Press Release
DFDS adapts to the consequences of Covid-19
On 29 June, the ferry company DFDS announced a number of cost-cutting measures to adapt to the new market conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. DFDS had anticipated that this could impact on approximately 650 colleagues across the DFDS organisation.
DFDS is now announcing the start of a series of consultations in Dover, England and France which will unfortunately lead to the departure of a number of employees.
The company has put forward proposals to reduce the number of staff on board its vessels operating between Dover and France and at its sites in Dover, Calais and Dieppe.
A total of 79 jobs on the company's UK ships and in its offices are affected. There is no impact on roles in the port.
A total of 142 posts on the four French vessels, in the port of Calais and in the DFDS offices in Calais and Dieppe are affected.
During this process, DFDS will work closely with staff representatives to find measures to mitigate the impact on our affected colleagues.
"We are very sorry that it has come to this. Many colleagues have been working hard in difficult conditions to keep the business going and help our customers. But the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the decline in passenger numbers on all routes have made it necessary to change the structure of the business to reduce costs and protect jobs in the future," says Kasper Moos, Vice President and Head of DFDS Channel Lines.
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.