DFDS Partners with Danish Defence for Military Freight Ferries
Danish international shipping and logistics company DFDS has recently announced a new agreement with the Danish Defence to provide freight ferries for the transportation of military equipment. This partnership is set to support various military operations and missions, with the contract set to begin in 2026 and run for up to six years.
DFDS is expanding and extending its cooperation with the Danish Defence by making eight of its freight ferries, known as RoRos, available for the transport of military equipment and other commodities. These ferries will be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including military operations, training exercises, humanitarian disaster relief efforts, and routine transports.
Under the terms of the contract, DFDS will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of critical assets across the European continent to support security and defense operations. Leveraging its extensive fleet and freight transport capabilities, DFDS aims to play a key role in facilitating military logistics.
The ferries will be chartered and deployed at short notice as needed by the Danish Defence. This agreement, signed with the Joint Movement and Transportation Organization (JMTO) and the ARK Project, replaces the previous contract that was established in 2020.
JMTO serves as the strategic transport unit of the Danish Defence, while the ARK Project is a collaborative effort between Germany and Denmark aimed at securing access to strategic sea transport routes.
DFDS CEO Torben Carlsen expressed his pride in being selected for this critical assignment, emphasizing the importance of strong public-private partnerships in fostering resilience amidst geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He highlighted DFDS’s expertise in transport and logistics as a valuable contribution to the partnership.
The fleet of vessels designated for this agreement includes six named vessels and two unnamed vessels, which will be selected based on the specific operational requirements of the Danish Defence. These vessels are equipped with special features such as enhanced maneuverability, the ability to transport dangerous goods, and ample capacity for heavy vehicles.