Sail towards a cleaner future
DFDS’ Carbon Footprint
DFDS is working hard to improve its environmental impact. A major focus of this is the reduction of greenhouse gases such as CO2, NOxSO2 and emission particles.
Travel by ferry is proven to be overall less CO2 impactful than many other forms of transport, with flying being one of the worst for the environment.
Our ships already minimise fuel consumption through speed efficiencies on overnight ferries. We also use the natural effects of the tides and winds to optimise fuel consumption. Our vessels have been fitted with scrubbers which remove harmful fuel particles. Plus, in line with EU regulations, as part of the ‘Motorways of the Seas’ project we are taking increasingly more freight, balanced with passengers to reduce reliance on air.
Click here to find out more on our initiatives and the offsetting projects we support.
So how much better is taking a ferry than flying?
We wanted to ensure that any calculations we conducted were independently verified by a carbon and emissions expert, which is why DFDS commissioned www.carbonfootprint.com to analyse our routes and confirm their findings.
They looked at typical journeys from three of our main overnight ferry routes and compared the emissions per person vs taking a similar flight.
The results speak for themselves. On average taking a trip with DFDS emits 64% less CO2 than an equivalent airline. Travelling as a foot passenger was the cleanest option at 87% and travelling by car approximately 54% less CO2 than flying.
Note: The chart shows the emissions, per passenger (Flight vs Car Ferry).
QAS Approved
This data through www.carbonfootprint is QAS approved. QAS’s objective is to bring the highest levels of confidence to businesses and individuals that the carbon emissions calculation methodology being used is independently verified.
For more information on our corporate responsibility and commitments, please see here: https://www.dfds.com/en/about/group/responsibility
Data sources:
Onboard Experience
All DFDS Ferry Routes
DFDS has one of the largest ferry networks in Europe, with routes operating to Denmark, Norway, the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and even the Baltic regions, including major cities such as Copenhagen, Oslo and Amsterdam. Travel with your car and open the gateway to Europe with DFDS.
Proudly named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator
We are also proud to announce that we have been nominated as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2025 and this amazing journey continues, first and foremost, thanks to you.
To our loyal passengers who put their trust in us, our valued partners and our hard-working colleagues: this nomination is also yours. You are the heart of DFDS and today, we’d like to say THANK YOU.
Let's continue to create beautiful memories and cross the finish line together.