seaways.
Copenhagen
25 May 2021
DFDS and P&O shorten journey time on Dover – Calais trade route
DFDS & P&O have today entered into a mutual space charter agreement on the Dover-Calais ferry route to shorten freight customers’ waiting times and improve the flow of freight traffic across this vital arterial trade link between the UK and the EU.

Klaipeda
25 May 2021
Meet the crew: Indrė Simonavičiūtė
Aistė Tunaitytė and Vilma Songailaite in Klaipeda have interviewed colleagues that work on our Baltic routes to share an authentic glimpse into the work onboard the ferries. The interviews show that everyone plays an important role in the operation to ensure an excellent customer experience. We will continue to share interviews so you can get to know our colleagues a little better.
English Channel
17 May 2021
Côte d'Opale delivered to DFDS
The combined freight and passenger ferry, Côte d'Opale was delivered to DFDS today, six weeks ahead of schedule. DFDS has signed a long-term charter agreement with Stena RoRo. The ferry will, with its 216 metres, become the longest ferry operating on the English Channel.

Copenhagen
12 May 2021
Freight up 50% due to lockdowns in 2020
DFDS reports monthly ferry volumes for freight and passengers to provide additional insight into the development of volume trends in DFDS’ European route network.

Calais
30 April 2021
DFDS to operate new duty-free shop at Port of Calais
DFDS has today, on Friday 30 April, been awarded the tender to operate a new duty-free shop at Calais that will open in October.

Klaipeda
6 April 2021
Meet the Crew: Svetlana Kiščenko
From finance to a life at sea
Baltics
29 March 2021
Newbuilding for the Baltics soon ready for sea trials
A lot is happening at Guangzhou Shipyard International in China where our new combined freight and passenger ferry for the Baltic Sea is being built. On Friday 19 March, another milestone was reached as the inclining test was successfully carried out.

Copenhagen
12 March 2021
Freight up 4.5% as UK-EU trade begins to stabillise
Every month, we publish the previous month’s ferry volumes to the stock exchange to provide additional insight into volume trends in DFDS’ European route network

Klaipeda
10 December 2020
Meet the crew: INDRĖ VAŠKYTĖ
Vilma Songailaite, Marketing & Communications Manager, and Aiste Tunaityte, Digital Content Specialist, in Klaipeda have interviewed colleagues that work on our Baltic routes to share an authentic glimpse into the work onboard the ferries.

Copenhagen
27 November 2020
DFDS opens direct Ireland – France ferry route
After Brexit: A new freight ferry route between Rosslare and Dunkerque offers lorries and their drivers direct and paperless transport between EU countries.

Copenhagen
24 November 2020
New contract with Danish Defence
The Danish Armed Forces and DFDS enter into an agreement on providing ships for the transport of military equipment.

China
16 November 2020
Successful launch of new ro-pax
The second of our new combined ferry for the Baltics was launched at the Guangzhou Shipyard on 13 November

Copenhagen
12 November 2020
Freight routes remain resilient during pandemic
DFDS’ operating result benefits from a very resilient freight ferry business.

Copenhagen
9 November 2020
DFDS’ Denmark-UK freight service continues
New travel restrictions due to mutated coronavirus will not affect sailings on DFDS routes.

Copenhagen
29 October 2020
DFDS reduces sailings on Denmark – Norway
COVID-19: One of the two ships serving DFDS’ passenger routes on Copenhagen – Oslo, and Frederikshavn – Oslo will be temporarily laid up due to tighter travel restrictions. Unfortunately, 20 waiters will be affected, whilst other colleagues will maintain their jobs as a result of a trade union agreement, relocation to other ships, etc.

Vlaardingen
28 September 2020
Vlaardingen welcomes Flandria
Today, on 28 September, our fifth mega freight ferry, Flandria Seaways, arrived in Vlaardingen following a successful maiden voyage. Captain Joakim Dahlberg and crew finally stepped ashore on European ground after a very prolonged stay in China and received a special greeting and present from Torben Carlsen.

Copenhagen
28 September 2020
New contract with Danish Crown
DFDS and Danish Crown signed a contract that extends our cooperation on transport of meat to the UK by 2.5 years.

Frederikshavn
21 September 2020
Freight grows on Frederikshavn – Oslo
The Frederikshavn – Oslo leg has proven to be a success for the Copenhagen – Frederikshavn – Oslo route. Teamwork and collaboration have created success for freight sales for the route.

Vlaardingen
21 September 2020
Loading record in Vlaardingen
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the ships left Vlaardingen fully loaded. The many trailers caused delays on the roads leading to the terminal.
Vlaardingen
21 September 2020
Vlaardingen Terminal to be extended
Work on the extension is expected to start around the end of the year. With an efficient new layout, a new gate system and many other improvements, bottlenecks will be removed and emissions reduced.

Copenhagen
9 September 2020
Agreement keeps Oslo ferry moving
The Metal Maritime union and DFDS have agreed on a negotiated solution for most employees on the two Oslo ferries. The agreement ensures that the ferries can continue to operate on this route, in spite of the Norwegian quarantine rules causing a decrease in passenger numbers. Regretfully, 26 servers will be redundant.

Copenhagen
4 September 2020
Copenhagen – Oslo: No quarantine for travellers from the Zealand region
COVID-19: As infection levels have decreased on Zealand, the Norwegian government has decided that the region should move from 'red' to 'yellow' status, i.e. travellers coming from the region can now enter Norway without having to be quarantined.

Copenhagen
12 August 2020
DFDS works to make travelling by ferry even safer
More cleaning, ample space to keep your distance, face masks for passengers and a dedicated Covid-19 task force aim to make passengers safe on our ferries and ensure we can continue operating and servicing our customers.

Copenhagen
4 June 2020
DFDS opens route between Frederikshavn and Oslo
When DFDS resumes the Copenhagen – Oslo ferry operation on 25 June, the ferries will also service Frederikshavn – Oslo. There will be daily sailings on both routes.

Copenhagen
19 March 2020
Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry route suspended
Due to the Covid-19 situation, the Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry route will be temporarily suspended. Latest sailings will be on 21 March from Amsterdam and 22 March from Newcastle. DFDS is in consultation with crews on board and staff ashore about the temporary effects on employment.

Copenhagen
1 March 2019
DFDS strengthens rail-ferry links between Mediterranean and Sweden/Norway
Following the completion of a missing rail link, DFDS now connects Sweden and Norway with Turkey and Southern Europe via efficient and environmentally sound routes that combine ferry and rail services.

Copenhagen
25 May 2018
Niels Smedegaard elected Chairman of Danish Shipping
Niels Smedegaard, newly elected Chairman of Danish Shipping and Anne Steffensen, Managing Director of Danish Shipping. Along with Niels, she hosted Danish Shipping’s successful Annual Day, which took place today 24 May, just after the association’s Annual General Meeting.
Global Media Relations
For media inquiries, interviews, or press materials, reach out to DFDS using the contact details below.