BALTIC ROUTES TO BE STRENGTHENED BY INVESTMENT IN TWO NEW SHIPS


company announcement no. 13
 
  • 30% freight capacity increase expected in Baltic route network
  • Two new combined freight and passenger ships (ro-pax) ordered
    for delivery and deployment in 2021
  • Investment of DKK 1.8bn - DKK 0.2bn for payment in 2018

The Baltic region is expected to continue to grow and prosper in the future. DFDS' six ferry routes in the Baltic Sea combine people, businesses and nations across the region forming a vital part of the region's infrastructure and transport solutions.

To improve our ability to support the growth of our freight customers and offer the best possible travel experience for passengers, two combined freight and passenger new buildings (ro-pax) have today been ordered for delivery in Q1 and Q3 2021 respectively.

"This investment reflects our commitment to and belief in a continued strong development in the Baltic region. The new ships will enable us to improve service levels for all our customers and improve the efficiency of the route network, also environmentally," says Niels Smedegaard, CEO.

The ships are designed to each carry 4,500 lane metres of freight and passenger vehicles as well as 600 passengers.

The two ships will be built by Guangzhou Shipyard International Co, Ltd. at their Nansha Yard in China.

Both ships are planned to be deployed on one of the routes connecting Lithuania with either Sweden or Germany. The deployment in 2021 is planned to be a catalyst for a reallocation of ships in the Baltic route network ultimately increasing the network's total freight capacity by around 30%.

The ships are built to the newest, environmental standard offering the lowest possible consumption and emissions. Scrubbers will also be installed on the ships.

Investment outlook increased for 2018
The investment in the two ships totals around DKK 1.8bn to be paid during the period from ordering to delivery in 2021. Around 10% is paid in connection with the ordering of the ships while more than half of the payment is due on delivery.

DFDS' investment outlook for 2018 is increased to DKK 1.3bn from previously DKK 1.1bn following the new order.

Contact
Niels Smedegaard, CEO, +45 33 42 34 00
Torben Carlsen, CFO, +45 33 42 32 01
Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, IR, +45 33 42 33 59
Gert Jacobsen, Communications, +45 33 42 32 97

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Attachments

UK ropax order_12_02_2018