From June 4 onwards, the Danish shipping company DFDS is going to deploy its three largest vessels for the transport of rolling stock between the ports of Ghent and Gothenburg. Ghent Port Company is delighted about it, for it continues to dedicate itself to ro/ro activities. Moreover, this confirms the success of the liner service between Ghent and Sweden.
In November 2011 the Danish shipping company DFDS Seaways started special tests in the port of Ghent. Because of growing traffic from and to Belgium it examined whether larger vessels are suited for the Belgian waters. These test sailings were successful. Ghent Port Company fully supported the tests as well.
Major trade partner Sweden
From June 4, 2012 onwards, this successful result will be continued. From then on, DFDS SEAWAYS will start deploying its three largest vessels on the route between Ghent and Gothenburg. In doing so, DFDS plays along with the positive developments on this route, among other things the rising volumes for Volvo. In 2011, Sweden was moreover the most important trade partner for Ghent port thanks to ro/ro traffic.
Stimulating ro/ro traffic
At the end of 2011 Ghent Port Company adapted its port tariffs. The tariffs for existing ro/ro providers were maintained and for larger volumes they became even relatively more advantageous. With this measure, Ghent Port Company wants to further dedicate itself to maintaining the existing ro/ro activities, which is now confirmed by DFDS Seaways, active in Ghent for over 30 years now.
306 trailers per vessel
The three largest freight vessels FICARIA SEAWAYS, TOR FREESIA and TOR BEGONIA each have space for 306 trailers. This is 25% more capacity than the present vessels can offer. The number of sailings goes from six to five per week.
DFDS in Ghent
DFDS Seaways has been active in Ghent since 1981. Every week, the company offers sailings to Gothenburg (Sweden) and one sailing to Brevik (Norway). There also is a container line with Norway. The route to Sweden offers transport for the automotive, steel and other industrial sectors. DFDS Seaways transports trailers, containers, cars and trucks as well as machines. DFDS Logistics equally has an important establishment in Ghent.
About DFDS
DFDS offers the largest North European maritime and logistics network. DFDS Seaways has a network of 25 routes with 60 freight and passenger vessels. DFDS Logistics provides for transport by trailers, containers and rail. The company is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen and has 5,100 employees in 20 countries.