After dropped deal: DFDS launches new freight route
Af Benita Dreyer-Andersen
Just four days after a failed billion-dollar deal, there's news from DFDS again.
This time it's on a more cheerful note, as DFDS today presents a new, direct freight ferry route between Damietta in Egypt and Trieste in Italy.
The route taps into the nearshoring trend, where more and more companies are establishing production in North Africa to keep activities closer to the EU, thereby becoming less vulnerable should there be a bottleneck in the world's supply chains, as was seen, for example, during the Covid pandemic.
According to DFDS, the customers who will use the new route are involved in the transport of fresh vegetables and fruits, textiles, and other goods from Egypt to Europe via the port of Trieste. On the trip from Europe to Egypt, the ship is loaded with dairy products, agricultural and industrial products, and more.
With the establishment of the route, DFDS hopes to provide an alternative to container freight, especially for fresh goods.
- The new route fits perfectly with our commitment to organic growth and strengthens our strong presence in the Mediterranean region. The service not only expands our network but also strengthens our ability to connect communities and support local economies by opening opportunities for trade and stronger economic bonds between the two countries, says Mathieu Girardin, head of the ferry division at DFDS.
Reduced transit time
The maiden voyage is scheduled to start on November 29, 2024, departing from the port of Damietta to the port of Trieste.
The service will operate with a weekly departure from each port, leaving Damietta on Fridays and from Trieste on Mondays, with a sailing time of approximately 68 hours.
DFDS has entered into a strategic partnership with Pan Marine Shipping Services, a leader in shipping and logistics services in Egypt. Pan Marine has secured a dedicated terminal in the port of Damietta for this new route and is equipped to handle all shipments, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for loading and unloading cargo.
The new route was launched at an event in Cairo, Egypt on November 5, 2024, attended by local officials as well as DFDS' customers and representatives.
