DFDS and LD lines form new company
SHIPPING: DFDS and LD Lines will form a new joint company that will combine DFDS’ and LD Lines’ routes in the Channel. From 1 July, the new company will operate nine passenger and freight ferries on four routes in the Channel and one in the Mediterranean.
“The new company expands DFDS’ route network in line with DFDS’ strategy of creating a European shipping and logistics network. By combining the capabilities and operations of LD Lines and DFDS, a new and stronger company is formed that is well positioned to deliver the ferry services that are required by our customers in thevery competitive market on the Channel”, says Niels Smedegaard, President & CEO of the DFDS Group.
DFDS will own 82 % of the company and LDA 18%.
The new company is expected to start operations on 1 July 2012. The following routes will be included in the new company:
• Dover-Dunkerque (Currently DFDS)
• Dover-Calais (DFDS & LD Lines in partnership)
• Portsmouth-Le Havre (Currently LD Lines)
• Newhaven-Dieppe (Currently LD Lines)
• Marseille-Tunis (Currently LD Lines)
LD Lines is a French ferry company and a 100% owned subsidiary of LDA. It was established in 2003 and currently operates four routes of which one route, St. Nazaire-Gijon, will not be included in the joint venture.
LD Lines will transfer four chartered ships and one owned ship to the joint venture.
In the Channel DFDS will transfer the three ships on the Dover-Dunkerque route and two ships from the newly inaugurated Dover-Calais route.
Source: DFDS / maritimedanmark.dk
