DFDS has signed a contract with MWB Motorenwerke Bremerhaven AG for extending the three ro-ro cargo ships TOR BEGONIA, TOR FREESIA and TOR FICARIA by 30 metres. The conversion will take place in 2009.
“Even though the ships provided a great increase in capacity when they were delivered a few years ago we already lack capacity on our North Sea routes between Sweden and the United Kingdom, which continue to show good growth. By extending the ships we are increasing the cargo carrying capacity for trailers, lorries, cars and other cargo by approx. 25%, and as the ships hardly increase their energy consumption this will also reduce our operating costs and environmental impact per transport unit. Concentrating the freight on fewer but larger ships is one of the most effective ways of reducing costs and environmental impact,” says Peder Gellert Pedersen, Executive Vice President with responsibility for DFDS’ largest business area, Ro-Ro Shipping.
After the extension, the ships will be 230 metres long and be able to carry approx. 4,700 lane metres of freight. The total investment amounts to DKK 280 million, of which DKK 170 will be carried out in 2008 and the rest in 2009. With this new investment, DFDS total investments for 2008 increases to about DKK 400 million against the DKK 200 million previously expected.
The ships will continue to operate on the route between Gothenburg and Immingham.
With the extension and the current modernization and optimizing of the fleet, Ro-Ro Shipping will be well prepared in terms of tonnage when the current break in growth is replaced by new growth in the market, says Peder Gellert Pedersen.
For further information:
Information Manager Gert Jakobsen, tel.: (+45) 24 40 00 43