DFDS looks to a happier new year
Ro-ro operator reflects on a challenging year, and expects growth in 2010
Danish ro-ro operator DFDS is expecting “growth and progress” this year after a difficult 2009.
Last year, DFDS achieved revenues of Dkr6.5bn (US$1.2bn), compared with Dkr8.1bn in 2008, and an operating profit of Dkr786m, compared with Dkr1bn in 2008. It also bought cross-Channel and Irish Sea ferry operator Norfolkline.
Niels Smedegaard, CEO of DFDS, said: “2009 was a very challenging year and this is reflected in the numbers of the annual report.
“On the other hand, the result is among best in class of our sector, and that is an important benchmark for us.
“The freight activities were impacted by a considerable downturn in volumes and rising price competition.”
He added: ”DFDS has two major tasks in 2010 -- our markets are only just beginning to show signs of improving, and we must continue to navigate through difficult waters.
“At the same time, we will focus on implementing an effective integration of Norfolkline as fast as possible.”
DFDS said it expected freight rates to remain under pressure this year, but volumes had shown positive growth in the first two months across most of DFDS’s markets.
”It is, therefore, assumed that the recession of 2009 will be replaced by some growth and progress in 2010,” it said.
Last year, DFDS achieved revenues of Dkr6.5bn (US$1.2bn), compared with Dkr8.1bn in 2008, and an operating profit of Dkr786m, compared with Dkr1bn in 2008. It also bought cross-Channel and Irish Sea ferry operator Norfolkline.
Niels Smedegaard, CEO of DFDS, said: “2009 was a very challenging year and this is reflected in the numbers of the annual report.
“On the other hand, the result is among best in class of our sector, and that is an important benchmark for us.
“The freight activities were impacted by a considerable downturn in volumes and rising price competition.”
He added: ”DFDS has two major tasks in 2010 -- our markets are only just beginning to show signs of improving, and we must continue to navigate through difficult waters.
“At the same time, we will focus on implementing an effective integration of Norfolkline as fast as possible.”
DFDS said it expected freight rates to remain under pressure this year, but volumes had shown positive growth in the first two months across most of DFDS’s markets.
”It is, therefore, assumed that the recession of 2009 will be replaced by some growth and progress in 2010,” it said.
Click here to email the editor and comment on this story
Receive our FREE news email bulletin click here
