The traditional shipping company Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab A/S, better known by the abbreviation DFDS, was founded in 1866 by a group of Danish shipowners. To this day, The United Steamship Company - the German translation - has its headquarters in Copenhagen.
Initially, DFDS only operated short routes to Sweden, Great Britain and Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands with its passenger and cargo ships, but the network gradually grew. In the age of industrialization, more and more steamships and cargo ships were built. As early as 1884, DFDS ships sailed as far as the Mediterranean. The first overseas voyages to North America followed in 1894. At that time, DFDS had one of the largest fleets in the world with more than 120 ships.
From the 20th century onwards, DFDS concentrated more on passenger ferry operations and took over the LISCO shipping company and Norfolkline. A new, profitable and competitive DFDS Group was created, which established its own terminals in important ports. Lines on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, in the Irish Sea and on the English Channel still form the backbone of DFDS today. With its DFDS and DFDS Logistics branches, the shipping company also operates freight transportation by rail and road.
The diverse range of ferry services, popular package and conference tours and mini-cruises is very popular. The DFDS fleet is considered modern, reliable and excellently equipped. All ships have shopping facilities, good restaurants, bars and separate play areas for children. As one of the oldest and largest ferry companies in Northern Europe, DFDS currently offers nine passenger ferry routes. There are no luggage restrictions, a wide range of entertainment on board and the option to bring your own car.
The company employs over 6,000 people. Some routes have been operated by DFDS for decades. For example, the routes Dover-Calais, Kiel-Klaipėda, Amsterdam-Newcastle, ferry connections to the Baltic States, France and many more. DFDS has already won several awards at the World Travel Awards and can call itself the WORLD'S LEADING FERRY OPERATOR 2020.