Following a successful first quarter in 2018, ferry operator DFDS has acquired the Turkish shipping company U.N. Ro-Ro and unveiled a substantial ship investment programme to drive continued growth in both trade and travel.

Niels Smedegaard, CEO & President of DFDS said, “I am very pleased to announce that on 7 June, 2018 the deal was completed and U.N. Ro-Ro and its strong Mediterranean shipping network became a part of DFDS.”

Niels continued, “Trade between the EU and Turkey has been booming for a long time and the future prospects are very encouraging for seaborne transportation, which bypasses border controls and road congestion in several countries. Together, we will be able to offer our customers a unique service, with U.N. Ro-Ro being strong in the Turkish and Mediterranean markets, and DFDS having a very efficient network in Northern Europe.”

U.N. Ro-Ro operates five freight ferry routes connecting Turkey with Trieste in Italy and Toulon in France, with 12 freight ferries and its own port terminals in Istanbul and Trieste. In Europe, the company also offers intermodal services to and from other European markets.

DFDS has also signed an agreement for the charter of a new ship for the English Channel, where the business operates two routes between Dover and France. The ship will replace the older Calais Seaways to provide far greater capacity, with space for 140 trailers compared to the current 80.

Photo: U.N. Ro-Ro vessel.