Setting the safety standard
DFDS becomes the first-ever maritime member of RSSB.
Updated: 26 February 2026 | Published: 20 November 2020
Immingham
2 min read

Left to right, Alan Finch (operations director), Andrew Byrne (managing director) and Jonathan Bailey (commercial director), DFDS Seaways Immingham
DFDS Seaways Immingham has been welcomed to rail industry body RSSB as its first-ever shipping company member.
The company’s freight shipping, warehousing and logistics operation at Immingham sits on a 175 acre, rail connected site with 520 employees and 10 warehouses. It operates 35 weekly sailings.
Andrew Byrne, managing director of DFDS Seaways Immingham, explained why the company had decided to join a traditionally rail based safety organisation: “DFDS has introduced a new safety management system and a safety culture programme across the business that was developed and implemented at Immingham.
“We considered which industry to use to benchmark ourselves against, and the rail industry is one that has many similarities to the port industries. RSSB can help us to create a wider safety network outside of our traditional industry partners which will help us to see different perspectives and share and learn best practices.
“We know RSSB is traditionally rail focussed, but there is a mutual appreciation that creating a safety culture and using best processes to create a safer workplace is something that everyone is aiming at, regardless of the traditional industry the organisation supports.”
As part of its RSSB affiliation the company will be able to access a comprehensive resource library, along with world class training on human behaviours, safety culture developments and safety processes and practices.
Paul McLaughlin, Business Development and Engagement Director at RSSB said: “We’re delighted to welcome DFDS as an affiliate, strengthening the bonds between both rail and maritime sectors. Rail freight carries more than £30billion of goods around Britain each year, and almost half of this is domestic intermodal freight to and from ports. As well as supporting the country during the pandemic, each freight train takes about 76 HGVs off the roads. So much of what we’ve learned and accumulated in the rail sector is also relevant to other safety critical industries and transport modes both in the UK and overseas, and we look forward to supporting DFDS now and in the future.”
RSSB brings industry together to deliver expertise, solve complex issues and provide the headspace for collaboration, all leading to a better, safer railway.
As a membership-based rail industry body, RSSB includes train and freight operating companies, infrastructure managers, contractors, rolling stock leasing companies and suppliers, and its work involves partnerships and affiliation with academia, government, and many other railways, organisations and sectors across the world.
For further information and interview requests please contact Melanie Hill at Gravity PR on 07527 847423 or email mel@gravitypr.co.uk
Related news

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
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
28 October 2024
DFDS deploys 10 heavy-duty electric trucks in the UK
DFDS is set to become one of the biggest operators of heavy-duty electric trucks in the UK with the introduction of 10 electric trucks to deliver goods in east and northwest England and in Ireland.

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.

Copenhagen
20 November 2023
The European Union introduced new data demands for shipments into the EU
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entering Europe 1 June 2024

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
29 December 2022
DFDS expands logistics network in the UK and Ireland
DFDS, a leading European transport and logistics provider, has agreed to acquire the family-owned McBurney Transport Group for a debt-free price of DKK 1.2 billion.

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.

Copenhagen
13 June 2022
Continued freight growth and passengers returning
Volume report: Freight up 11%, passenger recovery on track

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.

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
29 April 2022
DFDS introduces new rail freight service
DFDS is excited to announce that we are introducing a new rail freight service from Séte to Calais. The new rail service connects London with Yalova in Turkey, as of 17th May. This will shorten transport time between London and Istanbul.

Copenhagen
22 November 2021
DFDS increases frequency for customers between Rotterdam and Humberside
To improve frequency and scheduling, that meets the demand for earlier arrivals into the UK from freight ferry customers, DFDS has entered into a Space Charter Agreement (SCA) with CldN.

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.

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
6 July 2021
A Pride reflection
A sea of rainbow-coloured flags and a fight for love and identity. Sound familiar?

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
14 April 2021
Freight up 12% driven by growth in all Business Units
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.

United Kingdom
7 April 2021
DFDS launches new unaccompanied freight service from Sheerness to Calais
The service will start on 1st June and will offer one daily sailing in each direction between the two ports.
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

Rosslare
4 March 2021
Rosslare – Dunkirk ferry route expands capacity
DFDS introduces a fourth freight ferry on the Rosslare – Dunkirk route

Mediterranean
9 February 2021
Sunny outlook in the Mediterranean
Positive signs after a tough year for DFDS in Turkey

Rosslare, Ireland
9 February 2021
DFDS’ direct Ireland – France ferry route
DFDS has a new freight ferry route between Ireland and France. It provides direct and paperless transport between EU countries. It is already popular, enjoying near 100% utilisation from day one.

Copenhagen
4 February 2021
Dunkirk-Rosslare a success
DFDS enjoys near 100% utilisation of new route

Copenhagen
27 January 2021
Seafarers need our support
DFDS signs declaration for seafarer wellbeing

Copenhagen
12 January 2021
December volumes: Ferry freight up 28%
Every month, we publish the previous month’s ferry volumes to the stock exchange. December’s freight volumes were so impressive that it calls for a closer look.

Ireland
4 January 2021
Rosslare – Dunkirk ferry route launched
Open for business: When Optima Seaways departed Rosslare Europort for Dunkirk on Saturday 2 January, it officially launched DFDS’ new Ireland-France freight ferry route.

Copenhagen
23 December 2020
Agreement opens French border
In an agreement between France and the UK, ferry passengers and lorry drivers can again enter France with a negative Covid-19 test

Copenhagen
21 December 2020
No travellers from the UK
Freight continues as usual on all routes, except on the Channel where the flow is reduced as lorry drivers are prohibited from entering France from the UK for at least 48 hours.

Rosslare
16 December 2020
DFDS office in Rosslare ready
As we reported last week, DFDS will commence sailings on a new freight ferry route between Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland and Dunkerque in Northern France on 2 January. The DFDS office in Rosslare is ready with Port operations Manager Dwain Rodgers and Port Assisting Manager Donna Lynch.

Ireland
16 December 2020
Ferries in place for DFDS’ new Ireland – France freight route
The ferries Visby, Kerry, and Optima Seaways are ready to welcome lorries and their drivers on the new Rosslare – Dunkerque freight route. From 2 January, the route will enable customers to keep their freight transport within the EU and avoid the customs formalities that will apply to transport passing via the UK.
Copenhagen
14 December 2020
Sixth mega freight ferry on sea trial
Winter has come to Jinling Shipyard in China, but the biting cold will not prevent the site team from ensuring that we get a brand-new ferry at the beginning of next year.

Copenhagen
11 December 2020
Freight up 17% in November
Monthly volume report: Freight boosted by stock building ahead of Brexit

Immingham
23 November 2020
DFDS welcomes the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree to the Port of Immingham
The team at DFDS Seaways Immingham has welcomed a famous festive delivery to the port – the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree!
Copenhagen
10 November 2020
DFDS offers customs services
DFDS has been planning for the consequences of Brexit for years and now has the people, systems, and processes in place to ease the transition for customers. If customers are worried about their customs processes, DFDS can take care of them.

Copenhagen
9 November 2020
DFDS’ Denmark-UK freight service continues
New travel restrictions due to mutated coronavirus will not affect sailings on DFDS routes.
UK
22 October 2020
DFDS ensures essential transport to the UK
DFDS is one of four companies that together will receive GBP 77.6 million for ensuring capacity for transport of essential goods from 1 January.

Brevik
21 October 2020
Brevik part of container transport network
Our NorthSea Terminal in Brevik will from 31 October be added to Unifeeder's multi-port setup connecting Norway to Germany.

Vlaardingen
5 October 2020
Vlaardingen goes paperless
Vlaardingen has introduced digital document handling via tablets, to reduce physical contact and unnecessary paper.

Karlshamn-Klaipeda
1 October 2020
Karlshamn-Klaipeda improves service
DFDS is adding two weekly departures from both ports to the schedule, and sailing times are reduced by up to an hour.

Paldiski
30 September 2020
DFDS increases sailings on Estonia – Sweden route
From 4 October, there will be two daily departures on Paldiski – Kapellskär nearly every day. Patria Seaways will be moved to the route from the Paldiski – Hanko route, which will be closed due to unsatisfactory volumes.
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.

Vlaardingen
10 September 2020
New shipping line in Vlaardingen
Even though things are tough right now, opportunities to grow and collaborate still arise all over DFDS. This time, a new cooperation between DFDS and the shipping company, Smyril Line, was a welcoming addition to the business in Vlaardingen.
Copenhagen
6 February 2020
Despite Brexit: DFDS’ Win23 strategy set to create growth in 2020
Despite the Brexit uncertainty, DFDS has set the course towards a 4 % growth in revenues in 2020 driven by the initiatives introduced as part of the company’s Win23 strategy. Win23 will drive growth by focusing on initiatives in four strategic pillars.

Copenhagen
15 November 2019
DFDS tests aluminium sail concept
Econowind and Green Shipping project installed on Lysbris Seaways.

Copenhagen
13 August 2019
DFDS continues Brexit preparations
DFDS’ main Brexit focus is now on informing small and medium sized companies about how they can and need to prepare for Brexit.
Copenhagen
8 March 2019
DFDS’ largest ferry named and ready for service
On 7 March, DFDS’ largest ferry ever was named Ephesus Seaways at a naming ceremony in Istanbul and will soon set course for its first sailing to Trieste fully loaded with 450 trailers.
Copenhagen
6 February 2019
DFDS takes delivery of its largest freight ferry ever
DFDS is preparing for future growth with the construction of six new mega ferries in China. The first one was delivered to DFDS on 31 January and will be entering into service between Turkey and the EU during March.

Copenhagen
16 August 2018
NEW FREIGHT FERRY ORDERED TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH IN ROUTE NETWORK
DFDS has today ordered an additional freight ferry (ro-ro) newbuilding from the Chinese Jinling Shipyard

Copenhagen
13 June 2018
FREIGHT NEWBUILDING ORDERED TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH
DFDS has today ordered one additional freight ferry (ro-ro) newbuilding for delivery in the first half of 2020 from the Chinese Jinling Shipyard.
Copenhagen
8 June 2018
Leading Turkish freight ferry company U.N. Ro-Ro is now part of DFDS
In April, European shipping and logistics group DFDS signed an agreement with the owners of the Turkish shipping company U.N. Ro-Ro to acquire the shares in the company.

Copenhagen
9 May 2018
Green transport of waste for fuel
RDF – residue-derived fuel – is waste that has been processed and packed in bales so it can be used as fuel in power plants.

Copenhagen
24 April 2018
DFDS CHARTERS NEW SHIP FOR THE ENGLISH CHANNEL IN 2021
The new ship will be able to carry 3,100 lane metres of cargo and 1,000 passengers. It will be built in China and deployed on the Channel in 2021.

Copenhagen
23 April 2018
FIRE DAMAGE TO SHIP CAUSES CLOSURE OF ZEEBRUGGE-ROSYTH FREIGHT ROUTE
On Monday 16 April, a fire broke out in the engine room on board DFDS’ ro-ro freight ship Finlandia Seaways, which connects Rosyth in Scotland and Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Copenhagen
17 April 2018
ENGINE ROOM FIRE ON BOARD FINLANDIA SEAWAYS QUICKLY UNDER CONTROL
Last night at 22:13, a fire broke out in the engine room on board Finlandia Seaways on its voyage from Zeebrugge to Rosyth.

Copenhagen
12 April 2018
DFDS ACQUIRES MAJOR MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING GROUP U.N. RO-RO
Danish shipping and logistics group DFDS has acquired Turkey’s largest operator of Ro-Ro freight ships and will be a major player in the strong and continuously growing trade between the EU and Turkey. U.N. Ro-Ro operates five routes connecting Italy and France with Turkey, 12 ships and port terminals in Trieste and in Pendik, Istanbul. U.N. Ro-Ro employs 500 people. The deal is subject to approval by the authorities.

Copenhagen
22 March 2018
DFDS WELCOMES PASSENGERS ON FREIGHT VESSELS BETWEEN BELGIUM AND SCOTLAND
Every week, DFDS ships large amounts of cars, trailers and containers on our freight ships from Ghent to Gothenburg in Sweden and from Zeebrugge to Rosyth in Scotland.
Copenhagen
7 March 2018
JUTLANDIA SEAWAYS TO ASSIST ON THE GHENT – GOTHENBURG ROUTE
Luckily no-one was injured when Primula Seaways was hit by the container ship MSC Madrid on Saturday, and fortunately, there was no pollution in spite of the substantial damage to the hull.

Copenhagen
5 March 2018
SHIP SWAP AND CHARTER OF SHIP SECURES CAPACITY FOR GOTHENBURG - GHENT ROUTE
On 2 March 2018, DFDS’ ro-ro ship Primula Seaways was hit by a container ship during the sailing from Ghent to Brevik. No persons were injured and no pollution occurred. However, the collision caused damage to Primula Seaways’ port side and to one of the trailers placed near the damaged part of the hull

Copenhagen
20 February 2018
DFDS IS STEPPING UP DIGITALLY
In 2018, DFDS will invest in further development of digital capabilities to enhance the customer experience and gain operational efficiencies. This is expected to entail additional costs of around DKK 100m as well as increased investments.

Copenhagen
8 February 2018
TRADING BETWEEN UK AND MAINLAND EUROPE CONTINUES TO GROW DESPITE BREXIT
DFDS has just reported another record result for 2017. The operating profit of DKK 2.7 billion was based, among other things, on the continuing positive development in volumes on the company’s ten freight routes across the North Sea.

Copenhagen
29 December 2017
TRENDS WE FOLLOW IN DFDS
The world is changing at an accelerating pace and it's more important than ever to understand the dynamics of that change. New technology that enables new behaviour or fundamental changes to existing markets is often the driver of that change.

Copenhagen
1 November 2017
MIGRANTS ON KAUNAS SEAWAYS FLOWN TO ALGERIA
Yesterday (31 October) the last six of 12 migrants, who for three months had been on board DFDS' Lithuanian vessel Kaunas Seaways in the Black Sea, were taken off the ship in order to be flown back to their home countries via the airport in Odessa and Turkey. Six of the migrants were sent home to Algeria on 29 October, while six are underway today.

Copenhagen
16 October 2017
BABY BORN ON BOARD CÔTE D’ALBATRE
The new citizen of the world, Mustafa, was brought into the world on board Côte D’Albatre, when his mother went into labour before arrival in Dieppe.

Copenhagen
9 June 2017
NEW RO-RO VESSEL FOR DFDS NAMED TODAY
Tulipa Seaways is the second large ro-ro freight vessel from the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft destined to enter the DFDS fleet. The ship will be delivered during the autumn and will enter service between Rotterdam and Immingham.

Copenhagen
8 May 2017
MEDALS FOR THE ARK FUTURA CREW
In 2016 Ark Futura transported chemicals out of Libya for destruction in Germany.

Copenhagen
2 March 2016
DFDS SHIPS RECORD VOLUME OF FREIGHT TO THE UK
The strong increase in freight volumes and passenger numbers between the Continet and the UK is part of the DFDS' record results

Copenhagen
7 August 2015
INVESTMENT PLAN OF EUR 6 MILLION FOR ROSYTH-ZEEBRUGGE ROUTE
DFDS and Forth Ports will invest in the future of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight route

Copenhagen
9 November 2014
INCIDENT IN DOVER THIS MORNING
DFDS ferry hits the harbour wall in Dover on the way to Dunkirk

Copenhagen
9 November 2014
INCIDENT ON BOARD THE DOVER SEAWAY FERRY
DOVER SEAWAYS contacted the harbour wall when leaving Dover, passengers have been accommodated on the other DFDS ferries

Copenhagen
4 November 2014
ROSYTH-ZEEBRUGGE ROUTE SECURED FOR THE FUTURE
DFDS Seaways, the Scottish Government and Forth Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which they agree to continue the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight shipping service under the management of DFDS Seaways

Copenhagen
15 September 2014
CLOSURE OF LOSS-MAKING ROUTE
DFDS plans to close the Le Havre-Portsmouth route at the end of 2014 due to continued losses

Copenhagen
21 March 2014
UK COMPETITION COMMISSION PROVISIONAL FINDINGS
The UK Competition Commission ruled that Eurotunnel's acquisition of ex-SeaFrance was anti-competitive and Eurotunnel must cease ferry operations at the Port of Dover

Copenhagen
9 January 2014
TIMELINE FOR UK COMPETITION COMMISSION REMITTAL ANNOUNCED
The UK Competition Commission’s provisional findings will be announced in February 2014 and decision made in April

Copenhagen
4 December 2013
TRIBUNAL REQUIRES FURTHER REVIEW OF UK COMPETITION COMMISSION'S RULING
The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal decides that a further review is required of one aspect of the UK Competition Commission’s ruling

Copenhagen
4 December 2013
FIRE ONBOARD RO-RO SHIP BETWEEN JUTLAND AND COPENHAGEN EXTINGUISHED
Fire breaks on CORORNA SEAWAYS on 4 December, 2013 en route from Fredericia - Copenhagen

Copenhagen
23 April 2013
FIRE AT CARGO AND PASSENGER SHIP BETWEEN GERMANY AND LITHUANIA EXTINGUISHED
Fire broke on the main deck of VICTORIA SEAWAYS en route from Kiel to Klaipeda, the situation was under control and no injuries reported

Copenhagen
3 January 2013
NEGOTIATIONS ON NEWBUILDING CONTRACTS ONGOING
Negotiations between DFDS and the German shipyard P+S about the two ro-ro vessels are still in the process

Copenhagen
29 September 2012
MORE FREIGHT VOLUMES BETWEEN UK AND CONTINENT
DFDS signs an agreement with two leading logistics providers with effect from September 2012

Copenhagen
13 September 2012
NEWBUILDING CONTRACTS CANCELLED
DFDS cancels their contracts for two ro-ro ships with the German shipyard P+S Werften GmbH

Copenhagen
29 August 2012
SHIPYARD FILED FOR INSOLVENCY
DFDS orders two ro-ro newbuildings at the German shipyard P+S Werften GmbH

Copenhagen
6 July 2012
DFDS SIGNS NEW AGREEMENT WITH VOLVO
DFDS and Volvo signs a new agreement for the transport of cargo on three DFDS routes

Copenhagen
3 February 2011
SALE OF RO-PAX SHIP AND CIRCULATION OF TONNAGE
Changes of vessels on DFDS routes

Copenhagen
18 January 2011
INCREASED COMPETITION BETWEEN SWEDEN AND ENGLAND
DFDS faces increaced competition due to a new ro-ro route between Sweden and England

Copenhagen
13 January 2011
CLOSURE OF ROUTES ON IRISH SEA
DFDS closes down the operation of the routes between Dublin and Birkenhead and Heysham, England, at the end of January 2011
For media inquiries, interviews, or press materials, reach out to DFDS using the contact details below.