DFDS to close freight terminal in Esbjerg, Denmark
DFDS has a large and historically important freight ferry route in Esbjerg. The route carries a very large part of Danish exports to England. However, the business in Esbjerg has changed its character over the years, and so DFDS needs continuously to adapt the operation.
With fewer but larger ships, the end of passenger traffic and more standardised cargoes, DFDS’ freight terminal in Esbjerg is no longer competitive. It does not make sense operationally to run a terminal with only one ship calling each day, and loading and unloading relatively uniform trailers.
“The critical mass is simply missing. The terminal is significantly larger than we need, and also it is not possible to utilise the workforce in an efficient manner when loading and unloading only takes place for approximately four hours a day. Nor will it be possible to ensure a reasonable return on necessary investments in modernising the terminal and equipment,” says Lars Hoffmann, freight director in Denmark.
“Our main business in Esbjerg is the England route, and therefore we want to buy our terminal services from Blue Water Shipping’s new terminal, which offers brand-new facilities, ramps and equipment that pave the way for efficient loading and unloading. At the same time, it has a better location than DFDS’ terminal, so our customers can save 8-15 minutes driving in each direction”, the company anncounces. The first call at the new terminal is scheduled for 22 December 2017.