DFDS October Volumes: Soft Momentum in European Economies Lowers Growth

Ferry – freight: Total volumes in October 2025 of 3.6m lane metres were 3.7% below 2024 and 5.7% lower adjusted for route changes. YTD growth rates were -0.3% and -1.6%, respectively.

North Sea volumes were below 2024 following soft volumes on most routes. Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 due to amongst other things reduced capacity in response to increased ferry competition.

Channel volumes were below 2024 driven by a slowdown in volumes in the total Dover Strait corridor. Baltic Sea volumes were above 2024 while Strait of Gibraltar volumes were below 2024 owing to capacity changes.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 1.0% to 41.5m from 41.1m in 2024-23 and decreased 1.5% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger: The number of passengers in October 2025 was adjusted for route changes* down 5.5% to 331k vs 2024 and the adjusted YTD growth rate was -4.3%. Higher passenger volumes in Strait of Gibraltar were offset by mainly lower Channel volumes, particularly in the coach market. The number of cars in October was 2.3% below 2024 adjusted for route changes.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers decreased 18.0% to 5.3m compared to 6.5m for 2024-23. The growth rate was -4.0% adjusted for route changes.