Annual Report • Feb 21, 2025
Annual Report
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Annual Report 2024

DFDS A/S · Marmorvej 18 · DK 2100 Copenhagen Ø +45 3342 3342 · www.dfds.com · CVR 14 19 47 11
Our network combines ferry, road, and rail transport with complementary logistics solutions. Reliability, efficiency, and capacity are cornerstones of our customer value proposition.
On the back of the expansion of our network in recent years, we focus in this report on what we do through the lens of our map. You can go to and explore the interactive map on page 7 and see the mapped activities brought to life by our colleagues in the video available here.
We have simplified this year's Management review. It's now divided into four clearly outlined sections starting with the big picture in Intro, letter & outlook. This is followed by a deep dive on Purpose, strategy & ambitions. The numbers are reviewed in Performance, and finally in Corporate governance, we report on how DFDS is managed.
For the first time, we report on Sustainability in accordance with the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reflecting our commitment to transparency and alignment with regulatory requirements. It's a long but rewarding read. For a quick overview of our progress on Sustainability, we have retained an overview in the Performance section.
Welcome to our Annual Report 2024.
| Intro, letter & outlook | |
|---|---|
| We are moving together towards | 6 |
| Moving goods & people | 7 |
| Chair and CEO letter | 8 |
| Key figures - financials & ESG | 11 |
| Outlook | 13 |
| Purpose & behaviours | 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | 17 | |
| Business model | 23 | |
| Freight ferry - Pendik-Trieste | 24 |
4
| Ferry Division | 26 |
|---|---|
| Passenger ferry - Klaipeda-Karlshamn | 31 |
| Logistics Division | 32 |
| Logistics solutions - Borås warehouse | 36 |
| Group financial review | 37 |
| Sustainability review | 41 |
| Logistics transport - Germany-UK | 44 |
| Governance practices | 46 |
|---|---|
| Risks and risk management | 48 |
| Shareholders | 53 |
| Board of Directors | 56 |
| Executive Management Team | 58 |
| Remuneration Report summary | 59 |
| Port terminal - Immingham | 61 |


Our management report consists of two parts: the management's review and the sustainability statements.
This report constitutes DFDS' Communication on Progress to the UN Global Compact. It covers the DFDS Group's ESG activities for the financial year 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2024.
Sustainability governance 69 Strategy, business model and value chain 71 Double materiality assessment 74
E1 Climate change 82 E2 Pollution 96 E4 Biodiversity and ecosystems 99 EU Taxonomy 102
| S1 Own workforce | 109 |
|---|---|
| S2 Workers in the value chain | 119 |
| S4 Consumers and end-users | 123 |
| ESRS Governance |
| G1 Business conduct | 127 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated financials | |
|---|---|
| Income statement | 137 |
| Statement of comprehensive income | 137 |
| Balance sheet | 138 |
| Statement of changes in equity | 139 |
| Statement of cash flows | 141 |
| Notes | 142 |
| Parent company financials | |
| Income statement | 197 |
| Statement of comprehensive income | 197 |
| Balance sheet | 198 |
| Statement of changes in equity | 199 |
| Statement of cash flows | 201 |
| Notes | 202 |
| Reports Statement by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors Independent Auditor's Reports |
223 224 |
| Other | |
| Fleet list | 231 |
| SASB Reporting | 233 |
| Alignment with TCFD recommendations | 234 |
| Glossary | 235 |
| Financial definitions | 236 |
| DFDS' history | 237 |
Revenue per division
DKK bn
Ferry Division
Logistics Division



Ferry Division Logistics Division Non-allocated items

DFDS Annual report 2024 Intro, letter & outlook 5 / 238

A reliable, efficient ferry & logistics network for our customers
A great place to work for our people
A green transition leader for the planet
Value creation and stable returns for our shareholders 14,100
People (FTE)

Ferries
+100
Logistics locations 15,200 trailers and 3,200 trucks 45 warehouses

Ferry routes 17 carry only freight 13 carry freight & passengers
We move goods in trailers* by ferry, road & rail
... and people in cars & on foot
*and trailer equivalents
Explore what we do in this report or go to the interactive map to learn more about the capabilities of our network.

ES
terminal. Read more →
IS
IE
Port terminals
PT
MAR
MAR
We offer end-to-end transport for full-loads and partloads using the ferry network for reliability. Read more about how that works between Germany and the UK.
TN

NO SE
IT
FI
EE
We provide complementary solutions to manage multiple parts of customer supply chains. Read more about our warehouse solutions in Borås, Sweden.
UA
MLD
Passenger ferry routes
Our 13 routes carrying passengers connect people. Read more about our route between Lithuania and Sweden.
RU
GR TR
Our 17 routes dedicated to freight enables trade and keep supply chains moving. Read more about our routes between Türkiye and Europe.
ALB
MKD
In 2024, we partnered with our customers to achieve positive organic growth. Customer satisfaction improved further. We continued to standardise and digitise our network to enhance customer service and operating efficiency. We also stepped up our efforts on employee safety and remain on track to reach our green transition targets.
Our network was expanded in 2024 through the acquisitions of FRS Iberia/Maroc (Strait of Gibraltar ferry routes) and Ekol International Transport (Turkish transport and logistics company). Both strengthened and expanded the network to highgrowth regions supported by nearshoring.
With the acquisition of Ekol International Transport, we replicate our proven northern European business model of combining ferry and end-toend road/rail transport solutions. The model ensures stable freight volume flows to our routes, and it enables us to offer reliable and efficient asset-backed customer solutions.
Moreover, from the end of March 2025, we start Jersey ferry services based on a 20-year concession period awarded by the Government of Jersey.
Conversely, we divested the Olso-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route. The route has been a great asset for DFDS since the company was established in 1866, but had become less and less aligned with our strategic focus.
From a growth perspective, we made good progress on many fronts in 2024.
From a financial perspective, 2024 was less successful. Our results during the year fell short of expectations. We were challenged by macro and market headwinds along with underperforming activities and we were impacted by the entry of a new ferry competitor in the Mediterranean business unit.
While an EBIT of DKK 1.5bn for 2024 is unsatisfactory, the underlying strength of our network is 2024 was a challenging year for DFDS. Organic growth increased in line with our strategy but earnings fell short of expectations. 2025 will focus on laying the foundation for financial performance recovery
Joint letter from the Chair and CEO

From left to right Torben Carlsen, CEO Claus V. Hemmingsen, Chair of Board of Directors intact although we do have specific challenges to resolve in 2025 before we can again deliver a satisfactory earnings level.
2024 was the first year of the Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy launched in December 2023. Our strategy remains to unlock the value of the expanded network through organic growth and to transition towards becoming a greener company.
The network expansion of recent years has strengthened our customer offering, especially to larger freight customers. We are encouraged by the progress made on each of the five strategic directions we are pursuing:
We report on achievements and plans for each of the directions in this report's section on Purpose, strategy & ambitions.
The overarching green transition ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050. The pathway includes 2030 emission intensity reduction targets for ferry and land activities:
• Ferry - 45% reduction versus 2008 baseline • Land - 75% reduction versus 2022 baseline.
2024 saw some setbacks on green investments in Europe and beyond that illustrated the challenges inherent in moving the green agenda forward. For DFDS, it's crucial that green fuels are made available at scale and that customers are willing to accept price increases as the cost of 'greener' transport solutions will in the foreseeable future remain more expensive than fossil fuels.
In 2024, financial performance fell short of our expectations. After performing on track in Q1, we encountered weaker markets in the Baltic region and eastern Europe as both continued to be negatively impacted by the war in Ukraine. New Brexit border controls slowed the trade of fresh foods between the UK and the Continent. Automotive production volumes declined as consumer demand tailed off.
In addition, parts of our Logistics activities underperformed, especially the Nordic cold chain activities. The ability to fully pass on cost increases was reduced by a general increase in competition following the widespread European market slowdown.
The economic rebound in Europe, we had expected at the beginning of 2024, instead turned into a slowdown in the second half of the year. Parts of
the Logistics Division continued to underperform, partly due to an excess of haulage capacity in a declining market.
From September our second-half earnings were moreover reduced by the increased competition in the Istanbul-Trieste ferry corridor. And from November the currently lossmaking Ekol International Transport became part of DFDS.
As a consequence of the earnings development in 2024 and the outlook for 2025, the financial ambitions previously set for 2026-27 are no longer applicable. The ambitions included targets for ROIC, adjusted free cash flow, and financial leverage (NIBD/EBITDA).
It is a clear objective for the Board of Directors and the Executive Board to provide sustainable shareholder returns. Once we have recovered earnings to a satisfactory level we will reassess our longer-term financial ambitions, including capital distribution to shareholders.
ROIC alongside Adjusted free cash flow remain essential performance metrics for DFDS.
The Adjusted free cash flow is expected to be supported in 2025 by capital discipline, including a review of the ownership of non-core assets and other initiatives to release tied up capital.
We maintain our longstanding target range for financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA, of 2.0-3.0x. Given the current leverage of 3.9x at year-end 2024, the deleveraging of the capital structure will be a priority in 2025 and coming years.
The agreement to acquire Ekol International Transport was announced in April 2024. By the planned closing of the transaction towards the end of October, the company had turned loss-making and the agreement needed to be adjusted to reflect this. In parallel, a ferry competitor had in September 2024 entered the Istanbul-Trieste corridor.
Our decision to go ahead with the acquisition rested on two considerations: The compelling strategic logic and the retention of substantial volumes in the face of a competitor's entry. Given the circumstances, this decision remains the best way to protect the long-term resilience of our network.
We acknowledge that to resolve both a competitor's entry and Ekol International Transport's earnings challenge will make 2025 a transition year. We also recognise that the current challenges give rise to uncertainty about the short- and near-term, but in our experience resilience is rewarded when dealing with assets with long lifetimes.
2025 will be a transitional year with two paths to lay the foundation for improving financial performance.
The first path is to continue to protect & grow the revenue and profits of our business units. Most of these are set to uphold performance or even improve in 2025.
In the Ferry Division, we see a continued stable development for the North Sea route network, though with some continued headwind from cost pressures. The ferry capacity supply/demand balance of the Channel market improved towards the end of 2024 which is expected to benefit performance in 2025. Market conditions are on the other hand likely to remain challenging for the Baltic Sea routes due to the war in Ukraine.
The Strait of Gibraltar business unit performed well in 2024 as it achieved the earnings target for the first year of operation with DFDS. Our Spanish license to operate the Tarifa-Tanger Ville route was late in 2024 unfortunately not renewed. A decision we are contesting as the winning bid in our view is not compliant with the tender's commercial terms. Regardless, we are optimistic about Strait of Gibraltar's continued growth.
In the Logistics Division, we underperformed in 2024. Market conditions were tough and we aim to achieve significant improvements.

The Logistics performance issues are to a large extent limited to the Continent and Nordic business units. Several areas underperformed and our expectations of an earnings recovery is supported by seven 'boost' turnaround projects initiated in 2024 that are continuing into 2025. The UK & Ireland business unit's financial performance was resilient in 2024 and we expect further organic earnings growth in 2025.
• Delivering on the Logistics turnaround projects initiated in 2024.
A total of DKK 599m was distributed to shareholders in 2024 consisting of a dividend of DKK 168m and a share buyback of DKK 431m.
DFDS' financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA, increased through 2024 to 3.9x at year-end driven by the earnings development and increased debt. Given the expected earnings decrease in 2025, financial leverage is set to remain above the overall target range of 2.0-3.0x through 2025.
The Board of Directors therefore proposes to the annual general meeting that no capital is distributed to shareholders in 2025.
Our expanded network gives us a solid foundation to continue to grow with our customers and to uphold financial performance across most of the network in 2025.
We are well equipped to resolve the specific focus areas thanks to all our skilful people on the ground who drive our performance every day through reliable, efficient operations and consistently high levels of customer service.
We wish to thank all our colleagues in DFDS for your hard work in a year full of changes. Your efforts and dedication are highly appreciated.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to all customers, partners, and stakeholders for our continued collaboration.
President & CEO
Chair of Board of Directors
| DKK m | 20241 EUR m |
2024 | 20232 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income statement | ||||||
| Revenue | 3,989 | 29,753 27,304 26,873 18,279 | 14,310 | |||
| – Ferry Division | 2,394 | 17,858 16,493 | 16,831 | 12,216 | 9,784 | |
| – Logistics Division | 1,790 13,348 12,096 | 11,423 | 7,155 | 5,301 | ||
| – Non-allocated items and eliminations | -195 | -1,453 | -1,285 | -1,382 | -1,092 | -776 |
| Operating profit before depreciation and | ||||||
| amortisation (EBITDA) | 595 | 4,440 | 4,890 | 4,974 | 3,322 | 2,633 |
| – Ferry Division | 471 | 3,514 | 3,808 | 3,984 | 2,790 | 2,236 |
| – Logistics Division | 139 | 1,036 | 1,228 | 1,066 | 564 | 450 |
| – Non-allocated items | -15 | -109 | -146 | -76 | -32 | -53 |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 230 | 1,716 | 2,504 | 2,603 | 1,446 | 835 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 202 | 1,506 | 2,326 | 2,468 | 1,348 | 741 |
| Financial items, net | -110 | -823 | -659 | -329 | -278 | -275 |
| Profit for the year | 72 | 541 | 1,519 | 2,019 | 976 | 442 |
| Capital | ||||||
| Total assets | 5,267 39,281 34,647 34,084 | 30,721 27,006 | ||||
| Equity | 1,862 13,890 13,932 | 13,135 | 11,554 10,600 | |||
| Net-interest-bearing debt | 2,307 | 17,204 14,449 14,109 | 13,481 | 11,361 | ||
| Invested capital, end of period | 4,228 31,533 | 28,770 | 27,554 25,369 | 22,121 | ||
| Cash flows | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | 459 | 3,420 | 3,675 | 4,480 | 3,208 | 2,499 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | -489 | -3,647 | -1,149 | -2,989 | -3,210 | -1,618 |
| Free cash flow | -30 | -227 | 2,526 | 1,491 | -1 | 882 |
| Adjusted free cash flow | 111 | 957 | 2,773 | 825 | 1,000 | 294 |
| Unit | 2024 | 20232 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key operating and return ratios | Applied exchange rate for Euro | ||||||
| Average number of employees | FTE | 14,121 | 13,191 | 11,510 | 8,874 | 8,213 | as of 31 December 2024: 7.4589 (Average) and 7.4578 (End). |
| Revenue growth | % | 9.0 | 1.6 | 47.0 | 27.7 | -14.8 | |
| EBITDA margin | % | 14.9 | 17.9 | 18.5 | 18.2 | 18.4 | 2 |
| Operating margin | % | 5.1 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 7.4 | 5.2 | 2023 comparative numbers are |
| Return on invested capital (ROIC) | % | 4.4 | 7.6 | 8.7 | 6.0 | 3.3 | restated for changes in accoun ting policy, refer to note 1.2. |
| ROIC before acquisition intangibles (ROIC BAI) | % | 6.6 | 10.5 | 11.7 | 8.0 | 4.5 | |
| Return on equity | % | 3.9 | 11.3 | 16.4 | 8.7 | 4.2 | 3 |
| Key capital and per share ratios | As from 2023 special items are not presented separately in the |
||||||
| Financial leverage | times | 3.9 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 3.8 | 4.3 | income statement and accord |
| Equity ratio | % | 35.4 | 40.2 | 38.5 | 37.6 | 39.3 | ingly, the comparative figures for |
| Earnings per share (EPS) | DKK | 9.68 | 26.89 | 35.09 | 16.69 | 7.56 | 2020-2022 have been restated. |
| Dividend paid per share | DKK | 3.00 | 5.00 | 8.00 | - | - | 4 |
| Number of shares, end of period | '000 | 57,970 58,632 58,632 58,632 58,632 | Definitions on page 236. | ||||
| Share price | DKK | 134 | 223 | 256 | 349 | 275 | |
| ESG key figures | |||||||
| Scope 1 emissions (CO2e) | 1,000 tonnes | 2,618 | 2,556 | 2,697 | 2,544 | 2,014 | |
| Scope 2 emissions - location based (CO2e) | 1,000 tonnes | 16 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 6 | |
| Direct CO2e emissions (Scope 1+2) | 1,000 tonnes | 2,634 | 2,568 | 2,705 | 2,551 | 2,020 | |
| CO2e intensity | tCO2e/MDKK | 88.5 | 94.4 | 102.4 | 148.0 | 144.6 | |
| Emissions per GT mile - Own fleet (CO2) | gCO2 | 12.2 | 12.1 | 12.5 | 12.8 | 13.4 | |
| Lost-time injury frequency (LTIF) - Sea | Incidents/mio. hrs. | 3.9 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 | |
| Lost-time injury frequency (LTIF) - Land | Incidents/mio. hrs. | 6.8 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 5.9 | |
| Women ratio - Total workforce | % | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | |
| Women ratio - Board of Directors | % | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
2024 major events

• Acquisition of Ekol International Transport agreed
• Sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route agreed
• Female cadet programme expanded to Morocco
• Roll-out of land-based Health & Safety management system completed for all locations
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

• Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route transferred to new owner
• Earnings outlook for 2024 lowered further
• Logistics network expanded to Türkiye through completion of Ekol International Transport acquisition
• Share buyback of DKK 431m completed
• Freight ferry route opened between Egypt and Italy, Damietta-Trieste
• Award of 20-year operating concession for Jersey ferry services

• Network expanded to Strait of Gibraltar through completion of acquisition of FRS Iberia/Maroc
• 100 additional e-trucks ordered to meet growing demand for low-emission transports
• Issue of NOK 1.75bn senior unsecured bonds
• Share buyback of DKK 431m launched

• Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen joins as new CFO
• Exit from Dover-Calais space charter agreement
• Earnings outlook for 2024 lowered
• First mobile charging station deployed in Cuxhaven, Germany
• Winner of WISTA France's "1st Gender Diversity Awards for Women and Men in the Maritime and Port Sector"
The outlook for 2025 builds on multiple assumptions and may therefore change significantly as the year progresses.
Europe's economic growth is expected to remain muted in 2025 due to among other things continued uncertainties about the war in Ukraine and potential impacts from US policy shifts.
The current consensus 2025 outlook for Europe's GDP-growth (Gross Domestic Product) is 1.0% (Source: Thomson Reuters). Consensus for Türkiye's and Morocco's GDP-growth is 2.0% and 3.8%, respectively.
Freight ferry volumes in the trade lanes connecting Europe to Türkiye and northern Africa are expected to continue to grow in 2025. Volumes in northern and eastern Europe are overall expected to show only modest growth.
Road transport markets are in general expected to remain highly competitive in 2025.
The start-up of Jersey ferry services will add volumes to the Channel business unit while volumes in the Mediterranean route network may overall decrease in 2025 following the entry of a competitor in September 2024.
Organic passenger volume growth, i.e. excluding route changes, is expected to be positive in 2025 driven by mainly higher Channel volumes. The net impact of the start-up of Jersey ferry services and the loss of the Tarifa-Tanger Ville route will be a reduction in passengers.
The Group's revenue is expected to grow by around 5% compared to 2024 driven by organic growth and a net positive impact from acquisitions/divestments completed during 2024.
The Ferry Division's revenue is expected to be below 2024 due to the divestment of the Oslo route. The revenue increase from the start-up of Jersey ferry services will to a large extent be offset by the loss of a route on Strait of Gibraltar.
The Logistics Division's revenue is expected to increase driven by the full-year impact of the addition of Ekol International Transport supplemented by organic growth.
Based on the above assumptions, the Group's EBIT is in 2025 expected to be around DKK 1.0bn (2024: DKK 1.5bn).
The EBIT expectation includes substantial negative earnings impacts from the changed competitive environment of the Mediterranean ferry network. The addition of Ekol International Transport to the Logistics Division will also reduce EBIT in 2025.
add volumes to the Channel
business unit
| Outlook 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Around 5% | 29,753 |
| Around 1,000 | 1,506 |
| 900 | 1,525 |
| 300 | 200 |
| -200 | -219 |
| Around -1,600 | -1,451 |
| -1,600 | -1,451 |
| 0 | 0 |
| Around 1,000 | 957 |
The EBIT expectation for the rest of the network, i.e. excluding Mediterranean and Ekol Interna tional Transport, is around on level with 2024. Upsides include a positive impact from Logistics turnaround projects initiated in 2024 and the start-up of Jersey ferry routes. The main poten tial downside is continued cost pressure on ferry operating costs.
EBIT is expected to be below 2024 for the first three quarters of 2025 before recovering to above 2024 in Q4.
See outlook table for divisional split.
Operating capex is expected to amount to around DKK 1.6bn in 2025. No acquisitions are expected in 2025.
The Adjusted free cash flow is expected to be around DKK 1.0bn in 2025, including a positive impact from working capital improvement initiatives.


Adjusted free cash flow expectations
DKK 1.0bn
The most important among these are pos sible major changes in the demand for ferry services – freight and passengers – as well as road transport and logistics solutions.
Such demand is to a large extent linked to the level of economic activity and trade in primarily Europe, especially northern Europe, including the UK, as well as adjacent regions, including Türkiye and Morocco.
Demand can also be impacted by com petitor actions, supply chain disruptions, and extraordinary events such as virus outbreaks and geopolitical instability.
The outlook can moreover be impacted by political changes, first and foremost within the EU and adjacent regions but changes in other parts of the world may also entail impacts. The implementation of further UK border controls remains a risk.
Changes in economic variables, especially oil prices, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates, can furthermore impact earnings.
Future financial results may therefore differ significantly from outlook expectations.
Purpose
Since our foundation in 1866, we have been moving goods and people – as well as moving mindsets and new, important agendas.
Moving together with customers, partners, and our people every day to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient transport of passengers and goods in and around Europe.
Moving together we develop better and smarter ways to keep our part of the world moving in a sustainable way.
Moving together we empower people to fulfil ambitions, make an impact, and grow.
We move forward. We move as one. We move for all to grow.
Behaviours
We care
We serve our customers with passion
We listen before making decisions We do what we say we'll do
If we see a problem, we fix it
We learn, develop, and improve every day
The Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy was launched in December 2023. The strategy is focused on unlocking the value of the expanded network through organic growth and on transitioning to become a greener company.
Five routes are pursued to unlock the value of the expanded network.
Protect & Grow Profits: Protect market positions for long-term resilience and grow organically with customers.
Standardise to Simplify: Translate the scale benefits of being a larger network into lower cost ratios and customer service improvements.
Digitise to Transform: Enhance operating efficiency, take out costs, and strengthen revenue streams through continual customer experience improvements
Moving to Green: Reduce emission intensity for existing assets, invest in new low emission intensity assets, and develop partnerships to source green fuels.
Be a Great Place to Work: Improve employee safety. Promote engaging leadership as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion among all.
The overarching green transition ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050. The pathway includes 2030 emission intensity reduction targets for ferry and land activities. The ferry transition includes a new-building programme for up to six near-zero emission ferries.
The financial ambitions set in December 2023 for 2026-27 are as a consequence of the earnings development in 2024 and 2025 no longer applicable.
To lay the foundation to again deliver a satisfactory earnings level, focus in 2025 will be on:
DFDS' financial leverage, NIBD/EBITDA, is currently trending above the overall target range of 2.0-3.0x. Deleveraging the capital structure will therefore be a priority in 2025 and coming years supported by a review of the ownership of non-core assets.
Protecting market positions for long-term resilience and growing organically with customers are key strategic priorities.
The foundation for protecting and growing our market positions is to consistently provide reliable, efficient, and competitive ferry and logistics services.
This foundation is continually enhanced by the Standardise and Digitise strategy pillars focused on both the customer experience and operating efficiency.
In line with the strategy, organic growth was achieved through all quarters in 2024. The growth was mostly driven by volumes, including customer wins, as pricing was held back by the general slowdown in European activity levels as well as developments in specific markets.
Despite the achieved organic growth, earnings declined overall in 2024 owing to a combination of market headwinds, cost pressures, and underperforming business areas.
The network expansion strategy of the previous strategy period was fulfilled in 2024 with the addition of the Strait of Gibraltar ferry routes from January. The key strategic driver for this acquisition was to expand the ferry network to Morocco where future growth is expected to be elevated by nearshoring of production closer to European end markets.
Secondly, Ekol International Transport end-to end transport solutions were added from November. The key strategic driver for this acquisition was to replicate the proven northern European business model of combining freight ferry routes with endto-end transport solutions, including road and rail. Trade growth between Türkiye and Europe is moreover also expected to be supported by production nearshoring.
The network was also expanded organically. At the end of 2024, DFDS was appointed ferry operator for the island of Jersey by the Government of Jersey starting from 28 March 2025. The operating concession period is 20 years for providing ferry services between Jersey, the UK, and France.
Our ferry route network is a vital part of Europe's transport infrastructure. In 2024, the ferry route network achieved organic volume growth for both freight and passengers.
The core freight ferry customer segment is forwarders and hauliers provided with quay-quay transport of trailers accounting for around 90% of all volumes. Trailers are also transported further on by rail from select ports.
Around 8% of all volumes are transported for DFDS' own Logistics Division (excluding Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar networks). In 2025, this share will increase due to the addition of Ekol International Transport.
The passenger routes are a mix of overnight routes and short-sea routes with a crossing time of a couple of hours.
The logistics network offers end-to-end transports, primarily full-load (FTL) and part-load (LTL), as well as complementary logistics solutions.
Goods are primarily moved in trailers while container solutions are offered in select corridors as well.
For larger customers with complex supply chains, transport solutions are bundled with complementary products such as warehousing, control towers, and customs.
Cold chain customers, i.e. producers of fresh/ processed food and retailers, in 2024 constituted around half of all revenue. Other large customer segments are industrials, FMCG, and the automotive sector.
The Strategic Sales organisation cuts across divisions to support partnerships with larger freight customers and to drive organic growth.
Enterprise accounts (>EUR 10m revenue) and strategic accounts (>EUR 5m revenue) amount to 20% of freight revenue excluding forwarder and haulier customers. The primary customer segments are cold chain, FMCG/retail, industrials, and automotive.

The Standardise pillar's primary goal is to translate the scale benefits of being a larger network into lower cost ratios and customer service improvements.
The Standardise strategy pillar is a response to the considerable network expansion in recent years that has added new products and services, diverse approaches to operations, additional countries/regions, more it-systems, and further legal entities.
In addition, major new regulations (e.g. Brexit, ETS, CSRD, ICS2) have and are being introduced that all require compliance and process adaptations across the network.
The extraction of scale benefits is focused on three areas:
The Standardise governance structure brings together the Ferry Division and the Logistics Division with three functional areas: T&I (Technology & innovation), Finance, and People.
A Standardise road map is in place for each area setting out projects throughout the respective value chains.
On a Group level, progress on achieving scale benefits are tracked on the ratio of administration costs to revenue as well as the number of it-systems, legal entities, and non-standard customer integrations. Employee and customer surveys are used to track perceptions on progress.
The Standardise strategy pillar is furthermore closely linked to the Digitise strategy as an enabler for digitisation and automation.
In 2024, the Ferry organisation underwent changes to streamline operations, with functional ownership driving scale and standardisation, alongside a port terminal efficiency and customer journey project.
Logistics meanwhile focused on standardising their seven key products, beginning with full-loads and part-loads. Both were completed in 2024.
In Ferry, standardisation was driven in collaboration with T&I to enable process standardisation, supported by standardisation coaches, and new KPI dashboards introduced for better transparency and performance tracking.
In the People function, the Workday system was implemented over the course of 2024. Workday serves as a standardised one stop solution of all People Management activities across DFDS.
In Finance, the Compass project has been launched covering all Finance stadardisation and transformation activities.

In 2025, the efforts will continue to streamline the way we operate.
Ferry's focus will be on the standardisation of operating procedures in our port terminals to support our Operational Excellence ambitions.
Logistics' focus is to continue to standardise our seven product offerings.
The Finance Standardisation is driven through the Finance Transformation Project Compass. The program focuses on standardising DFDS' core operating processes to improve efficiency and quality across all locations, with a particular emphasis on further integrating acquired entities.
Aimed at enhancing productivity and performance, the program targets the core finance processes - Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, and Record-to-Report while driving improvements in the DFDS Business Service Centre in Poznan, Poland.
By streamlining operations and leveraging advanced technologies, Compass serves to position DFDS for sustainable growth and long-term cost savings.

Project specific tracking
Our digital strategy pillar's key objectives are to enhance operating efficiency, take out costs, and strengthen revenue streams through continual customer experience improvements.
The digital strategy pillar execution builds on three guiding principles that we apply across the business:
Always on is the foundation for the digital journey and providing daily reliability for operations and customers. Focus is on cyber security and building system stability and resilience.
Grow is focused on supporting the organic and inorganic growth of the business through system standardisation, scalable solutions and integration projects.
Transform is centred around connecting with customers, improving operations, and futureproofing our technology platform. All to enable more effectiveness, work safer and smarter, optimise operations and connect more seamlessly with customers.
ingrained in DFDS and drive the continuous transformation of our business.
Freight ferry focus on improving efficiency within customer service, and port terminal and ferry operations.
Passenger ferry optimisation of the digital customer experience to support sales, drive conversion, and increase capacity utilisation.
Logistics focus on planning efficiency and automation which are areas where we can use technology to improve our operations.
In 2024, progress was made in several areas. The original rollout scope of the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics 365 was completed during the year. They system handles the accounting, procurement of supplies, payment of vendors, and customer invoicing. Rollout focus is now shifting to newly acquired companies.
We continued to implement digital solutions and technology in our operations, both on the vessels and in the terminals, and we have started to develop solutions that can automate the complex task of planning road transport.
We have developed platforms that will make it easier for our customers to interact with us, which adds to the overall efficiency of our business.
Our focus on cyber security and compliance continued in 2024. We are getting ready for the implementation of the NIS2 directive, and we have successfully implemented the import control system, ICS2. Furthermore, we are continuously working to build more resilience in our IT systems to mitigate cyber security threats.
Priorities in 2025 are to continue the integration of the new business areas acquired in 2024, namely Strait of Gibraltar's ferry routes and Türkiye & Europe South's end-to-end transport business. Digitisation of port terminals and ferries will continue to improve efficiency as will automating the planning process in Logistics.
Over the last five years, DFDS has laid the groundwork to maximize the benefits of Artificial Intelligence by creating a central data platform, securing substantial data, and developing in-house expertise.
Building on this platform, we can use the AI technology to enhance productivity in customer care, automate pricing allowing customers to get faster quotes and increase operational efficiency at our terminals through yard optimisation and automated gate management, optimise fuel consumption, as well as digitalise our planning processes.
Following the latest developments in Generative AI technology, 2024 was focused on expanding AI awareness across the company and to continuously develop new capabilities to ensure efficiency gains and adoption. GenAI assistants were actively applied to create fast insights from legal and tender documents, enhance technical support by recommending suitable solutions, to even suggesting programming improvements.
DFDS is committed to push the green transition within ferry and logistics with ambitious climate targets and investments in electric trucks, biofuel, green ferries and operational efficiency. We are addressing key environmental high-impact areas and have begun to provide low-emission products and services that support our customers' decarbonisation of their supply chains.
Decarbonising the ferry and logistics sectors requires significant investments by operators such as DFDS in new vessels and vehicles powered by low emission fuels. It also requires even bigger investments from society and other industries in infrastructure and production of low emission fuels at sufficient scale.
DFDS is committed to playing an active role in bringing together public authorities, infrastructure companies, utility providers, customers and suppliers in order to advocate for investments in zero-emission technologies and solutions.
Our decarbonisation actions are structured around:
We target net-zero by 2050 through a constant focus on efficiency, combined with the replacement of fossil fuels by near zero-emission energy like REC certified electricity, ammonia, methanol or hydrogen. We prioritise decarbonisation initiatives based on their long-term greenhouse gas impact per euro invested, and we are on track to deliver on our targets.
As part of our long-term climate plan, our ambition is to order up to six near zero-emission ferry new-buildings for delivery by the end of 2030. The ferries will be powered by low- and near zero-emission fuels such as electricity, methanol, or ammonia. The new-building programme is contingent on fuel availability and commercial factors. The ferries most likely to be built first are the two electric ferries planned for deployment on the English Channel. The least likely to be built are the ammonia ferries due to lack of fuel availability at scale.
Our ferry route optimisation program 'Every Minute Counts' is designed to enable lower speed and reduced fuel consumption through reduced

+90 trucks to be added during 2025.
turnaround time in port terminals via efficiency tracking and data models, enabling dynamic optimisation of schedules and tonnage allocation to routes.
We are driving the transition towards lower emission road transport through electrification of trucks and terminals. Green hydrogen may also be a fuel option longer term. DFDS has made significant progress towards this transition with one of the largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks in Europe with 131 e-trucks in operation by end 2024 and with +90 trucks to be added during 2025.
On land, we also focused on optimisation of our operations to unlock existing emissions savings. In addition, we have kicked off initiatives to electrify our land-based operations through generating renewable electricity and converting to electric terminal equipment.
Our overall environmental focus for operations is to minimise the negative impact of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and to reduce local air pollution of SO2 and NOx among other air pollutants. Our biodiversity programme aims to create more space for nature, reduce pollution, design for circularity, and raise awareness.
In 2024, the shipping and logistics industry faced significant challenges in advancing the green transition. Despite growing awareness and regulatory pressure, progression is limited for infrastructure investments, availability of alternative fuels, and the willingness of customers to accept higher cost levels.
The required investments in infrastructure to broadly support green fuels and their operational use is so far not feasible for widespread business integration. Likewise, the availability of a reliable alternative fuel supply remains a major hurdle for DFDS and the shipping industry at large. High costs and logistical challenges remain critical to address in the near future.
In addition to these challenges, DFDS has faced the effects of global economic conditions, trade dynamics, and energy prices which could slow down our ability to move forward in the green transition.
We are now offering decarbonised transport solutions to customers based on biofueled ships and e-trucks.
Greenhouse gas reductions can be achieved via direct or indirect emission savings. Direct greenhouse gas emissions savings are achieved through the customer's actual transport flow, while indirect emission reductions are achieved within DFDS' network. Both products include CO₂e reduction certificates verified with limited assurance by our independent external auditor.
In 2024, we have seen a larger demand for reductions delivered on land via e-trucks than for sea-based solutions. This indicates that when decarbonised solutions pricing is noticeably higher than fossil fueled transport, cost considerations often prevail.
However, as regulatory requirements and carbon taxes increase in the coming years, the price gap will decrease – making the portfolio of decarbonised solutions for both land and sea more attractive to customers.
It is our ambition to be a preferred employer for current and potential employees. We strive to support our employees in unlocking their full professional potential and provide them with a Great Place to Work that is safe, diverse, inclusive, and driven by engaging leaders.
DFDS is a diverse workplace with more than 17,400 employees (headcount) across Europe, Türkiye and northern Africa. We look to attract and develop talents who are eager to contribute to a dynamic and innovative workplace, which is rich on diversity and possibilities to impact the company in a positive way, as well as develop professionally.
DFDS operates a business where more than 65% of employees work in high-risk environments. This requires a constant high focus and priority on health & safety. Establishing a strong safety culture across the entire business and all organisational layers is therefore of utmost importance.
Employee safety always comes first. All employees at our sites on land and vessels at sea are covered by our health & safety program, with targeted programs for employees at sea and on land respectively to address key risks and concerns. We aim to
ensure that robust safety processes, equipment, tools, and training are fully integrated into the way we work, as well as available in local languages where applicable. In 2024, we introduced mandatory global training on DFDS Safe Behaviours to ensure that health & safety training reaches all parts of the organization. Looking ahead, site specific and role specific reoccurring trainings will be rolled out to further support our health & safety program.
We strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and believe that diverse groups and teams make better business decisions.
We believe that we will be a stronger company if our staff differs on gender, race, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, age, level of education and socioeconomic status. To support this, we embed diversity considerations into our recruitment, promotion, and talent processes to minimise bias throughout the process.
We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and avoiding discrimination in any of the above-mentioned categories. To ensure our commitment to non-discrimination, employees are encouraged to use DFDS' whistleblower system or discuss with their manager or a member of the executive leadership team to report any concerns or instances of discrimination, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Our approach to diversity and inclusion includes target setting, financial incentives via bonus schemes, engagement surveys, conferences, training sessions, toolboxes, and efforts to raise awareness and to make more bias neutral decisions. That our actions are making an impact is visible particularly for office-based managers and Deck & Engine officers where the representation of women is increasing.
While we maintain a broad perspective on diversity, one of our ongoing priorities is to increase the number of women across the organisation, as the shipping and logistics industries in some areas have a legacy of a low representation of women. Our ambition is to have 30% women by 2030.
We believe that engaging leaders are the key driver of employee engagement as well as cultural change across the organisation. Leaders who inspire and support their teams are crucial to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace where our values are lived out in daily operations.
We have found that leaders who actively promote and model inclusive behaviours help build a culture where everyone feels respected and valued for their unique contributions. This not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives innovation and better decision-making.
To reflect the importance of engaged leaders to our operation, our short-term incentive programme includes ESG-related metrics (Environment, Social & Governance) for all eligible managers. This promotes managers to focus equally on financial performance and on ESG performance. By tying incentives to ESG metrics, we reinforce our commitment to sustainable practices and responsible leadership.
DFDS employee data Employee groups1 3,497 seafarers 2,931 truck drivers 2,581 operational staff 617 digital staff 4,296 other office functions Diversity metrics +90 nationalities 7.9 years - average seniority2 44.5 years - average age2 22% representation of women
1 Excluding Ekol International Transport 2 Land-based employees
Energy – fossil and sustainable fuels
Financing – equity and loans

We do ferry, road & rail transport


CH
DE
Cuxhaven Kiel
Fredericia
Larvik Brevik
Esbjerg
Kristiansand
DK
Køge
Copenhagen
Frederikshavn
Gothenburg
Fredrikstad Moss Oslo
NO SE
AT
CZ
Karlshamn
SL
Trieste
HR
BA
HU
SK
PL
Kapellskär
FI
EE
Paldiski
Muuga Vuosaari
LT
RU
LV
BY
UA
MLD
FR
Dieppe
Dover
Felixstowe
Newcastle
Dunkirk
Calais
BE
Ghent Zeebrugge
Rotterdam Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
Vlaardingen
LU
NL
WAL ENG
Newhaven
Portsmouth
Jersey
Poole
Saint-Malo
Immingham
SCO
IS
IE
Rosslare

RO
ɿ Connecting Türkiye, northern Africa, and Europe
CS
We expect trade between the EU and Türkiye to continue to grow in the coming years. Our Pendik/Istanbul-Trieste route is dedicated entirely to freight deploying seven freight ferries (RoRo). This means we can offer our customers daily departures in both directions.
The route is part of Mediterranean network that also connects Türkiye to France and the south-eastern part of Türkiye through the port Mersin to Trieste. Two other routes connect Egypt to Italy and Tunisia to France. Our key customers are freight forwarders and hauliers that offer transport solutions using trailers.
"Between Istanbul and Trieste, we transport a wide range of goods, not least automotive parts and textiles. We all work together in the terminals and on board the ferries to ensure the schedule is reliable for our customers". Mustafa Köşger, Yard Coordinator
DFDS operates 17 dedicated freight ferry routes and also carries freight on 12 combined freight and passenger routes in and around Europe. Every year 41.5 million lane metres of freight is transported equal to around 3 million freight units.
"We all work together to ensure the schedule is reliable for our customers."
— Mustafa Köşger, Yard Coordinator

RU
DFDS Annual report 2024 Performance 25 / 238
The organic volume growth for both freight and passengers was positive in 2024. The route network transported 4.1% more lane metres and 7.4% more passengers.
Results for the year were, however, mixed as the increased activity levels in some business areas were offset by intensified competition and cost pressures.
2024 was a challenging year for the two largest freight ferry business areas, North Sea and Mediterranean. North Sea's operating performance was stable in 2024 although the slowdown in the automotive sector led to lower volumes on some routes and cost pressures persisted.
The Mediterranean network saw increased volumes in 2024 despite headwind from some decrease in import volumes due to the ongoing measures taken to reduce Türkiye's inflation rate. In addition, the entry of two freight ferries (RoRo) by a new competitor between Istanbul and Trieste led to some loss of market share and an increase in price competition. A new route between Egypt and Italy was opened in Q4 2024 with one freight ferry deployed. In addition, an option to extend the terminal agreement with Yalova Port was obtained as part of the acquisition of Ekol International Transport.
Baltic Sea volumes continued in 2024 to be depressed by the trade sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Market share was gained during the year, but competition also increased in some corridors which lowered rate levels. The passenger market weakened in 2024 as fewer migrant workers travelled between the Baltic countries and Sweden.
On the positive side, the ferry capacity on the Dover-Calais route was rebalanced as two ferries were removed by competitors towards the end of 2024. The improved supply/ demand situation is expected to support a higher level of cost coverage in 2025. The duty-free sales on the Channel

17.9bn
increased 8% to DKK
1.5bn
decreased 27% to DKK
6,934
Head of Ferry Division Mathieu Girardin
North Sea / Mediterranean / Channel / Baltic Sea / Strait of Gibraltar
Ferry people
Business units
(FTE)
Revenue
EBIT
| DKK m | 2024 | 2023 | ∆ | ∆ % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 17,858 | 16,493 | 1,365 | 8.3% |
| Freight | 12,594 | 12,683 | -89 | -0.7% |
| Passenger | 5,264 | 3,810 | 1,454 | 38.2% |
| Operating costs | 10,162 | 9,116 | 1,046 | 11.5% |
| Ferry operations | 2,781 | 2,145 | 636 | 29.6% |
| Bunker | 2,992 | 3,120 | -128 | -4.1% |
| Port terminal operations | 3,697 | 3,152 | 545 | 17.3% |
| Transport and warehouse solutions | 692 | 699 | -7 | -1.0% |
| Employee costs | 2,899 | 2,603 | 296 | 11.4% |
| Sales, general and administration | 1,284 | 965 | 319 | 33.0% |
| EBITDA | 3,514 | 3,808 | -295 | -7.7% |
| Freight | 2,009 | 2,577 | -568 | -22.0% |
| Passenger | 1,504 | 1,232 | 272 | 22.1% |
| Other income/costs, net | -8 | 68 | -76 | -111.6% |
| Depreciation and impairment | 1,927 | 1,740 | 187 | 10.7% |
| EBITA | 1,578 | 2,136 | -558 | -26.1% |
| Amortisation | 53 | 38 | 16 | 42.2% |
| EBIT | 1,525 | 2,098 | -574 | -27.3% |
| Invested capital, end of period | 21,941 | 21,170 | 771 | 3.6% |
| EBITDA-margin, % | 19.7 | 23.1 | -3.4 | n.a. |
| EBITA-margin, % | 8.8 | 13.0 | -4.1 | n.a. |
| EBIT-margin, % | 8.5 | 12.7 | -4.2 | n.a. |
| Gross Capex (excl. acquisitions and leases) | 907 | 1,132 | -225 | -19.9% |
| ROIC before acquisition intangibles, %, LTM | 8.8 | 12.1 | -3.3 | n.a. |
| ROIC, %, LTM | 6.5 | 9.5 | -3.0 | n.a. |
| Average number of employees | 6,934 | 6,546 | 388 | 5.9% |
| Number of ships | 70 | 66 | 4 | 6.1% |
| Lane metres, '000 | 41,538 | 38,443 | 3,095 | 8.1% |
| North Sea * | 13,839 | 13,843 | -5 | 0.0% |
| Mediterranean | 5,469 | 5,407 | 63 | 1.2% |
| Channel | 16,605 | 15,950 | 654 | 4.1% |
| Baltic Sea | 3,532 | 3,243 | 289 | 8.9% |
| Strait of Gibraltar | 2,094 | 2,094 | n.a. | |
| Capacity utilisation freight, % | 61 | 57 | 4 | n.a. |
| Number of cars, '000 | 1,559 | 1,154 | 405 | 35.1% |
| Passengers, '000 | 6,747 | 4,502 | 2,245 | 49.9% |
The Ferry Division's revenue increased 8.3% to DKK 17,858m and increased 1.8% adjusted
continued to grow in 2024 as awareness of the savings on offer increased.
The route network was expanded to Strait of Gibraltar from January 2024 as the acquisition of FRS Iberia Maroc agreed in 2023 was completed. The new business area comprised three routes in 2024 that transported 1,976k passengers, 381k cars, and 2.1m lane metres of freight. The result for 2024 was after a strong second half-year fully on target.
The Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen passenger route was handed over to Gotlandsbolaget on 31 October 2024 following an agreement to sell the route was entered into in June 2024. The divestment reflects the strategy's focus on providing transport and logistics services using combinations of ferry, road, and rail. Transporting passengers by ferry alongside freight remains a core activity.
DFDS was on 31 December 2024 appointed ferry operator for the island of Jersey by the Government of Jersey starting from 28 March 2025. The operating concession period is 20 years for providing ferry services between Jersey, the UK, and France.
The Ferry Division's revenue increased 8.3% to DKK 17,858m and increased 1.8% adjusted for bunker surcharges, the acquisition of Strait of Gibraltar ferry routes, and the sale of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route. The adjusted increase was mainly driven by higher passenger revenue in Channel that offset lower revenue in Mediterranean.
Freight ferry revenue, adjusted, was on level with 2023. The revenue from the routes decreased compared to 2023 as a positive impact from 4.1% organic volume growth was offset by an overall lower rate level driven by the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea business units. The route revenue decrease was however offset by higher chartering and port terminal revenues.
Passenger revenue, adjusted, increased 9.6% driven by Channel, including higher duty-free sales.
The Division's EBIT decreased 27.3% or DKK 574m to DKK 1,525m. EBIT in 2023 included a one-off gain of DKK 95m from the sale and leaseback of three freight ferries.
The EBIT decrease was driven by lower results for the Mediterranean and North Sea business units. Mediterranean's result was reduced by primarily intensified price competition. North Sea's result was lowered by mainly higher operating costs, including depreciation.
The passenger result increased in 2024 driven by Channel's organic growth and the addition of the Strait of Gibraltar routes.
The return on invested capital, ROIC, decreased to 6.5% in 2024 from 9.5% in 2023 due to the lower freight result.
The invested capital increased 3.6% to DKK 21.9bn at year-end 2024 and decreased 0.4% adjusted for the acquisition of FRS Iberia/ Maroc and the sale of the Oslo route. The invested capital includes ferries of DKK 13.5bn and port terminals of DKK 2.9bn. Intangible assets accounted for DKK 5.3bn.
At the end of 2024, the ferry route network deployed 70 ferries, including two side-port and container ships, of which 73%, or 51 ferries, were owned and 19 were chartered in for varying periods.
There are currently no plans to order or purchase ferries in the period 2025-2026 as the current capacity is assessed to be sufficient to meet forecast customer requirements.
Port terminals are owned and/or operated in eight strategic locations.
The competitive landscape underwent changes in some regions in 2024.
Competition intensified further on some corridors on the Baltic Sea underpinned by continued overcapacity following the reduction of volumes by the war in Ukraine. More initiatives were taken by competing ferry operators to sell or charter out excess capacity.
Ferry capacity on the Dover Strait was on the other hand reduced in the second half of 2024 to 11 ferries from previously 13 ferries. The supply/ demand balance of the market is thus improved and in line with historical levels.
Freight ferry capacity was added on the corridor between Türkiye and Italy by a competitor from mid-September 2024. In the short term, pricing has been reduced considerably by the entry of additional capacity. Given the Turkish market's size and growth prospects for both ferry and road transport, the impact of the additional ferry capacity is foreseen to reduce longer term.
On the Strait of Gibraltar, the concession to operate the Tarifa-Tanger Ville passenger route was not renewed by the Port of Tarifa towards the end
of 2024. DFDS will expectedly cease to operate the route at the end of February 2025. The two high-speed crafts deployed on the route will instead be deployed on the new Jersey routes.
Ferry's digital focus areas are how we connect with ferry customers and how operating efficiency of the ferry fleet and port terminals can be continually improved.
In 2024, gate and yard management software was installed in the port terminals. More than 90% of gate entries in the Vlaardingen port terminal is for example now fully automated and across all gates on own port terminals the drivers' check-in time has been reduced from 3.5 to 1.0 minute.
Additional sensors were installed on ferries in 2024 to retrieve real-time data used to reduce fuel consumption and thereby to lower emissions.
Improving the customer experience for digital booking, tracking, and self-service, is a continuous focus. In 2024 a new Freight self-service platform was rolled out providing customers an easier booking process and more transparency. More functionalities are being added monthly.
We continue to develop and update our Passenger app, the main digital booking platform for pas-
→ 70 ferries → 121 sailings per day
Heavy industrial goods are transported directly for manufacturers using trailer equivalents, e.g. cassettes to transport paper and steel. Finished vehicles are also transported.
Trailers are transported further on by rail from select ports.

The passenger routes are a mix of overnight routes and short-sea routes with a crossing time of up to a couple of hours.

| Total fleet | Freight ferries (RoRo) |
Sideport ships |
Freight & passenger ferries (RoPax) |
Cruise ferries |
High-speed craft (HSC) |
Ownership share, % |
Average age of owned ships, yrs |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sea | 20 | 18 | 2 | - | - | - | 70 | 17 |
| Mediterranean | 21 | 21 | - | - | - | - | 71 | 17 |
| Channel | 12 | - | - | 10 | 2 | - | 75 | 24 |
| Baltic Sea | 6 | 1 | - | 5 | - | - | 83 | 13 |
| Strait of Gibraltar | 7 | 1 | - | 3 | - | 3 | 71 | 24 |
| Chartered out ferries | 4 | 3 | - | 1 | - | - | 75 | 27 |
| Ferry Division | 70 | 44 | 2 | 19 | 2 | 3 | - | - |
sengers, and during 2024 the app was updated to support digital check-in on select routes. The user satisfaction rate continues to be at a high level.
The tight tonnage situation seen during the last years in the market for chartering and sale/purchase of newer ferries eased somewhat during 2024 with some operators offering vessels for relet or sale.
Freight ferries (RoRo): Even though more vessels came on the market during the year, the charter rates remained on level with 2023 as the market focused on extensions of existing charters.
Selling activity increased slightly but mostly of smaller and medium sized ferries. European operators took delivery of only one large ferry while a few older ferries were scrapped. The order book up to 2026 comprises seven ferries. The demand for especially larger and fuel-efficient freight ferries is expected to remain high in 2025.
The RoRo order book comprises 7% of the total fleet.
Combined freight and passenger ferries (RoPax): The demand for combined ferries with an overweight of freight capacity remained on level with 2023, even though older RoPax vessels were open in the market. The ferry sales in 2024 were on level with earlier years. Charter activity was limited as only few ferries were open for renewal.
In 2024, six new-buildings comparable to the ones used by DFDS were delivered to competitors.
The RoPax order book comprises 8% of the total fleet.
1 Revenue adjusted for sale of Oslo route. Shares do not add up to 100% as Non-allocated revenue items are not included in the table
| North Sea | Mediterranean | Channel | Baltic Sea | Strait of Gibraltar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of business unit | Jacob Andersen | Lars Hoffmann | Filip Hermann | Filip Hermann | Ronny Moriana Glindemann |
| Share of Division's revenue 2024¹ | 29% | 26% | 29% | 8% | 7% |
| Routes | – Gothenburg-Brevik/Immingham – Gothenburg-Brevik/Ghent – Gothenburg-Zeebrugge – Esbjerg-Immingham – Cuxhaven-Immingham – Vlaardingen-Felixstowe – Vlaardingen-Immingham – Oslo Fjord-Zeebrugge-Immingham |
– Istanbul (Pendik)-Trieste/Martas/Bari/ Patras – Istanbul (Yalova)-Sète/Izmir – Mersin-Trieste – Damietta-Trieste – Marseille-Tunis |
– Amsterdam-Newcastle – Dover-Dunkirk – Dover-Calais – Newhaven-Dieppe – Rosslare-Dunkirk |
– Fredericia/Copenhagen-Klaipeda – Karlshamn-Klaipeda – Kiel-Klaipeda – Kapellskär-Paldiski – Muuga-Vuosaari (freight agreement) |
– Algeciras-Ceuta – Algeciras-Tanger Med – Tarifa-Tanger Ville* |
| Ferries | – 18 RoRo – 2 side-port & container ships |
– 21 RoRo |
– 10 RoPax – 2 cruise ferries |
– 5 RoPax – 1 RoRo |
– 3 RoPax – 1 RoRo – 3 HSC |
| Port terminals (owned and/or own operations) |
– Brevik – Ghent – Gothenburg (joint venture) – Immingham – Vlaardingen |
– Istanbul, Pendik – Trieste |
– Dunkirk |
||
| Main customer segments | – Forwarders & hauliers – Manufacturers of heavy industrial goods (automotive, forest and paper products, metals, chemicals) – RDF (refuse derived fuel) |
– Forwarders & hauliers |
– Forwarders & hauliers – Car passengers – Leisure passengers – Coach operators |
– Forwarders & hauliers – Manufacturers of heavy industrial goods (automotive, forest products, metals) – Car passengers |
– Car passengers – Forwarders & hauliers |
| Main market areas | – Benelux – Denmark – Germany – Norway – Sweden – UK |
– Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and other Continental Europe – Tunisia – Türkiye and adjacent countries |
– France – Netherlands – Germany – Other continental Europe – Ireland – UK |
– Baltic countries – Denmark – Finland – Germany – Sweden |
– Morocco – Spain – France – Benelux – Germany |
| Main competitors | – CLdN – P&O Ferries – Road, short-sea container, and rail transport – Stena Line |
– CMA-CGM – Cotunav – Grimaldi – Road, short-sea container, and rail transport – Ulusoy |
– Brittany Ferries – Eurotunnel – Irish Ferries – P&O Ferries |
– Finnlines – Road and rail transport – Stena Line – Tallink Silja – Transfennica – TT Line |
– Africa Morocco Link (AML) – Armas Trasmediterránea – Baleària |
FR
WAL ENG
SCO

NO SE
CH AT CZ LU Klaipeda is a coastal city in Lithuania and one of the destinations DFDS passengers can travel to. The ferry routes in and out of Klaipeda connect this lovely coastal city with Karlshamn in Sweden and Kiel in Germany carrying 180,000 passengers a year travelling by car or on foot. The deployed ferries offer restaurants, bars, and shopping as well as other onboard facilities. routes, and combined passenger and freight routes. ɿ Carrying passengers across European seaways
HR SL "We work hard to make sure that our overnight routes have the leisure and comfort that corresponds to a hotel. For many of our passengers, the stay on board our ferry is part of their holiday. And it is our pleasure to make the experience fun and relaxing for all", Roman Kadyšev, Service Manager, Regina Seaways.
IT DFDS has carried passengers since the beginning of the company's 159-year history. Today, we carry more than 5.5 million passengers each year on 13 routes comprising overnight routes, short-sea
TN
PT
MAR
MAR
ES
IS
IE
SK "For many of our passengers, the stay on board our ferry is part of their holiday."
FI
EE
PL
HU — Roman Kadyšev, Service Manager
ME XK
CS
BG
RO
BY
UA
MLD
GR TR
ALB
MKD

BA

The organic volume growth of 3.4% for 2024 was achieved despite a generally challenging market environment. The growth reflects among other things a continued increase in partnerships with large customers using multiple products of the network.
The revenue growth did however not translate into profit growth as the Nordic and Continent business units were exposed to margin pressures fuelled by a general activity slowdown in Europe during 2024. Meanwhile, the UK & Ireland business unit's performance remained resilient in 2024.
The general activity slowdown increased price competition in both specific regions and industry sectors. The most impacted regions were the Baltics and eastern Europe as well as Germany. On sector level, automotive production volumes decreased through the year as did fresh food exports to the UK due to new border controls that increased trading costs and complexity.
In response to lower demand, several large customers moreover changed their volume flows with short notice which impacted warehouse utilisation levels, especially on the Continent.
DFDS provides a high share of contracted road transport in the full-load (FTL) market. Going into 2024, inhouse capacity levels were aligned with an expectation of a general rebound in activity the second half-year of 2024. As activity slowed rather than rebounded through the year, customers increased tendering in response to declining haulage rates driven by rising overcapacity in the FTL market. This lowered margins for most of our FTL activities.
Turnaround projects for seven areas were initiated during 2024 to restore earnings. The turnarounds are focused on securing price increases on accounts with insufficient cost coverage, asset utilisation, balancing of transport flows, and customer mix diversification.

13.3bn
increased 10% to DKK
0.2bn
decreased 57% to DKK
6,146
Logistics people
Niklas Andersson
Business units
Head of Logistics Division
/ Türkiye & Europe South
Nordic / Continent / UK & Ireland
Revenue
EBIT
(FTE)
| DKK m | 2024 | 2023 | ∆ | ∆ % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 13,348 | 12,096 | 1,252 | 10.4% |
| Dry Goods | 6,835 | 6,231 | 605 | 9.7% |
| Cold Chain | 6,471 | 5,831 | 640 | 11.0% |
| Operating costs | ||||
| Transport and warehousing costs | 8,646 | 7,681 | 965 | 12.6% |
| Gross profit | 4,703 | 4,415 | 287 | 6.5% |
| Sales, general and administration | 756 | 706 | 50 | 7.1% |
| Employee costs | 2,910 | 2,481 | 429 | 17.3% |
| EBITDA | 1,036 | 1,228 | -191 | -15.6% |
| Other income/costs, net | 40 | 20 | 21 | 105.5% |
| Depreciation and impairment | 794 | 692 | 102 | 14.7% |
| EBITA | 282 | 555 | -273 | -49.2% |
| Amortisation | 82 | 86 | -4 | -4.2% |
| EBIT | 200 | 469 | -269 | -57.4% |
| Gross profit margin, % | 35.2 | 36.5 | -1.3 | n.a. |
| EBITDA-margin, % | 7.8 | 10.1 | -2.4 | n.a. |
| EBITA-margin, % | 2.1 | 4.6 | -2.5 | n.a. |
| EBIT-margin, % | 1.5 | 3.9 | -2.4 | n.a. |
| Invested capital, end of period | 8,940 | 6,746 | 2,194 | 32.5% |
| Gross Capex (excl. acquisitions and leases) | 573 | 438 | 135 | 30.7% |
| ROIC before acquisition intangibles, %, LTM | 4.2 | 11.6 | -7.4 | n.a. |
| ROIC, %, LTM | 1.5 | 6.0 | -4.5 | n.a. |
| Average number of employees | 6,146 | 5,696 | 450 | 7.9% |
In November 2024 the acquisition of the international transport network of Ekol Logistics, a leading Turkish transport and logistics company headquartered in Istanbul, was completed.
The acquired network transports goods between Türkiye and Europe with own offices and facilities in 10 European countries. The acquisition expands DFDS' network to a high-growth region supported by nearshoring of supply chains closer to Europe. It also adds road transport to DFDS' Mediterranean ferry network thereby extending the proven northern European ferry/road business model to the region.
The new entity is organised in the division as a separate business unit named Türkiye & Europe South, apart from a few country organisations moved to the Continent business unit. As announced upon completion of the acquisition, the new entity was lossmaking in 2024. A financial turnaround project was initiated after completion to achieve a breakeven result at year-end 2025. The longer-term goal is to improve the EBIT-margin to around 5% by year-end 2027.
The Logistics Division's revenue increased 10.4% to DKK 13,348m and increased 3.4% adjusted for acquisitions compared to 2023.
The adjusted or organic revenue growth was driven by a broad-based increase in activity across the UK & Ireland business unit, including both dry and cold chain activities. Several new large customer accounts were also added in 2024.
The Nordic business unit's revenue also increased in 2024 driven by mainly higher activity in Sweden's contract logistics and road activities. Revenue in the Baltic region, including Finland, decreased in 2024.
The Continent business unit's adjusted revenue decreased in 2024 driven by primarily lower cold chain revenue for food exports to the UK. The slowdown in the automotive sector also reduced both transport and warehouse revenues. The above decreases were offset by higher revenue for the German and Polish activities.
The Division's EBIT of DKK 200m was 57.4% or DKK 269m lower than in 2023. The decrease was 61.9% or DKK 223m adjusted for acquisitions.
The adjusted EBIT decrease was due to lower results for the Nordic and Continent business units, while UK & Ireland's result was on level with 2023.
Nordic's result was reduced by a third in 2024 due to partly a loss for the Danish domestic cold chain distribution network. The result for the Baltic activities also decreased considerably, including a oneoff debtor loss. Margins for the remaining activities were in addition lowered by market headwinds.
Continent's result was reduced by two-thirds in 2024 due to three main drivers. The slowdown in the automotive sector created imbalances in transport flows between Scandinavia and the Continent. Utilisation of warehousing and other equipment was in addition lowered in primarily Belgium. Secondly, the Dutch warehousing activities were impacted by a drop in utilisation and handling as customers lowered activity. Thirdly, food exports to the UK faced headwinds from new border controls that raised the cost of trading with the UK.
The return on invested capital, ROIC, decreased to 1.5% in 2024 from 6.0% in 2023.
The invested capital increased 32.5% to DKK 8.9bn at year-end 2024 and increased 0.5% adjusted for the acquisition of Ekol International Transport. Intangible assets accounted for DKK 4.1bn of the invested capital, including goodwill of DKK 3.4bn.
At year-end 2024, the total logistics network deployed 15.2k trailers, 2.1k containers, and 3.2k trucks. The acquisition of Ekol International Transport added 1.3k trucks and 3.5k trailers to the above totals. The majority of the equipment was owned.
Warehousing capabilities and capacity was in 2024 on level with 2023 as no new facilities were taken into use.
Land and facility assets thus remained on level with 2023 at DKK 1.7bn of which DKK 0.8bn are owned facilities. This excludes additions from the acquisition of Ekol International Transport.
Competitive landscape
There were no material changes in the competitive landscape in northern Europe during the year, although consolidation of the still fragmented transport and logistics market continued.
Market participants are a mix of global and pan-European logistics companies as well as smaller, regional companies specialised in certain geographic corridors, transport modes, and/or customer segments. Digital forwarding platforms continue to develop their business models focused on offering portals supporting competitive pricing, tracking and visibility, easy invoicing and payment processes, and speed of service.
The UK's rollout of its post-Brexit border regime will continue in 2025. Checks on animal and plant products were introduced in April 2024. The checks are planned to be extended to fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables from July 2025.
The UK is planning to introduce a Single Trade Window which is a platform allowing importers and exporters to file all paperwork digitally in a single place. Launch is expected in April 2026.
The digitisation of Logistics is to a high degree focused on standardisation to enhance cross collaboration and leveraging the potential of our network. Furthermore, digital technologies are a key enabler for securing planning efficiency and automation and thereby improve our operations.
Adoption of the online booking platform continued in 2024. Self-service options to book online, manage documents, and track bookings. 71% of all transport bookings were booked digitally by year-end 2024.
Solutions applying AI to automate the complex process of planning road transport were further developed during 2024. This has potential to reduce a planning process to take seconds instead of hours allowing for simultaneous, real-time optimisation of plans and more efficient use of equipment. Rollout of such solutions to select planning locations will begin in 2025.
The development of a new digital solution supporting the packaging offering was completed in 2024. The new solution will provide customers with higher transparency and improve operating efficiency.

Key customers are food producers, industrials, FMCG, retailers, and the automotive sector.
The international transport solutions offered are focused on corridors that overlap DFDS' own ferry route network providing capacity and asset-backed reliable end-to-end solutions.
Goods are primarily moved in trailers while container solutions are offered in select corridors as well.
For larger customers with complex supply chains, transport solutions are bundled with complementary products such as warehousing, control towers, and customs.
Shares do not add up to 100% as Non-allocated revenue items are not included in the table
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| Nordic | Continent | UK & Ireland | Türkiye & Europe south | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of business unit | Morgan Olausson | Michael Bech | Allan Bell | Martin Gade Gregersen |
| Share of Division's revenue 2024¹ | 29% | 36% | 28% | 3% (from 15 November 2024) |
| Key transport flows and other activities | – Scandinavia-UK/Ireland – Scandinavia-Baltics/Eastern Europe – Scandinavia-continental Europe (cold chain) – Domestic contract logistics & distribution: Denmark, Sweden |
– Continent-Scandinavia – Continent-UK/Ireland/Northern Ireland – Domestic contract logistics & distribution: Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Poland |
– Northern Ireland-UK – Scotland-England/overseas – Domestic contract logistics & distribution: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland |
– Türkiye-continental Europe – Domestic contract logistics & distribution: Greece, France, Romania |
| Transport equipment | → 3,030 trucks → 131 e-trucks → 9,890 trailers → 5,351 reefer trailers → 2,089 containers |
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| Warehouses & distribution centres | – 8 |
– 13 |
– 15 |
– 9 |
| Main customer segments | – Automotive – Food & beverage producers, including fresh foods – Manufacturers of industrial goods, including metals and paper – Renewables – Retail |
– Automotive – Construction – FMCG – Food & beverage producers, including fresh foods – Manufacturers of industrial goods |
– Food & beverage producers, including fresh foods – Retail |
– Automotive – Clothing/textile – FMCG – Manufacturers of industrial goods |
| Main market areas | – Baltic region – Denmark – Finland – Norway – Sweden |
– Belgium – Czech – France – Germany – Netherlands – Poland |
– England – Ireland – Northern Ireland – Scotland |
– Continental Europe – Türkiye |
| Main competitors | – Blue Water – DHL – DSV – Green Carrier – LKW Walter – Nagel – NTEX – NTG – Schenker |
– CLdN – DSV – Ewals Cargo Care – LKW Walter – NTEX – P&O Ferrymasters – Short-sea container carriers – Waberers |
– ACS&T Logistics – DHL – STEF – XPO Logistics – Yearsley Food |
– Borusan Lojistik – Mars Logistics – Netlog Logistics – Sarp Intermodal |
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LU 250.000 full pallets a year. That is how many full pallets we handle in our 34.500 m2 warehouse in Borås, Sweden. From here, we can regroup, shunt or re-palletise shipments before they are loaded on to our trucks and transported to supermarkets, convenience stores or wherever the end-destination may be.
CH FR AT SL Borås is one of 45 warehouses where we handle, store and manage our customers' goods and prepare them for the next step in the supply chain, connected to the wider network by road, sea and rail.
"In DFDS we can manage every step of the supply chain or customize solutions according to specific needs of our customers. In Borås, we play a small part in that, ensuring efficient handling, storage, and preparation of goods for their next journey" says Muhamed Ceric, Managing Director, Contract Logistics Sweden.
IT Our logistics network is focused on corridors that connect with our ferry network and we have +100 logistics locations, including 45 warehouses and 18 customs offices.
SK CZ "In DFDS we can manage every step of the supply chain or customize solutions according to specific needs of our customers."
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DFDS' activities are organised in two divisions: The Ferry Division and the Logistics Division. Non-allocated Group items consist of corporate costs not allocated to either division.
Revenue increased 9.0% to DKK 29,753m in 2024 following higher revenue in both divisions. The Group's organic revenue growth was 1.9% in 2024.
The Ferry Division's revenue increased 8.3% to DKK 17,858m and increased 1.8% adjusted for bunker surcharges, the acquisition of Strait of Gibraltar ferry routes, and the sale of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route.
The Logistics Division's revenue increased 10.4% to DKK 13,348m and increased 3.2% adjusted for acquisitions compared to 2023.
Operating profit before depreciation, EBITDA, decreased 9.2% or DKK 449m to DKK 4,440m and decreased 14.2% or DKK 667m adjusted for acquisitions.
The Ferry Division's EBITDA decreased 7.7% or DKK 295m to DKK 3,514m and decreased 13.3% or DKK 506m adjusted for acquisitions.
The Logistics Division's EBITDA decreased 15.6% or DKK 191m to DKK 1,036m and decreased 19.5% or DKK 200m adjusted for acquisitions.
Non-allocated cost items decreased to DKK -109m compared to DKK -146m in 2023, a positive variance of DKK 37m.
The total income from share of profits from associates and net gains on sale of assets were reduced by DKK 53m to DKK 35m in 2024. The
main variance was a gain of DKK 95m from the sale and leaseback of three freight ferries in 2023.
Depreciation increased 12.9% or DKK 318m to DKK 2,792m and increased 9.6% or DKK 230m adjusted for acquisitions and divestments.
The adjusted increase for the Ferry Division was DKK 169m driven by docking cost increases and a shorter depreciation period for three freight ferries that were sold and leased back in 2023. The adjusted increase for the Logistics Division was DKK 60m related to cargo carrying equipment capex as well as warehouse and office extensions.
The Group's EBITA decreased 31.5% or DKK 788m to DKK 1,716m following the increase in depreciation.
Amortisation increased 17.8% or DKK 32m to DKK 210m following a rise in software amortisa-
Revenue DKK
Invested capital DKK
4.4%
ROIC
Return on equity
Mortgages Bank debt
Lease liabilities Other
Bonds

Net working capital Goodwill Other intangible assets Other assets
DKK bn, year-end

Leased assets
Cargo carrying equipment Terminals, land and buildings Ferries and other ships
tion and amortisation of port terminal concession rights capitalised in 2024.
The Group's EBIT decreased 35.2% or DKK 820m to DKK 1,506m and decreased 39.7% or DKK 809m adjusted for acquisitions and one-off items.
The net cost of financing increased 24.9% or DKK 164m to DKK 823m compared to 2023.
The net interest cost increased 25.3% or DKK 163m to DKK 802m. The net interest cost on net financial debt increased DKK 84m to DKK 516m due to higher debt as the average interest rate was on level with 2023. The net interest cost on leasing debt increased DKK 79m to DKK 286m due to a higher interest rate on new leasing contracts as well as a higher average debt level compared to 2023.
Currency adjustments was an income of DKK 26m in 2024 and a cost of DKK 18m in 2023.
Other financial costs increased from DKK 2m in 2023 to DKK 46m in 2024. The negative variance compared to 2023 was mainly due to a one-off income of DKK 33m in 2023 related to sale and leaseback transactions.
The ferry activities of the DFDS Group are covered by tonnage tax schemes in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Lithuania, France, and Türkiye. The tax on the annual profit was a total cost of DKK 142m.
The net profit for the year was DKK 541m, a decrease of 64.4% or DKK 978m compared to 2023.
The revenue increase in 2024 of 9.0% to DKK 29.7bn was in line with the latest growth outlook range of 8-10%.
The EBIT outlook range for 2024 was in July 2024 reduced to DKK 1.7-2.1bn from DKK 2.1-2.4bn. In November 2024, the EBIT outlook range was reduced further to DKK 1.5-1.7bn. The EBIT for 2024 of DKK 1.5bn was thus in line with the lower end of the latest outlook range.
The 2024 outlook for the Adjusted free cash flow was lowered to DKK 1.2bn from DKK 1.5bn in November 2024. The Adjusted free cash flow for 2024 of DKK 1.0bn was thus lower than the latest expectation.
Total assets amounted to DKK 39.3bn at the end of the year, an increase of 13.4% or DKK 4.6bn compared to 2023 due to primarily the addition of acquired companies.
The Group's invested capital increased 9.6% or DKK 2.8bn to DKK 31.5bn from year-end 2023.
Excluding acquisitions, the invested capital was decreased by 1.7% or DKK 0.5bn.
The Ferry Division's invested capital increased 3.6% or DKK 0.8bn to DKK 21.9bn and decreased 2.1% or DKK 0.4bn excluding the addition of Strait of Gibraltar.
The Logistics Division's invested capital increased 32.5% or DKK 2.2bn to DKK 8.9bn and increased 2.1% or DKK 0.1bn excluding the addition of Türkiye & Europe South.
Non-allocated invested capital decreased DKK 0.2bn to DKK 0.7bn in 2024.
The Group's net working capital decreased to DKK -237m at year-end 2024 from DKK 316m at year-end 2023. The decrease was due to impacts from acquisitions and reclassifications. On a comparable basis the net working capital increased to DKK 380m in 2024.
Financial debt (mortgage, bank, bonds) increased 33.6% or DKK 3.2bn to DKK 12.6bn. Bank debt was increased DKK 2.6bn to DKK 7.9bn driven primarily by financing of acquisitions. Bond debt increased DKK 0.9bn to DKK 2.1bn to ensure a diversified debt portfolio. Mortgage debt decreased DKK 0.2bn to DKK 2.6bn.
The share of fixed-rate financial debt was 42% at year-end 2024.
Leasing debt increased 0.7% to 5.9bn. Around 60% of the leasing debt is related to land, buildings, and port terminals while the remainder is
Net interest-bearing debt (NIBD) increased 19.1% or DKK 2.8bn to DKK 17.2bn at year-end 2024. Excluding leasing debt, the net interest-bearing debt increased 31.5% or DKK 2.7bn to DKK 11.3bn.
related to ferries and cargo carrying equipment.
The leverage of DFDS' capital structure is measured as the ratio of net interest-bearing debt (NIBD) to operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA).
The long-term target leverage is a NIBD/EBIT-DA-ratio between 2.0 and 3.0. At year-end 2024, the ratio was 3.9 compared to 2.9 at year-end 2023. The ratio was increased as the acquisitions completed in 2024 raised the NIBD while the earnings level, EBITDA, was decreased.
DFDS' Board of Directors regularly assesses the capital structure in view of both current and expected future earnings as well as future investment requirements, including acquisitions.
The capital distribution policy, distribution in 2024, and the distribution proposal for 2025 are reported on page 53.
Equity amounted to DKK 13,890m at year-end 2024, including non-controlling interests of
DKK 75m. This was a decrease of 0.3% compared to year-end 2023.
Total comprehensive income for 2024 was DKK 540m. Transactions with owners in 2024 amounted to DKK 560m of which DKK 431m was a share buyback and DKK 168m was payment of dividends.
The equity ratio was 35% at year-end 2024 compared to 40% at year-end 2023.
Based on the impairment tests performed in 2024 of the Group's non-current intangible and tangible assets, no impairments or reversals were recognised, apart from the reversal of DKK 33m related to the sale of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route. The impairment tests are described in greater detail in Note 3.1.4 on pages 166-167.
The revenue of the parent company, DFDS A/S, was DKK 11,538m in 2024 and the profit before tax was DKK -96m. Total assets at year-end 2024 amounted to DKK 26,323m and the equity was DKK 10,773m.
The Group's ROIC was 4.4% in 2024 compared to 7.6% in 2023 as the return decreased in both the


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| Invested capital, DKK m | ROIC BAI, % | ROIC, % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFDS Group | 31,533 | 6.6 | 4.4 |
| Divisions | |||
| Ferry Division | 21,941 | 8.8 | 6.5 |
| Logistics Division | 8,940 | 4.2 | 1.5 |
| Group Non-allocated items | 653 | n.a. | n.a. |


Ferry Division and the Logistics Division. The ROIC is calculated after tax. The Group's ROIC before acquisition intangibles was 6.6% in 2024 compared to 10.5% in 2023.
The Ferry Division's ROIC was reduced to 6.5% in 2024 from 9.5% in 2023. The decreased return was driven by lower earnings in the North Sea, Mediterranean, and Baltic Sea business units. Channel's ROIC improved in 2024 and Strait of Gibraltar's ROIC was in line with the targeted return of 10% for 2024.
The Logistics Division's ROIC was reduced to 1.5% in 2024 from 6.0% in 2023. The return was 2.5% excluding the acquisition of Ekol International Transport. The ROIC for the UK & Ireland business unit was above cost of capital. The returns for the Nordic and Continent business units were reduced by their lower earnings levels.
DFDS' cost of capital (WACC) is calculated at 7% assuming amongst other things a debt/equity ratio of 51/49, a market risk premium of 5.5%, and a beta of 1.5.
Operational capital expenditure, capex, was in 2024 DKK 1,451m for primarily maintenance and replacement of assets. Ferry capex was DKK 818m of which DKK 566m was for dockings. Cargo carrying equipment capex for trucks and trailers was DKK 475m. Capex for land, buildings, and port terminals totalled DKK 147m of which around half was for an extensions of cold storage facilities in the UK. Capex for other assets was DKK 47m and capex for it-systems was DKK 96m including the rollout of D365. Sale of assets was a cash inflow of DKK 138m.
Acquisitions totalled a cash outflow of DKK 2,574m of which DKK 1,098m was for FRS Iberia/Maroc and DKK 1,438m for Ekol International Transport. The cash inflow from the divestment of the Olso-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route was DKK 378m.
The cash flow from operating activities decreased 6.9% or DKK 255m to DKK 3,420m compared to 2023. The decrease was driven by the lower operating profit as the net cash outflow from other items was reduced by DKK 194m compared to 2023, mainly due to a lower outflow from working capital.
The cash flow from investing activities was a cash outflow of DKK 3,647m, including operating capex of DKK 1,451m and net transactions of DKK 2,196m as detailed above.
The cash flow from financing activities was a net inflow of DKK 1,075m. The net inflow from financial debt was DKK 2,694m while payment of lease liabilities was DKK 1,024m and the total capital distribution was DKK 599m. The net increase in
cash was DKK 848m and at year-end cash funds amounted to DKK 1,589m.
The adjusted free cash flow (FCFE) was DKK 957m compared to DKK 2,773m in 2023 that included an inflow of DKK 1,466m from the sale and leaseback of three freight ferries. The adjusted free cash flow excludes acquisitions and subtracts lease payments and is thus the cash flow available for loan payments, capital distribution, and acquisitions.
The cost of bunker for ferries was DKK 3.0bn in 2024. Around 94% of the bunker consumption is commercially hedged through bunker clauses (BAF: bunker adjustment factor) in freight customer contracts. Hedging of USD is included in the BAF. The BAF-coverage lags the actual cost by 1-2 months as the surcharge is adjusted on a monthly basis through the year. The remaining consumption is used on passenger routes. In 2025, the ferry fleet's bunker consumption is expected to amount to around 750k tons.
DFDS is exposed to a range of financial risks related primarily to changes in exchange rates and interest rates. DFDS is also exposed to liquidity risks in terms of payments and counterparty risks. These risks are described and reported in Note 4.1 on pages 175-179.
This sustainability review is stated separately from the sustainability statement, as a transition to the reporting in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. This review highlights 2024 key audited metrics, compared to unaudited metrics from 2023 and prior years. From 2025, comparisons and development commentary will be an integral part of the sustainability statement, under limited assurance.
Our total CO2e emissions amounted to 3,978,420 tonnes in 2024 (2023: 3,633,000 tonnes). This is an increase of 10% compared to 2023. The increase can primarily be attributed to the expansion of our ferry route network and secondary by the acquisition of Ekol Logistics transport.
Direct CO2e emissions (Scope 1) amounted to 2,617,970 tonnes in 2024 which is an increase of 2% from last year.
Indirect CO2e missions (Scope 2 – location based) amounted to 15.5 tonnes in 2024 (2023: 12.1 tonnes). This is an increase of 28% compared to 2023, which is driven by the continued electrification across our truck fleet and land-based operation but also by the addition of acquired logistics locations.
In 2024, our financial CO2e intensity, measured as the ratio between emitted CO2e (Scope 1+2) and revenue, continues to decline with 13% compared to 2023. This illustrates our ability to grow the business without increasing our emissions to the same extent.
Value chain CO2e emissions (Scope 3) amounted to 1,344,910 tonnes CO2e (2023: 1,055,000 tonnes CO2e). The increase in our Scope 3 emissions were primarily related to increased spend, reclassification of data and inclusion of acquired companies. The main categories within scope 3 emissions continues to be Fuel and energy related activities (Category 3) and Upstream transportation and distribution (Category 4).
Despite actions taken as part of our Moving to Green strategy, the CO2e efficiency for owned vessels has increased to 12.2 gCO2/tonne-nm (2023:


12.1). This can be attributed to the activities from the High-Speed Craft vessels, which came into operation at DFDS in January of 2024 in the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG). The impact of the actions taken is evident when excluding SoG. In this case emissions from owned vessels has been reduced to 11.9 gCO2/tonne-nm.
In 2024 the CO2e efficiency for the full DFDS network saw a small increase to 12.4 gCO2/tonnenm (2023: 12.3).
We continue the transition towards electrification across our land-based operations including e-trucks, reach stackers, cranes, and cars. We have increased the focus on the generation of renewable energy by installing solar panels on warehouses and terminals. The onsite electricity production has almost doubled from 1.3 GWh in 2023 to 2.5 GWh in 2024.
In 2024, 59% (2023: 56%) of the total electricity consumption was either produced at own solar panel facilities (3.2%) or backed by renewable energy certificates (56.2%).
The number of lost time incidents (LTIF) on land decreased significantly to 6.8 in 2024 (2023: 8.1). This is a testament to the ongoing focus to continuously improve the health & safety culture through our operation.
In 2024 we launched several campaigns focusing on driver, stevedore and warehouse worker safety with best practices in these environments. In addition, we have launched across the organization (land & sea) SAFE Behaviors that provides simple, easy to understand key behaviors that all can relate to.
The LTIF for our sea-based staff saw a slight increase to 3.9 in 2024 (2023: 3.8). In 2024, focus on training and knowledge sharing on good safety behaviours continued across the fleet.
The representation of women in DFDS has decreased slightly to 22% at the end of 2024 (2023: 23%) and was impacted by acquisitions during the year. The women representation of all managers increased to 19% (2023: 18%). In the Executive Management Team, the representation of women continues to be at 29% (2023: 29%).
On board the vessels the representation of women in management positions increased noticeably within the Deck & Engine organisation, going from 4.6% in 2023 to 6.6% in 2024. Across all sea-based manager positions the representation increased 1ppt. to 10% in 2024.
Within office-based management positions the representation of women also increased 1 ppt. to 32% in 2024.
Applying a seniority perspective we can see that the representation of women in management positions improves primarily within the segments "Under 3 years" and "Over 12 years".
We perform an annual engagement survey in which we encourage all employees to make their voice heard. The response rate increased significantly to 80% (2023: 67%), especially driven by improved communication and increased manager focus targeting non-office employees.
The aggregated engagement score stayed above benchmark but slightly declined to 7.6 in 2024 (2023: 7.7). The decline can be attributed to the increased share of non-office employees where engagement levels are statistically lower.
The scores within the strategic focus areas Health & Safety and Diversity & Inclusion both saw an increase of 0.1 in 2024 compared to last year indicating that company culture and recognition of the importance of these topics are increasing across the organisation.
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DFDS engagement survey "MyVoice"
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ɿ Providing full- and part-load services to our customers' supply chains
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At any given time, a DFDS truck is entering a crossdock, driving on board one of our ferries, or delivering goods to their final destination.
From Germany we provide full-load and partload transport services to customers within the automotive, metals or foods sectors, each of which often comes with unique challenges and needs.
"Whether it is temperature-sensitive goods and products, or oversized cargo, we take pride in having transportation services for all types of cargo. What is important is the relationship with our customer and finding ways to support their supply chain through the scale of our network" says Ralf Kohlen, Managing Director, Germany.
DFDS' fleet consists of more 3,000 trucks and 15,000 trailers – and with the addition of third-party haulage – DFDS can reach every corner of mainland Europe, the UK and Ireland, the Nordics as well as Türkiye, Morocco and Egypt.
CH SL "Whether it is temperature-sensitive goods and products, or oversized cargo, we take pride in having transportation services for all types of cargo."
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The Board of Directors is made up of six directors appointed by the annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders, elected for a period of one year, and three directors appointed by employees, elected for a period of four years.
Four of the six AGM appointed directors are deemed independent according to the Danish recommendations on good corporate governance. Two of the six AGM-appointed directors are women and the nationality of two directors is other than Danish.
The Board of Directors works in accordance with the company's articles of association, the rules of procedure of the Board of Directors as well as an established annual cycle of focus areas to ensure that all major governance aspects are reviewed at least once annually. The Board oversees the general risk management policy
of DFDS, assessing the major risks facing DFDS, financial such as macroeconomy and bunker prices as well as non-financial such as climate and technology. The Board of Directors also holds strategy review sessions setting strategic priorities.
As part of its strategy review, the Board of Directors reviewed DFDS' climate strategy as well as the climate plans for the Ferry and Logistics Divisions, including the deployment of increasingly emission-friendly propulsion technologies.
The Chair of the Nomination Committee undertakes an annual review of the performance of the Board of Directors with third party assistance. The composition of the Board of Directors aims to ensure that competencies that are key to the company's performance are represented. Nine board meetings were held in 2024, all with full attendance.
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Nomination Committee, and a Remuneration Committee. Each committee has three members.
The purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the oversight of the quality and integrity of DFDS' accounting, auditing and financial reporting, CSRD reporting, tax policy, data ethics, the qualifications, independence, and performance of the appointed Statutory Auditor, as well as compliance with rules on non-audit services provided by the Statutory Auditors.
The Committee consists of Anders Götzsche (Chair), Dirk Reich, and Jill Lauritzen Melby. Anders Götzsche and Dirk Reich are deemed independent. Anders Götzsche has special comCorporate governance policies are available on this web page: https://www.dfds.com/ en/about/governance-and-policies
petences in international management, board experience and expertise in finance and accounting as well as M&A. Dirk Reich has spe- cial competences in international management and board experience as well as expertise in international logistics activities. Jill Lauritzen Melby has special competences in financial controlling. Jill Lauritzen Melby has family relations to the company's principal shareholder, Lauritzen Fonden, and cannot therefore be considered independent according to the Recommendations on Corporate Governance.
A total of five meetings were held in 2024, all with full participation. The main topics dealt with, apart from recurring items, were monitoring the continued migration to the new ERP system, implementation of the Corporate Social Reporting Directive (CSRD), oversight of the integration of newly acquired entities, as well as monitoring the implementation of a new consolidation system.
The purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the establishment, monitoring, and adjustment of the remuneration policy including incentive schemes. Further, the purpose of the Committee is to ensure that the executive remuneration of DFDS at all times complies with the remuneration policy as well as regulatory and corporate governance requirements.
The Committee consists of Klaus Nyborg (Chair), Claus V. Hemmingsen, and Minna Aila. Two of
the members are deemed independent. Klaus Nyborg has special competences in international management and board experience from i.a. listed shipping companies and suppliers to the shipping industry and expertise in strategy, M&A, and risk management. Claus V. Hemmingsen has special competences in international, commercial, and operational management experience and expertise in shipping, offshore, and oil & gas activities, including HSSE & Sustainability, M&A, capital markets, and non-executive directorships. Claus V. Hemmingsen has been a member of the Board of Directors for more than 12 years and cannot therefore be considered independent according to the Recommendations on Corporate Governance. Minna Aila has special competences in international management, as well as expertise in sustainability, public affairs, branding and communication.
The Committee held five meetings in 2024 with full participation focused on preparation of the 2024 Remuneration Report, recommendation of the Executive Board remuneration and Board fees, including amendment of peer groups used for benchmarking of the executive remuneration, and review of workforce matters, such as talent retention and engagement. In addition, DFDS' remuneration policy was reviewed and updated ahead of the 2025 AGM, and the annual wheel of the Committee was planned.
The purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the oversight of the competences required of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board and the organisational structure of management bodies. Further, the Committee assists in recruiting for the management bodies.
The Committee consists of Klaus Nyborg (Chair), Claus V. Hemmingsen, and Minna Aila. Two of the members are deemed independent. Klaus Nyborg has special competences in international management and board experience from i.a. listed shipping companies and suppliers to the shipping industry and expertise in strategy, M&A, and risk management. Claus V. Hemmingsen has special competences in international, commercial, and operational management experience and expertise in shipping, offshore, and oil & gas activities, including HSSE & Sustainability, M&A, capital markets, and non-executive directorships. As mentioned above Claus V. Hemmingsen is not deemed to be independent. Minna Aila has special competences in international management, as well as expertise in sustainability, public affairs, branding and communication.
The Committee held three meetings during 2024 with full participation, focusing on succession planning within the management bodies as well as evaluation of the Board's work and performance.
More information on the three committees are available here: https://assets.ctfassets. net/mivicpf5zews/41Rri9nAwE12rnx9dPKD-1m/77321e2e73897e2a11d25c4e0c9ab0b2/2024\_ Terms\_of\_reference\_Board\_committees.pdf
Annually, the Board of Directors conducts an evaluation of its composition considering the competencies needed to perform its tasks and of the cooperation between the Board of Directors and the Executive Board.
In 2024, the evaluation was facilitated by an external consulting firm by way of a written questionnaire directed to the Directors of the Board and the Executive Board. The questionnaire was followed up by interviews conducted by the consultant with individual members of the Board and Management. The evaluation included, among other things, the Board of Directors' and the Committees' effectiveness and value contribution, their compositions and dynamics, the Chair's role, strategy development and implementation, performance monitoring, stakeholder relations, risk awareness, cooperation with the Executive Board as well as on and off boarding.
The evaluation came out very positive with a number of follow-up actions decided to further improve the Boards performance. Every year the Board of Directors conducts an evaluation of its composition considering the competencies required to perform its tasks, and of the cooperation between the Board of Directors and the Executive Board.
As we enter 2025, the overall risk level is assessed to be on level with 2024. Global political tensions linger as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year and the US is introducing a shift in its trade policies. On this background, the nearshoring of manufacturing plants closer to end markets is expected to continue in the coming years.
Inflation in Europe declined through 2024 and interest rates have likewise come down. The European economic growth outlook however remains uncertain as consumer demand is muted by high living costs and uncertainties linked to amongst other things the war in Ukraine.
In the short term, monitoring and adapting to geopolitical risks and financial uncertainty remain risk management priorities.
The importance of climate risk was evident in 2024 as the global average temperature continued to rise. Across the globe severe weather events such as storms, wildfires, droughts, and record temperatures occurred through the year. Such events have considerable potential to impact our transport network.
Our Climate Action Plan sets short-term as well as long-term targets to become climate neutral by 2050. The Plan's execution risk is first and foremost linked to the green transition of our ferry operations. The transition pathways towards 2030 are described in this report's Sustainability statements.
Changes in freight and passenger volumes are the most direct way that various events, and their associated risks, can impact our transport network. In 2024, the war in Ukraine continued for example to depress freight volumes in mainly our Baltic Sea network. In addition, the slowdown of the Swedish economy in 2024 led to a decline in Baltic Sea ferry passengers as the demand for the services of migrant workers decreased in Sweden.
A key business risk is therefore to match capacity contracted and deployed in our transport network at any given time with market volumes. As we own a high share of our ferries and route locations are fixed, the flexibility to adapt operations to decreasing volumes is lowest for the ferry network. The flexibility to adapt logistics activities is greater as they typically deploy a higher share of leased assets which means transport equipment, for example trailers or trucks, can be redelivered at shorter notice.
Our transport network primarily moves goods between European regions, for example between the UK and Scandinavia or between Türkiye and Europe. We are thus exposed to regional events impacting trade. This includes global and regional geopolitical events as well as sector specific events such as competitor actions or supply chain bottlenecks.
The ferry activities are also exposed to increased direct competition if competitors deploy ferries
on existing routes to access specific markets. This can entail significant financial impacts as market volumes will typically not increase if capacity is added as ferry routes transport regional volumes within given catchment areas.
Operating risks related to transport operations at sea and on land are well documented and governed by extensive safety and security regulations. This does not diminish their importance as the heavy transport equipment used in our network can result in severe or fatal accidents. In addition, a core part of our risk management is the responsibility for passenger safety on board our ferries.
Social and governance risks continue to become more important as expectations of how we treat each other evolve and compliance requirements increase.

is integral to DFDS' strategy and to the achievement of long-term goals and strategic ambitions
Risk management is integral to DFDS' strategy and to the achievement of long-term goals and strategic ambitions. The success of DFDS depends on the ability to identify and engage with opportunities generated by our business and the markets we operate in, while in parallel ensuring that risks are accurately identified and managed. Risk in DFDS is defined as the potential occurrence of external or internal events (or series of events) that may negatively impact the ability to achieve the company's objectives or financial goals. The risk management policies form the principles, processes, key responsibilities, and reporting requirements within DFDS.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the risk management strategy and the overall risk management framework and policies. The Board, advised by the Audit Committee as appropriate, manages risks and reviews the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems. DFDS' Executive Management Team (EMT) is responsible for the dayto- day risk management processes and for the continuous development of risk management activities.
The overall risk management process consists of three independent, but complementary sub-processes. Operational risk management consisting of weekly EMT meetings where day-to-day risks and operational matters are reviewed and resolved. Secondly, strategic risk management is based on quarterly meetings in the Executive Risk Committee (ERC) - comprising EMT and DFDS' General Counsel - where strategic risks and mitigating action plans are reviewed. Thirdly, the risk management strategy, framework and processes, which include bi-annual meetings in the Audit Committee and an annual Board of Directors meeting where strategic risks, climate risks, mitigating action plans, and the overall ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) framework are reviewed. The strategic part of the risk management process is a quarterly process consisting of separate, but interdependent sub-processes, as illustrated in the figure on the following page.
The key risks to achieving DFDS' strategic ambitions, the assessment of each of the key prioritised 2024 risks, and the deployed mitigation strategies are described in the following pages.
DFDS' top seven risks identified during 2024 are shown on the horizontal axis of the illustration to the right which combines the one-year financial impact with the likelihood of risks occurring over a period of three years.

n
k assesment
• Continuous monitoring of key identified risks

All positions are residual risks after current mitigation
2. Macroeconomy Economic growth
Risk description: Geopolitical events have potential to impact European freight and passenger volumes as trade and travel flows may change if relations between countries or regions shift. This may in turn impact revenue and profits, financial stability as well as business development opportunities. Major sources of geopolitical risk is currently the war in Ukraine that have stopped most trading between Europe and Russia, Middle East conflicts that indirectly impact European trade and travel, as well as global political tensions. The latter can impact global supply chains which can indirectly impact European trade and travel volumes as well as economic growth. In addition, the supply of oil, gas, essential metals, and other raw materials can be impacted.
Mitigation strategies: Regional risks are mitigated by the network's geographical diversification in and around Europe, also to regions expected to be positively impacted by nearshoring of production and hence supply chains closer to Europe. The diverse customer portfolio – forwarders/hauliers, industrials, food producers, retail, and passengers – lowers exposure to specific risks. Initiatives to support trade are supported through industry associations and relations with public sector officials. This includes participation in dialogues on how trade costs and complexities between the EU and the UK can be eased.
Risk assessment: The net impact of geopolitical events was overall negative in 2024. The war in Ukraine continued to lower Baltic region activity levels which increased competition among incumbents. It also impacted European economic growth negatively. Brexit phase 3 border controls complicated trading of fresh foods between the EU and the UK. In 2025, geopolitical events may continue to pose a risk due to possible USA policy shifts, continued war in Ukraine and the Middle East, and further Brexit border controls.
Risk description: Economic activity slowdowns can reduce trade and travel volumes which can lead to material earnings fluctuations as volume and capacity utilisation levels are key earnings drivers. Lower volumes can moreover lead to overcapacity on ferry corridors and in land transport markets. Ferry companies may in addition enter new markets/routes to deploy excess tonnage which initially will create overcapacity, the extent of which will depend on the underlying market growth. This may in turn lower market prices and reduce earnings if costs cannot be adjusted in a proportionate manner. Ferry operations entail a higher share of fixed costs compared to logistics activities and consequently also entail a higher risk. Ferry routes have mostly regional market catchment areas and are therefore first and foremost impacted by regional activity changes.
Mitigation strategies: Developments in the global and European economy, key markets, trade volumes, and specific regions/countries are monitored closely to support timely adaptation of activities to volume changes. Ferry costs are adapted by reducing departure frequency, replacement of larger ferries with smaller ferries, removal or lay-up of a ferry, and ultimately by route closure. Partly in order to counteract cyclical demand risk, a part of the freight ferry fleet is chartered to enhance cost flexibility. For land transport activities, the share of inhouse haulage capacity varies according to the nature of transported goods and customer requirements.
Risk assessment: 2024 ferry and logistics earnings were reduced by Europe's economic slowdown as price decreases in certain markets were not adequately offset by proportionate cost adjustments. The low-growth macro environment is overall expected to continue in 2025 and this may sustain pricing and margin pressures.
Risk description: Information technology systems and platforms are essential to daily operations. Disruptions to vital systems can significantly compromise operations and hence customer relations and earnings. Such disruptions could be inadvertent loss of data, cyber-incidents leading to critical system shutdowns, or information security risks related to management of passenger and freight customer data.
Mitigation strategies: IT disruption risk is mitigated by prioritisation of cyber security solutions, continuous system monitoring, backup systems, and standard operating procedures to restore system functionality. This includes ongoing updates to standard systems, regular testing of recovery processes, focus on identifying and preventing malware, multi-factor authentication, and network segmentation. Both internal and external resources are used to conduct awareness and security tests.
Risk assessment: 2024 saw an increase in the frequency of cyber attacks and the tools used by cyber criminals continue to become more advanced. The elevated risk was managed through groupwide awareness training, running of frequent tests and attack simulations, and investment in technologies to improve resilience. DFDS also participates in multiple cyber security networks to help increase industry knowledge and awareness. Cyber security risk levels are expected to remain high in 2025.
Risk description: Inability to meet climate regulations and stakeholder expectations could impact business opportunities negatively, entail fines, and lead to lasting reputational damage. The green transition of ferry operations relies on availability of green fuels at a scale that can support such operations. The green fuel supply development pace is therefore a risk. Green fuel prices currently entail extra costs and customer willingness to accept higher prices also poses a risk. Climate change may impact weather conditions and hence operational reliability. Regulatory impacts may vary between transport modes which could lead to volume shifts between transport modes, e.g. from sea to road. Green transition risks for road are lower as green technologies and fuels are available at scale and at more manageable price spread levels. The commercial viability of being a first mover in the green road transport transition however remains a substantial risk.
Mitigation strategies: The 'Moving to green' strategy sets decarbonisation targets for ferry, port terminal, road, and other activities towards 2030. Progress on ferry emission reductions, by far the largest emission type, is transparent as they are reported each quarter externally. Decarbonisation is achieved mainly through reduction of emissions from existing equipment, investments in new equipment powered by green fuels or electricity, e-truck charging facilities, and installation of solar cells on building rooftops to produce green electricity.
Risk assessment: Decarbonisation progress in 2024 was in line with targets. Following higher cost levels, several energy producers have closed or postponed green fuel projects during 2024. A lack of green fuel availability may delay ferry emission reductions towards 2030. Availability of ammonia is currently the primary delay risk while availability of electricity (for the two planned Channel e-ferries) and methanol for ferries is expected to support the ferry new-building projects set towards 2030. Decarbonisation targets for 2025 are overall expected to be fulfilled.
Reputational damage, claims, and fines
Risk description: Compliance with national and international regulations is a prerequisite to operate. Regulations include tax, customs, VAT, privacy, sanctions, anti-bribery, and competition law. Such regulations are continuously updated adding complexity and internal resources to ensure compliance. Non-adherence to regulations could lead to penalties, jeopardise operating licenses in some markets, and entail reputational damage. This, in turn, could adversely affect customer and other stakeholder relationships.
Mitigation strategies: We always strive to adhere to the regulations of the countries where we operate. Compliance is ensured by close collaboration between Group functions and local business units to monitor and review our business. Our Code of Conduct and internal training programs are increasing awareness and a whistle-blower function is available for internal reporting of potential non-compliance behaviour and events. Risks associated with passenger data are mitigated through internal controls and strict adherence to rules and regulations governing information security.
Risk assessment: With the increasing geographic and product footprint beyond previous core markets additional risks will follow as a consequence of local laws and practices adding to an already complex set of compliance regimes. We endeavour to manage these risks through a combination of centralised screenings, using third-party tools, increasing awareness through internal campaigns, and education through e-learning programs. The measures include a combination of mandatory trainings and additional offerings and a combination of corporate resources and local market knowledge. We therefore see our efforts increasing in proportion to the increased complexity in our compliance environment.
6. Employees Retention, attraction, and diversity
Risk description: A skilled, dedicated, and diverse workforce is pivotal to meet customer and other stakeholder expectations. High levels of employment in Europe underpin elevated competition for retention and attraction of employees. This entails risks related to continuity as well rising recruitment and onboarding costs. Wage inflation above general inflation levels represents a risk as such increases may not fully be recovered through price increases to customers due to market conditions.
Mitigation strategies: A key objective for the 'Great place to work' strategy is to enable retention and attraction of employees through focus on safety and welfare, diversity and inclusion, and engaging leadership. Continued progress on safety and welfare is of particular importance as ferries, port terminals, warehouses, and heavy-duty trucks are dangerous workplaces. An active approach to employer branding, including growing relationships with educational institutions, also support employee retention and attraction. Moreover, internal development and leadership programs provide development opportunities.
Risk assessment: In 2024, the retention of employees was assessed to be in line with ambitions as the voluntary turnover is below the European market average. At the same time our ability to attract and recruit competent candidates is increasing. Despite these positive elements, the scarcity of qualified resources continues to be a general challenge with certain regions and competences more impacted than others. Our focus on a high-quality onboarding process for new employees, engagement, and leadership is set to underpin talent attraction and key employee retention during 2025.
Risk description: Digitisation is a strategic enabler for DFDS underpinning competitive customer solutions and continuous improvement of operational efficiency. Failure to keep up with industry standards would entail both commercial and cost control risks. The emergence of new digital transport and logistics business models/platforms entail similar risks as they seek to perform a mediating role for transport planning between manufacturers and end users. Autonomous vehicles, vessels, and terminal operations may lead to disruptions that could result in negative commercial and earnings impacts.
Mitigation strategies: Through continual development and expansion of digital self-service offerings and mirroring of competitive alternatives we endeavour to always provide customers with competitive solutions. This includes improved integration between own platforms to ease access and usage for both customers and employees. Certain systems are now also capable of using of real time data in daily operations. Solution improvements are developed both inhouse and in partnership with external leading digital providers to keep us abreast of the digital transition.
Risk assessment: Our ferry and logistics activities are not assessed to face digital disruptions in the short- and mid-term. Transport services, especially the FTL-segment, are today exposed to increased competition from digital platforms as especially customers with large transport flows use such platforms to manage and tender transport lanes. There were no material disruptions in 2024 from emerging autonomous technologies, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and automation. In 2025, competitors are expected to continue to introduce incremental solution improvements but no major disruptions are foreseen.
DFDS has one class of shares. The share capital at the end of 2024 was DKK 1,159m comprising 57,969,597 shares, each with a nominal value of DKK 20. The share capital was reduced by DKK 13.2m in 2024 following cancellation of 661,981 shares in March 2024.
The DFDS share is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. In 2024, a total of 63.4m DFDS shares were traded on all trading markets equal to an annual turnover of DKK 11.6bn compared to DKK 9.3bn in 2023. The average daily turnover was DKK 43.4m compared to DKK 37.1m in 2023. The DFDS share is part of Nasdaq's Large Cap index.
DFDS' share price was DKK 133.5 at year-end 2024, a decrease of 40.1% compared to year-end 2023. By comparison, the Danish stock market's industrials index increased 15.6% in 2024. The market value at the end of 2024 was DKK 7.2bn excluding treasury shares.
The total distribution yield of the DFDS share was 8.2% in 2024 following dividend payments and a share buyback totalling DKK 599m.
The starting point for determining the level of capital distribution to shareholders is the current and expected future financial leverage measured as the ratio between NIBD and EBITDA. The overall target leverage is a ratio between 2.0x and 3.0x.
NIBD/EBITDA was 3.9x at year-end 2024 compared to 2023. For shorter periods, leverage can move outside the range due to special events, e.g. strategic acquisitions.
Capital is distributed through dividend and share buybacks. Whether capital is in excess is assessed based on the leverage target as well as future earnings prospects and investment requirements.
In 2024, DKK 431m was distributed through a share buyback under the Safe Harbour rules that started on 12 February 2024 and ended on 29 November 2024. A total of 2,312,185 shares were acquired through the program.
In addition, a dividend of DKK 168m equal to DKK 3.00 per share was paid in March 2024.
The Board of Directors proposes that no capital is distributed in 2025 as financial leverage is expected to exceed the target leverage range through the year.
At the end of 2024, DFDS had 25,235 registered shareholders that owned 92.7% of the share capital. Lauritzen Fonden Holding was the largest shareholder with a holding of 40.4% of the total share capital at the end of 2024.
The aim of investor relations (IR) is to facilitate a continual dialogue with the financial community, primarily institutional investors and analysts.
Key events during the year are quarterly reports, conference calls, and roadshows to present strategic and financial results. Monthly ferry volume figures are moreover released through the year.
Management and IR participate at investor conferences, roadshows, and meetings with investors and analysts between quarters. There is a silent period of four weeks prior to the release of quarterly reports.
| Lauritzen Fonden Holding1 | 40.4 |
|---|---|
| Institutional shareholders | 30.9 |
| Other registered shareholders | 14.6 |
| Treasury shares | 6.8 |
| Non-registered shareholders | 7.3 |
| Total | 100.0 |
| No. of shares | No. of shareholders | % of share capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1-50 | 10,456 | 0.5% |
| 51-500 | 11,565 | 3.9% |
| 501-5,000 | 2,859 | 7.1% |
| 5,001-50,000 | 288 | 7.8% |
| 50,001- | 67 | 80.7% |
| Total2 | 25,235 | 100.0% |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share price, DKK | |||||
| Price at year-end | 134 | 223 | 256 | 349 | 275 |
| Price, high | 234 | 291 | 356 | 400 | 325 |
| Price, low | 123 | 195 | 194 | 262 | 134 |
| Market value year-end, DKK m | 7,208 | 12,557 | 14,703 | 20,038 | 15,772 |
| No. of shares year-end, m | 58.0 | 58.6 | 58.6 | 58.6 | 58.6 |
| No. of circulating shares year-end, m | 54.0 | 56.3 | 57.3 | 57.4 | 57.3 |
| Distribution to shareholders, DKK m | |||||
| Dividend paid per share, DKK | 3.00 | 5.00 | 8.00 | - | - |
| Total dividend paid ex. treasury | |||||
| shares | 168 | 281 | 461 | - | - |
| Buyback of shares | 431 | 300 | - | - | - |
| Total distribution to shareholders | 599 | 581 | 461 | - | - |
| FCFE yield, % | 13.1 | 13.4 | 5.6 | 5.2 | 2.6 |
| Total distribution yield, % | 8.2 | 4.6 | 3.1 | - | - |
| Cash payout ratio, % | 62.6 | 21.0 | 55.9 | - | - |
| Shareholder return | |||||
| Share price change, % | -40.1 | -13.0 | -26.5 | 26.8 | 3.1 |
| Dividend return, % | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.3 | - | - |
| Total shareholder return, % | -38.8 | -11.1 | -24.2 | 26.8 | 3.1 |
| Share valuation | |||||
| Equity per share, DKK | 256 | 245 | 227 | 199 | 183 |
| Price/book value, times | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
1
With reference to §38 in the Danish Capital Markets Act, Lauritzen Foundation domiciled in Copenhagen, Denmark, has notified DFDS A/S that it holds more than 5% of the share capital and voting rights of the company.
Total of registered shareholders.
→ Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, VP, Investor Relations (IR) T +45 3342 3359 [email protected]
→ Shareholder's secretariat [email protected]
DFDS share price and trading volume, 2024


Carnegie Dan Togo Jensen T +45 3288 0245 [email protected]
Danske Bank Markets Ulrik Bak (from 1 March 2025)
Nordea Lars Heindorff T +45 5376 6054 [email protected]m
RBC Capital Markets Ruairi Cullinane T +44 207 002 2275 [email protected]
SEB Equities Kristian Godiksen (from 1 March 2025) T +45 53 69 92 41 [email protected]

Claus V. Hemmingsen (1962) Chair / 5,000 shares
Position: Owner and Managing Director, CVH Consulting ApS Joined Board: 29 March 2012 Re-elected: 2013-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees
Chair: HusCompagniet A/S, Innargi Holding A/S (and one wholly-owned subsidiary), Rambøll A/S.
Board member: A.P. Møller Holding A/S, A.P. Møller og Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond til almene Formaal, Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Fonden Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Global Maritime Forum Fonden and Noble Corporation Plc.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that Claus V. Hemmingsen possesses the following special competences: International, commercial, and operational management experience and expertise in shipping, offshore, and oil & gas activities, including HSSE & Sustainability, M&A, capital markets, and non-executive directorships.
Claus V. Hemmingsen has been a member of the Board of Directors for more than 12 years and cannot therefore be considered independent according to the Recommendations on Corporate Governance.

Klaus Nyborg (1963) Vice Chair / 825 shares
Position: Managing director, Return ApS Joined Board: 31 March 2016 Re-elected: 2017-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees
Chair: Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S, Bunker Holding A/S, Uni-Tankers A/S, Bawat A/S, Moscord Pte. Ltd., Singapore and Chairman of The Investment Committee of Maritime Investment Fund I K/S and Fund II K/S.
& Trading Company. Board member: Karen og Poul F. Hansens
Familiefond, Norchem A/S, X-Press Feeders Ltd.
Klaus Nyborg possesses the following special competences: International management and board experience from i.a. listed shipping companies and suppliers to the shipping industry, and expertise in strategy, M&A, finance, and risk management.

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees Board meeting participation: 6/6 Committee participation: 6/6
positions in other companies.
Minna Aila has no managerial or executive
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that Minna Aila possesses the following special competences: international management, as well as expertise in sustainability, public affairs, branding, and communication.
Minna Aila (1966) Board member / 170 shares
Position: Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Brand, Konecranes. Joined the board: 23 March 2022 Re-elected: 2023-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that

Anders Götzsche (1967) Board member / 3,500 shares
Position: Executive Vice President and CFO, VELUX A/S Joined the board: 19 March 2018 Re-elected: 2018-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
Chair of the Audit Committee
Board meeting participation: 9/9 Committee participation: 6/6 Chair: Rosborg Møbler A/S
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that Anders Götzsche possesses the following special competences: International management and board experience, expertise in finance and accounting as well as M&A.

Marianne Henriksen (1961) Board member (staff representative) / 125 shares
Joined the board: 23 March 2022 Re-elected: n.a. Period of office ends: AGM 2026
Marianne Henriksen has no managerial or executive positions in other companies.

Kristian Kristensen (1967) Board member (staff representative) / 115 shares
Joined the board: 23 March 2022 Re-elected: n.a. Period of office ends: AGM 2026
Board meeting participation: 9/9
Kristian Kristensen has no managerial or executive positions in other companies.

Jill Lauritzen Melby (1958) Board member / 4,735 shares
Joined the board: 18 April 2001 Re-elected: 2002-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
Member of the Audit Committee
Jill Lauritzen Melby has no managerial or executive positions in other companies.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that Jill Lauritzen Melby possesses the following special competences: Expertise in financial control.
Due to family relations to the company's principal shareholder, Lauritzen Fonden, Jill Lauritzen Melby cannot be considered independent according to the Recommendations on Corporate Governance.

Dirk Reich (1963) Board member / 0 shares
Joined the board: 1 July 2019 Re-elected: 2020-2024 Period of office ends: AGM 2025
Member of the Audit Committee Board meeting participation: 9/9
Committee participation: 6/6 Chair: Log-hub AG, R+R Holding AG, R+R International Aviation AG.
Board member: Die Schweizerische Post AG.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that Dirk Reich possesses the following special competences: International management and board experience, as well as expertise in international logistics activities.

Lars Skjold-Hansen (1965) Board member (staff representative) / 1,030 shares
Joined the board: 22 March 2013 Re-elected: 2014-2022 Period of office ends: AGM 2026
Board meeting participation: 9/9
Lars Skjold-Hansen has no managerial or executive positions in other companies.

Torben Carlsen (1965) President & CEO / 139,676 shares
Appointed: 1 May 2019 (previously CFO of DFDS since 1 June 2009)
Chair: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners: CI II, CI III and CI IV K/S. Gro Capital Partners: Fund I and II K/S. Chair of the Investment Committees, Danish Shipping. Board member: Royal Unibrew A/S.

Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen (1971) EVP & CFO / 5,440 shares
Appointed: 1 July 2024 Board member and Chair of Audit Committee: Green Hydrogen Systems.
• Torben Carlsen (1965) President & CEO
MSc (Finance) Employed by DFDS since 2009
MSc (IT) Employed since 2020 • Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen (1971) Executive Vice President & CFO
MSc (BA/Jur) Employed since 2024
• Niklas Andersson (1973) Executive Vice President, Logistics Division
Marketing, IHM Business School Employed since 2012
• Anne-Christine Ahrenkiel (1970) Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer
MSc (Scient. pol.), Bachelor in French/Italian Employed since 2019

The purpose of the Remuneration Report is to present a transparent and comprehensive overview of the remuneration of DFDS' Executive Board and Board of Directors ('Board') in 2024. The report is aligned with DFDS' Remuneration Policy and with the requirements of Section 139b of the Danish Company Act. Moreover, the remuneration is aligned with the Recommendations on Corporate Governance issued by the Danish Committee on Corporate Governance.
The Remuneration Committee ('Committee') conducted three ordinary meetings in 2024, reflecting the planned annual cycle of activities, plus two ad-hoc meetings in January and August 2024.
In 2024, the Committee, among other things, prepared the 2024 Remuneration Report, and reviewed and updated the Remuneration Policy due for a binding vote at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
The Committee also engaged in discussions on the future design of incentive plans, including target setting and evaluation principles for the shortterm incentive and the choice of instruments used in the long-term incentive programme.
The remuneration policy aims at enabling an appropriate remuneration package for the Executive Board and the Board to ensure that DFDS can attract, engage, and retain the right profiles for executive roles.
The key objectives of the remuneration policy are shown in the table to the right.
The full remuneration policy is available at dfds.com/en/about/governance-and-policies.
| What | Purpose | What and how much |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fee – Board | To remunerate in relation to the scope and complexity of work similar to fees in comparable listed companies. |
Board members: Base fee. Chair: Three times the Base Fee. Vice Chair: Two times the Base Fee. Directors acceding or resigning during an election period will receive a pro rata share of the annual fees. |
| Base Fee – Committee | Same as above. | Chair of the Audit Committee: 2/3 of the Base Fee. Other members of the Audit Committee: 1/3 of the Base Fee. Chair of the Remuneration Committee: 2/15 of the Base Fee. Chair of the Nomination Committee: 2/15 of the Base Fee. Other members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee: 2/15 of the Base Fee. |
| Ad hoc Fee | To remunerate for additional ad-hoc task if agreed by the Board of Directors. |
Fixed fee as per agreement with the Board. To be presented in the notes to the annual report and/or the remuneration report. |
| Contributions and expenses |
To cover social security taxes imposed by foreign authorities on such fees. To reimburse expenses incurred by the Directors in connection with board and/or committee meetings. |
Reasonable contributions and expenses subject to approval from the Remuneration Committee. |
| Insurance | To provide the Directors with insurance. | The Directors are covered by a customary D&O insurance policy with coverage deemed sufficient by the Board of Directors in relation to the size and nature of the business of DFDS. To the extent that insurance coverage proves insufficient DFDS may in certain cases cover additional claims. |
| Pension | None | None |
| Incentive plan | None | Employee-elected members of the Board may receive incentive pay in their capacity as employees of DFDS. |
| Component | Purpose | Link to performance | Size/value of component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | Recognise market value, the nature of the role in terms of scale, complexity and responsibility and the Executive Board members' experience, sustained performance, and contribution. |
Indirectly linked to DFDS' performance through the Executive Board member's sustained performance level. |
No pre-defined maximum salary level but determined according to 'Purpose' (ref. explanation to the left). |
| Short-term incentive |
Reward the achievement of DFDS' annual goals guided by the long-term business strategy. |
Divided between the following performance areas: 1. DFDS' financial performance (e.g., ROIC, Profit before Tax), at least 60% 2. DFDS' strategic and personal performance (e.g., sustainability, transformation). |
Target: 40% of annual base salary. Maximum: 80% of annual base salary. Performance area 1 is evaluated based on meeting the financial targets, whereas 2 is based on a discretionary assessment by the Board. Information on measures in any given year will be outlined in the relevant annual remuneration report. |
| Long-term incentive |
Reward the achievement of DFDS' long-term goals through share-based instruments and support executive retention. |
Directly linked to the stock market performance of DFDS through the share price development. |
LTI awards can be awarded up to a maximum of 80% of annual base salary |
| Pension | Provide for the Executive Board members' pension related needs. |
N/A | Equal to level of contributions made for Danish DFDS salaried employees (currently 10% of the annual base salary). |
| Benefits | Provide for the Executive Board members' work-related equipment. |
N/A | E.g., company car, free telephone/ other devices, domestic broadband access, newspapers. |
| Termination | Apply termination conditions to the Executive Board member aligned with general market conditions for the role. |
N/A | Executive Board member: Six months' notice in case of resignation. DFDS: Twelve months' notice in case of termination. |


SCO
ɿ The link between sea and land
IS
Before and after a ship arrives, our terminals are buzzing with activity. In Immingham, every week our terminal workers handle thousands of trailers. With seven berths, rail connections, over 60,000 sqm of warehousing space, plus bespoke project cargo capabilities, the port can handle different kinds of vessels and cargo, including massive special cargo projects and steel coils.
ES "This is a big operation. But our focus remains razor-sharp on all the details so we can continuously improve our processes. We use digital tools and data to help us make the best decisions, including real-time operational data visible across the terminal. Next on the agenda is to start using AI tools for yard optimisation", says Jonathan Lowden, Director of Operations, Immingham.
Port terminals: DFDS operates and/or owns eight port terminals of which most have rail connections and storage facilities.
MAR
MAR
CH "This is a big operation. But our focus remains razor-sharp on all the details."
— Jonathan Lowden, Director of Operations
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This year marks a significant step forward in corporate sustainability reporting with the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). For the first time, DFDS has prepared its sustainability disclosures in accordance with this new regulatory framework, reflecting our commitment to enhanced transparency and alignment with the latest regulatory requirements.
The Sustainability Statement encompasses our CSRD reporting; a comprehensive approach to reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. It goes beyond traditional sustainability reporting by following a structured framework based on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These standards ensure consistency, comparability, and a holistic perspective on how sustainability is integrated into our governance, strategy, and operations.
Unlike previous sustainability disclosures, the CSRD emphasises both our impact on the environment and society and how sustainability factors affect our business performance and resilience. This dual focus, known as the double materiality principle, is central to the directive's purpose and is reflected throughout this statement.
DFDS has adopted a foundational approach, choosing to focus on the mandatory disclosure requirements for the 2024 reporting year. Comparative figures for prior years are not included, a choice made in order to ensure alignment with the new framework, and establish a consistent and reliable baseline for future reporting. However, for the EU Taxonomy reporting, comparative figures are included. Moving forward in coming years, we will include comparative data, which will further enhance our disclosures.
We have chosen to exclude voluntary or phase-in disclosures in 2024. Looking ahead, we will include the phase-in disclosures when applicable, and where relevant, include voluntary standards.
The following pages outline our governance structures, sustainability strategies, and key metrics, providing a clear and detailed account of our approach to managing impacts, risks, and opportunities in the evolving ESG landscape. This section is designed to offer valuable insights for stakeholders seeking a deeper understanding of our sustainability journey and its alignment with global sustainability goals.
This section serves as our mandatory statement on sustainability, cf. Section 99a in the Danish Financial Statements Act.
This report integrates the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements through the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) developed by EFRAG. Recognising the breadth of new elements in this sustainability statement, we have provided the following guide to help our readers navigate the content:
| Element | Example | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section Headers | ESRS 2 General | Indicates the specific European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS) being addressed. |
|
| Sub-Section Header |
BP-1 General basis for | Refers to the specific reporting requirement under the sub-topic. |
|
| Supplementary Subheadings |
Time horizons | Additional titles or descriptive labels that are included under the sub-section header to provide further context or highlight specific focus areas within the sub-section. |
|
| Disclosure Requirement (DR) |
Refers to the specific reporting requirement paragraph number under the sub-topic. This defines the exact information the company must disclose to meet ESRS standards. |
||
| The following options for expressing the specific reporting requirement paragraph numbers exist in our statement: |
|||
| Single Paragraph DR Reference |
5c | A single paragraph reference within a subsection. | |
| Consecutive Paragraph DR Reference |
9a-b | A consecutive paragraph reference within a subsection. In such cases, the reporting requirements can be combined and addressed together. |
|
| Combination of DR References |
29b, d | A combination of non-consecutive data points from different parts of the subsection. In such cases, the reporting requirements can be combined and addressed together. |

| ESRS standard | DR | Description | Page number |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS 2 | BP-1 | General basis for preparation of sustainability statement | Page 67 |
| BP-2 | Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances | Page 67 | |
| GOV-1 | The role of the administrative, management and supervisory bodies | Page 68 | |
| GOV-2 | Information provided to and sustainability matters addressed by the undertaking's administrative, management and supervisory bodies | Page 69 | |
| GOV-3 | Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes | Page 69 | |
| GOV-4 | Statement on due diligence | Page 70 | |
| GOV-5 | Risk management and internal controls over sustainability reporting | Page 67 | |
| SBM-1 | Strategy, business model and value chain | Page 71 | |
| SBM-2 | Interests and view of stakeholders | Page 73 | |
| SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks, and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 77 | |
| IRO-1 | Description of the process to identify and assess material impacts, risks and opportunities | Page 75 | |
| IRO-2 | Disclosure requirements in ESRS covered by the undertaking's sustainability statement | Page 65 | |
| E1.GOV-3 | Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes | Page 88 | |
| E1-1 | Transition plan for climate change mitigation | Page 83 | |
| E1.SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks, and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 85 | |
| E1.IRO-1 | Description of the processes to identify and assess material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities | Page 86 | |
| E1 | E1-2 | Policies related to climate change mitigation and adaption | Page 84 |
| E1-3 | Actions and resources in relation to climate change policies | Page 87 | |
| E1-4 | Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaption | Page 89 | |
| E1-5 | Energy consumption and mix | Page 93 | |
| E1-6 | Gross Scopes 1,2,3, and Total GHG emissions | Page 94 | |
| E2 | E2.IRO-1 | Description of the processes to identify and assess material pollution-related impacts, risks and opportunities | Page 97 |
| E2-1 | Policies related to pollution | Page 97 | |
| E2-2 | Actions and resources related to pollution | Page 97 | |
| E2-3 | Targets related to pollution | Page 98 | |
| E2-4 | Pollution of air | Page 98 | |
| E4 | E4.SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 101 |
| E4.IRO-1 | Description of processes to identify and assess material biodiversity and ecosystem-related impacts, risks and opportunities | Page 100 | |
| E4-2 | Policies related to biodiversity and ecosystems | Page 100 | |
| E4-3 | Actions and resources related to biodiversity and ecosystems | Page 100 | |
| E4-4 | Targets related to biodiversity and ecosystems | Page 101 | |
| E4-5 | Impact metrics related to biodiversity and ecosystems change | Page 101 |
| ESRS standard | DR | Description | Page number |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S1.SBM.2 | Interests and views of stakeholders | Page 73 |
| S1-SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 110 | |
| S1-1 | Policies related to own workforce | Page 110 | |
| S1-2 | Processes for engaging with own workforces and worker's representatives about impacts | Page 111 | |
| S1-3 | Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for own workforce to raise concerns | Page 111 | |
| S1-4 | Taking action on material impacts on own workforce, and approaches to managing material risks and pursuing material opportunities related to own workforce, and effectiveness of those actions | Page 112 | |
| S1-5 | Targets related to managing material negative impacts, advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks and opportunities | Page 113 | |
| S1-6 | Characteristics of the undertaking's employees | Page 114 | |
| S1-8 | Collective bargaining coverage and social dialogue | Page 115 | |
| S1-9 | Diversity metrics | Page 116 | |
| S1-10 | Adequate wages | Page 116 | |
| S1-14 | Health and safety metrics | Page 117 | |
| S1-16 | Remuneration metrics (pay gap and total remuneration) | Page 118 | |
| S1-17 | Incidents, complaints and severe human rights impacts | Page 118 | |
| S2.SBM-2 | Interests and views of stakeholders | Page 73 | |
| S2.SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 120 | |
| S2-1 | Policies related to value chain workers | Page 120 | |
| S2 | S2-2 | Processes for engaging with value chain workers about impacts | Page 121 |
| S2-3 | Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for value chain workers to raise concerns | Page 121 | |
| S2-4 | Taking action on material impacts on value chain workers, and approaches to managing material risks and pursuing material opportunities related to value chain workers, and effectiveness of those action | Page 122 | |
| S2-5 | Targets related to managing material negative impacts, advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks and opportunities | Page 122 | |
| S4.SBM-2 | Interests and views of stakeholders | Page 73 | |
| S4.SBM-3 | Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model | Page 124 | |
| S4-1 | Policies related to consumers and end-users | Page 124 | |
| S4 | S4-2 | Processes for engaging with consumers and end-users about impacts | Page 125 |
| S4-3 | Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for consumers and end-users to raise concerns | Page 125 | |
| S4-4 | Taking actions on material impacts on consumers and end-users, and approaches to managing material risks and pursuing material opportunities related to consumers and end-users, and effectiveness of those actions. | Page 125 | |
| S4-5 | Targets related to managing material negative impacts, advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks and opportunities | Page 125 | |
| G1 | G1.GOV-1 | The role of the administrative, supervisory and management bodies | Page 128 |
| G1.IRO-1 | Description of the processes to identify and assess material impacts, risks, and opportunities | Page 128 | |
| G1-1 | Business conduct policies and corporate culture | Page 128 | |
| G1-2 | Management of relationships with suppliers | Page 129 | |
| G1-3 | Prevention and detection of corruption and bribery | Page 129 | |
| G1-4 | Incidents of corruption or bribery | Page 130 | |
| G1-6 | Payment practices | Page 130 |
5a-bii The sustainability statement for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 has been prepared according to the requirements of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and EFRAG's European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Information in the sustainability statement has been prepared on the same consolidated basis as DFDS A/S' 2024 financial statements; the consolidated quantitative CSRD data comprises the parent company DFDS A/S and the subsidiaries it controls. The Group does not have material associates.
5c The sustainability statement includes the majority of DFDS' value chain with regard to impacts, risks, and opportunities. The reporting covers DFDS' value chain from the point our customer's goods start their transportation journey until they are delivered. Thus, any resource extraction or manufacturing of goods in the upstream and any use of transported goods by end-users are deemed outside the boundaries of reporting.
In the double materiality assessment (DMA), we recognise potential impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) in activities that are currently outside our boundaries. As part of the DMA review process, we will reassess the boundaries annually to ensure that it is reflective of our business and our responsibilities.
5d-e In regard to intellectual property and knowhow, we have not omitted any information. The report does not include matters in the course of negotiation, unless these have already been publicly disclosed and are deemed relevant to report.
9a-b In the CSRD report, time horizons are defined as follows: Short-term is up to 1 year, medium-term is 1-5, and long-term 5+ years. The definition is aligned to the time horizons applied in DFDS' enterprise risk management (ERM) system.
10a-d Estimates and judgements used in reporting are reassessed on a yearly basis. We use a spend-based approach for our Scope 3 reporting, in which carbon emissions are estimated based on the categorisation of invoices. Please see the descriptions in the accounting policies in each section for more detailed information on the estimations. Changes in estimates are described in the period in which the estimated data is revised.
11a Where quantitative metrics and monetary amounts are subject to uncertainty, it is be mentioned and included in our accounting policies. This also includes any assumptions, approximations, and judgements made for measurements. In the 2024 report we have identified no metrics subject to a high-level of uncertainty.
In November 2024, DFDS acquired the Turkish logistics company, Ekol Logistics. Key ESG metrics from Ekol's operations have been incorporated into this report for the period from 15 November to 31 December, 2024.
Given that Ekol has similar operations to DFDS in terms of activities and geography, it has been assessed that the double materiality assessment (DMA) already performed for DFDS at the time of acquisition is adequate.
An estimation has been utilised on part of our Q4 Scope 3 spend data, due to the liquidation of a spend consolidation tool, which has been utilised for past reporting, and in Q1-Q3 of this year.
15 The sustainability statement is based on the ESRS reporting requirements, as well as the EU taxonomy requirements. The other standardised framework for reporting includes the use of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for our ESRS E1 reporting on GHG emissions. We utilise the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework for our ESRS E1 risk scenario analysis.
DFDS has been a proud signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015 and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 13 - Climate Action, 14 - Life Below Water, 15 - Life on Land, 3 - Good Health, 5 - Gender Equality, and 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. We are guided by these SDGs when defining ESG strategy and utilise them as a framework and inspiration for driving positive impact and fostering engagement across our operations.
Six UN Sustainable Development Goals are material to our ESG strategy

36a-b To mitigate risks and ensure clear controls in sustainability reporting under the CSRD, DFDS established a dedicated CSRD Reporting Team within Group Finance. The team interprets the CSRD requirements, ensuring a uniform approach across all components. The scope encompasses the entire CSRD. The risk assessment approach for sustainability reporting is an internal process within the CSRD Reporting Team.
36c The key risks identified for sustainability reporting and their mitigation strategies are as follows:
and processes used for sea versus land operations can lead to data quality risks. To mitigate the risk, we have ensured that different data collection methods are designed for land and sea operations to ensure accurate data inputs exist from both sources.
• Systems and alignment: A current risk related to sustainability reporting is the reliance on manual reporting methods. A long-term mitigation plan is based on the implementation of a system for all sustainability reporting.
36d The findings of the risk assessment and internal controls have led to an increased emphasis on training prior to reporting. We ensure that the functions responsible for reporting receive sufficient information to perform the task along with support during reporting processes by the CSRD Reporting Team. As data is delivered, the CSRD Reporting Team performs internal controls.
36e The first year of sustainability reporting established a baseline understanding of sustainability reporting risks for DFDS. The Audit Committee (AC) and the Board of Directors oversee these risks, ensuring adequate supervisory functions. Both the Board of Directors and the AC were periodically informed about the reporting status, risk assessments, and internal controls relating to CSRD reporting. These supervisory functions will continue.
21a-b, d-e The table beside provides an overview of key quantitative metrics related to Board of Directors composition, gender diversity, and independence, reflecting our efforts to ensure a balanced and inclusive governance structure.
21c The AGM-elected members of the DFDS' Board of Directors and the Executive Management possess a range of experience relevant to the sectors, products, and geographic locations in which the undertaking operates.
Claus V. Hemmingsen has experience as the former CEO of Maersk Drilling and was Vice CEO of A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S, bringing significant leadership in global logistics and maritime industries.
Klaus Nyborg brings expertise from his role as CEO of Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd., with extensive knowledge in international shipping and transport logistics.
Minna Aila contributes expertise in sustainability, public affairs, and corporate relations, which are crucial for managing the company's reputation and engagement in various markets.
Anders Götzsche and Dirk Reich have relevant experience in finance and international logistics, essential for the financial oversight and operational efficiency of the company in diverse markets.
| Metric | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Executive Members |
The Executive Management consists of two executive members, the CEO and CFO. The Board of Directors consists of nine non executive members of which six are AGM-elected |
||
| Number of Non-Executive Members |
|||
| Representation of employees |
The Board of Directors consists of three staff representatives. |
||
| Board of Directors Gender Diversity Ratio |
The strategic focus areas on diversity is mirrored in the Board of Directors. Diversity in the board is measured in terms of gender and nationality and on both parameters the target of equality is met. In 2024, the representation of women was maintained at 33%, as was the share of |
||
| non-Danish directors. | |||
| Percentage of Independent Board Members |
Four out of six AGM elected directors (67%) are independent which is unchanged from last year. |
Jill Lauritzen Melby has extensive background in finance and accounting, supporting the company's need for financial acumen across different markets.
These members collectively cover a wide array of competencies, including international management, sustainability, public affairs, financial oversight, and logistics, all of which are critical to the company's global operations and diverse market presence.
22a In DFDS, the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight of sustainability. The Board of Directors reviews the overall sustainability approach, the methodology and outcome of the DMA, targets and performance in the approval of the annual sustainability report. The AC has a special focus on the governance, internal controls, and procedures related to sustainability reporting, and the Remuneration Committee oversees the ESG incentives for the Executive Management. The work in both committees inform and supplement the Board of Directors oversight.
22b The rules of procedure of the Board of Directors specifies compliance and risk management in the list of tasks. The AC charter includes responsibility for sustainability reporting.
22c The Executive Management Team (EMT) ensures executive ownership of the ESG agenda and is actively involved in selecting sustainability priorities and driving implementation of related action plans. Prior to the Board of Directors approval, the EMT reviews the results of the DMA. The DMA and resulting IROs are facilitated by the CSRD Reporting Team. The methodology and outcome is presented to the EMT for their review and approval. The management's role has not been delegated to a specific position or committee, and no dedicated controls of procedures have yet been applied.
22d As for the sustainability reporting in general, the Board of Directors has ultimate oversight of target setting and the progress on targets. Target setting originates from the division or function responsible for the IROs the target relates to. The EMT reviews and decides on proposed targets and monitors the progress towards them on an ongoing basis.
23 The EMT ensures appropriate skills and expertise in sustainability matters in key positions in DFDS and mandate the utilisation of external expertise as needed. In some areas, the EMT has formed boards or committees to ensure the cross-functional expertise needed for those areas.
23a-b The key sustainability-related expertise deemed relevant in DFDS and in alignment with the identified IROs include: decarbonisation, health & safety, people matters related to own workforce, responsible procurement, biodiversity, and sustainability reporting. The EMT and the Board of Directors meet regularly with in-house
experts including the VP of Decarbonisation, the Director of Sustainability, and the Head of CSRD Reporting, and can thereby determine the appropriateness of the expertise in these functions.
26 The Board of Directors work in accordance with the company's articles of association, the rules of procedure of the Board of Directors as well as an established annual cycle of focus areas to ensure that all major governance aspects are reviewed at least once annually. The Board of Directors approve the ESG strategy as part of the corporate strategy and is actively involved in the approval of long-term targets.
As a part of its strategy review, the Board of Directors reviewed DFDS' climate strategy and transition plans for the Ferry and Logistics Divisions, including the deployment of increasingly emission-friendly propulsion technologies. The Board of Directors is updated on strategic ESG topics and progress at least twice a year. Leading up to the first CSRD report for the financial year 2024, the Board of Directors, the AC and the EMT have received information more frequently. From 2025, the expectation is for each of the bodies to perform an annual review of the updated DMA and resulting IROs, including due diligence,
results and effectiveness of policies, actions, metrics, and targets.
From 2025, it is our ambition to establish closer ties between the IROs and strategic processes, due diligence processes for major transactions, and risk management in general. The full list of IROs has been reviewed and approved by management and the Board of Directors.
29a DFDS' remuneration policy sets forth the requirements in respect of the remuneration of the EMT and the Board of Directors. This includes the mandate for the Renumeration Committee, whose responsibility is to review and provide recommendations of the remuneration of the EMT and Board of Directors. The remuneration policy principles the remuneration design, the total remuneration by components, how each component supports the achievement of the strategy, and the longterm interest and sustainability of DFDS.
Total target remuneration is determined by the role, experience, skills, and sustained performance level, aligning with market practices and business needs. Short-term incentives are based on annual business performance metrics, while long-term incentives emphasise sustained value creation, and that benefits are tailored to
the position and local market. Remuneration is reviewed annually.
29b, d The CEO and CFO are the members of the EMT, who have specific ESG-related targets linked to their remuneration.
The CEO has short-term bonus incentives in which female representation, safety, and decarbonisation each have a 10% weight.
The CFO has a short-term ESG incentive which groups female representation, safety, and decarbonisation with a weight of 10%.
29c While ESG incentives are in place as outlined above, the specific target metrics are not published.
29e The Remuneration Committee is overall responsible for the annual review of the remuneration terms, including performance metrics applied to short-term incentives (content, weight, and scale to reflect the business priorities), and an annual review of the long-term incentive grant levels and terms in advance of grants being delivered. In addition, the policy is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure its appropriateness.

| Core elements of due diligence | Paragraphs in the sustainability statements | Page reference |
|---|---|---|
| a) Embedding due diligence in gover | ESRS 2 GOV-2 | Page 69 |
| nance, strategy and business model | ESRS 2 GOV-3 | Page 69 |
| ESRS 2 SBM-3 | Page 77 | |
| b) Engaging with affected stakeholders | ESRS 2 GOV-2 | Page 69 |
| in all key steps of the due diligence | ESRS 2 SBM-2 | Page 73 |
| ESRS 2 IRO-1 | Page 75 | |
| ESRS 2 GOV-3 | Page 69 | |
| G1-1 | Page 128 | |
| G1-3 | Page 129 | |
| G1-4 | Page 130 | |
| E1-2 | Page 84 | |
| E2-1 | Page 97 | |
| E4-2 | Page 100 | |
| S1-1 | Page 110 | |
| S2-1 | Page 120 | |
| S4-1 | Page 124 | |
| c) Identifying and assessing | ESRS 2 IRO-1 | Page 75 |
| adverse impacts | E1 IRO-1 | Page 86 |
| E2 IRO-1 | Page 97 | |
| E4 IRO-1 | Page 100 | |
| ESRS 2 SBM-3 | Page 77 | |
| E1 SBM-3 | Page 85 | |
| E4 SBM-3 | Page 101 | |
| S1 SBM-3 | Page 110 | |
| S2 SBM-3 | Page 120 | |
| S4 SBM-3 | Page 124 | |
| G1 IRO-1 | Page 128 | |
| d) Taking actions to address those | E1-3 | Page 87 |
| adverse impacts | E2-2 | Page 97 |
| E4-3 | Page 100 | |
| S1-4 | Page 112 | |
| S2-4 | Page 122 | |
| S4-4 | Page 125 | |
| e) Tracking the effectiveness of these | E1-4 | Page 89 |
| efforts and communicating | E2-3 | Page 98 |
| E4-4 | Page 101 | |
| S1-5 | Page 113 | |
| S2-5 | Page 122 | |
| S4-5 | Page 125 |
40ai-ii, e-f DFDS operates a comprehensive European transport network, moving goods via ferry, road, and rail while offering tailored logistics solutions. The Ferry Division runs fixed-schedule routes across five key regions: the North Sea, Mediterranean, Channel, Baltic Sea, and Strait of Gibraltar. Strategically located port terminals enhance freight services for forwarders, hauliers, and heavy goods manufacturers. Complementing this, the Logistics Division delivers door-to-door solutions, including full and part loads, temperature-controlled options, warehousing, and just-intime concepts, supported by DFDS' ferry routes and a European road, rail, and container network.
As part of the "Move Together Towards 2030" strategy, sustainability considerations are integrated into DFDS' corporate strategy, driving sustainable and responsible growth. Environmental, social, and governance principles are included in operations and strategic decisions, ensuring progress toward reducing environmental impact, fostering safety and inclusivity, and upholding transparency. This approach reflects DFDS' commitment to creating lasting value for stakeholders and the communities it serves.
In addition, sustainability is integral to our commercial operations, as we provide decarbonised transport solutions to customers through both
direct and indirect emission reductions across our route network.
40g There are a few challenges which DFDS faces in sustainability, especially within the green transition. In the ferry and logistics industry, we face challenges such as the availability of alternative fuels, technology, and infrastructure development. The limited availability of alternative fuels, the substantial investment and time required for new technologies, and the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades, especially in less developed regions, collectively pose significant challenges to transitioning away from traditional fossil fuels and achieving consistent operations across our network. Despite these challenges, DFDS remains committed to advancing our sustainability goals by actively exploring innovative solutions, and collaborating with industry partners.
The ferry and logistics industry face challenges on the social side as well, such as gender balance and safety due to the inherent nature of the industry. While we actively work towards improving gender diversity and can see positive changes, the transformation in achieving a more balanced gender split takes time. Safety remains an inherent risk in our industry, and we continuously strive to prioritise and enhance safety measures to protect our workforce.
45c, ci There have been no material changes to strategy or business model in the reporting year. The "Moving Together Towards 2030" strategy was introduced late 2023.
| Country | Employee headcount | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 3,828 | ||
| Türkiye | 3,251 | ||
| Denmark | 1,743 | ||
| Poland | 1,397 | ||
| France | 1,241 | ||
| Other | 5,976 | ||
| Total | 17,436 |
| DKK million | Revenue | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Division | 16,489 | ||
| Logistics Division | 13,253 | ||
| Non-allocated | 11 | ||
| Total | 29,753 |

45b, d Stakeholder engagement is a natural part of our day-to-day business. We engage and partner with suppliers and customers to rethink busito gain viable traction in the green transformation. Our people make the difference throughout the network, and it is through engagement with our people that we adapt operations to keep goods and people moving in continually changing circum-
ness processes and find new ways of collaborating
stances. We engage with the financial community, primarily institutional investors and analysts, as an ongoing dialogue facilitated by Investor Relations. The interests and views of all our stakeholders provide key inputs in our strategy processes, which in turn impacts our business model.
The EMT takes an active role in the stakeholder engagement. The Board of Directors are informed about the views and interests of stakeholders as part of the general strategy and risk management processes, and specifically for their approval of the DMA.
| Stakeholder | Engagement occurs | How it is organised | Purpose | Outcome taken into account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customers | Regular interaction | Account management and day-to-day interaction | Order fulfilment and customer satisfaction. Understanding the demand for green transport solutions. |
Customer feedback is used to improve our product offering |
| Employees | Regular interaction | Development activities, surveys, day-to-day interaction with manager |
To ensure employee wellbeing, engagement, and development |
Employee feedback lead to actions to ensure that DFDS is a great place to work |
| Investors and ESG analysts | Regular interaction | Interim reporting and ad hoc | Ensure transparent market communication and dialogue |
Investor feedback is part of the corporate decision making process |
| Regulators | Adherence to regulatory requirements | DFDS may consult regulators or consultants | Ensure understanding of regulatory matters | Changes in regulation or understanding thereof impacts business decisions, procedures, and reporting |
| NGOs | Regular interaction | Ad hoc meetings | Seeking information or collaboration on common goals |
NGO feedback informs projects and business decisions |
| ESG rating agencies | Annual interaction | Reporting on ESG frameworks | Create transparency and share DFDS ESG data | Demand for data and information informs our reporting practices |
| Peers and market | Regular interaction | Network activities and desk research | Knowledge sharing with peers on ESG matters and finding inspiration |
Peer feedback informs ESG strategy and reporting and may affect business decisions |
In line with ESRS requirements, DFDS conducted its first double materiality assessment (DMA), marking a significant milestone in our journey to align sustainability efforts with both stakeholder expectations and organisational priorities. This exercise not only reinforced the foundation of our existing ESG strategy but also expanded our understanding of the impacts and risks integral to our business operations, stakeholders, and the environment.
This first-of-its-kind assessment is built on our prior ESG risk evaluation methods. It introduced a broader perspective by integrating our impact considerations into a risk matrix. Recognising the pioneering nature of this effort, we adopted a relatively conservative scope and threshold for the DMA process. This approach ensures an accurate and reliable representation of our impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) as a baseline for continuous improvement in future assessments.
The DMA identified the most material topics, encompassing areas of importance to our stakeholders as well as those representing potential risks and opportunities for our operations. Notably, the highest-impact topics and risks identified (E1 and S1) are already embedded within our corporate risk management framework, emphasising their importance as core organisational risks.
While certain topics were assessed as having lower materiality in the current assessment, it is important to note that these are not regarded as unimportant. Rather, they are relatively less significant to our business at this stage compared to other IROs. We remain committed to monitoring these areas and reassessing their significance on an annual basis to adapt to evolving circumstances.
Our materiality matrix provides a high-level overview of the most critical topics resulting from the DMA. To ensure alignment with organisational objectives and stakeholder priorities, each ESRS topic was evaluated at a sub-topic level.
The following sections detail our methodology, providing transparency into our assessment process, and outline the detailed results for each topic identified through the DMA.


53a Our DMA process methodology is based on the guidance made available in the ESRS disclosure requirements. Our interpretation of the legislation guides the development of the process methodology, from the choices in stakeholder engagement to the threshold decisions. No preconceived assumptions were applied to the methodology or identification of IROs in our process.
We seek inputs from a variety of stakeholders, encompassing both internal and external perspectives, as we strive to consider as many viewpoints and considerations as possible. Our aspiration is to continue enlisting the collaboration and support between external and internal stakeholders simultaneously, to mitigate any potential biases and knowledge gaps in our process and inputs.
53b Our DMA process follows a four-step process, guided by the ESRS disclosure requirements. Where relevant, we ensure compatibility with our organisation's ways of working. The decision was made for impacts to be assessed on a general geographic scope.
For the initial step in our DMA process, we map out our business model and value chain. This enabled us to clearly identify our own operations versus those within our value chain. Consequently, each identified IROs can be categorised based on whether it originated from our own operations or the broader value chain.
To identify relevant stakeholders for the DMA analysis, we sought the input of external experts, including NGOs, relevant agencies, and unions. These experts represented potential affected stakeholders and provided valuable input to help us map and analyse our impact.
53b As by ESRS standards, we utilise the parameters of scale, scope, irremediability, and likelihood to assess the materiality of an impact.
For each identified impact, the following assessment scale methodologies are applied:
| Steps | Key tasks |
|---|---|
| 1 Preparation and scoping |
Ȟ Map the business model, value chain, and stakeholders. Ȟ Define assessment boundaries, thresholds, and stakeholder involvement. |
| 2 Mapping impacts, risks, and opportunities |
Ȟ Identify impacts, risks, and opportunities over time. Ȟ Engage stakeholders and experts to refine the assessment. |
| 3 Assessing materiality |
Ȟ Evaluate the materiality of impacts, risks, and opportunities based on severity and size. Ȟ Prioritise material elements for assessment. |
| 4 Validation and reporting |
Ȟ Validate, refine, and document the methodology and results. Ȟ Translate material impacts, risks, and opportunities to relevant data points. |
In calculating the final score, an average is calculated of all the above-mentioned parameters. An important exception is in the human rights-related topics, wherein severity (the combination of scale, scope, and irremediability) takes precedence over likelihood in the final score calculation.
A predetermined threshold was established, and where impacts identified scored above the threshold, they were considered impact material.
53c DFDS conducted mapping workshops to identify IROs that could be potentially material to the organisation. The purpose of these workshops was to jointly identify impacts, risks, and opportunities to determine if any topics would simultaneously have both impacts and risks or opportunities. Additionally, the workshops aimed to identify any existing dependencies.
As by ESRS standards, the financial materiality of a risk or opportunity is based on size of financial
effect and likelihood of the event. The following methodologies were applied:
In calculating the final score, we calculate an average of size and likelihood.
A predetermined threshold was established, and where risks and opportunities identified scored above the threshold, they were considered material.
53d A CSRD Steering Committee was established for the development of the initial DMA for DFDS. It served as the control and decision-making body for the methods used throughout the process. Key decisions including identifying stakeholder representatives, scoring of IROs, reviewing the material, and so forth, were under the Steering Committee's mandate. Controls included sign-offs from stakeholders and a thorough review of methods by the CSRD Reporting Team, which was specifically tasked with owning and managing the process to ensure its integrity and accuracy.
53e The ERM and DMA processes are interconnected, particularly through the financial materiality assessment. The DMA uses ERM thresholds to evaluate financial impacts, ensuring consistency. The ERM team has provided inputs during the DMA process, aiding in the identification of financial effects. High-priority ESG topics identified through the DMA are incorporated into the overall risk profile, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date risk management framework. This integration allows the organisation to effectively manage significant risks and maintain a robust overall risk profile.
53f The process to identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities is largely linked to the DMA process as described, in which management is informed, performs a review and signs off before seeking the Board of Directors approval.
53g As part of this process, we establish our assessment boundaries and thresholds:
Double materiality assessment ANI Actual negative impact PNI Potential negative impact API Actual positive impact PPI Potential positive impact R Risk O Opportunity
| 48a-c | Disclosure reporting | Location in VC | Time horizon | Operation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-topic | Sub-sub topic | Impact, Risk, or Opportunity |
Own operations Value chain |
Short-term | Medium-term Long-term | Ferry | Logistics | |||
| E1 | Climate change adaptation |
Costs from indirect effects from climate related hazards that could lead to disruption of the supply chain, day-to-day working of employees and users of ports and harbours. |
R | |||||||
| Climate change |
Costs for clean-up and repair after hazards as well as upfront investments to protect the infrastructure. |
R | ||||||||
| Climate change mitigation |
Burning fuels to run trucks or ships as well as energy consumption related to administrative buildings generates GHG emissions. |
ANI | ||||||||
| Costs related to Emission Trading Systems (ETS) or other climate regulations (existing or future) could significantly impact financial resources. |
R | |||||||||
| Risk of stranded assets as uncertainty surrounding the fuel choice of the future still exists. DFDS could risk having vessels in the fleet that do not meet decarbonisation requirements or investing in vessels with new technologies that will not become the future choice. |
R | |||||||||
| Branding opportunity from selling green products, especially to clients with sustainability targets and/or limited opportunities to reduce GHG emissions in their own operations. |
O | |||||||||
| Energy use | Consumption of fuels in the ferry fleet and across value chain for production of vessels and equipment generates large amounts of GHG emissions |
ANI | ||||||||
| Consumption of fuels and energy in other primary activities (mainly DFDS' logistics activities) and across value chain for production of trucks and equipment generates significant GHG emissions. |
ANI | |||||||||
| Significant investments needed to retrofit, redesign, or replace fleet to decarbonise operations. In addition to substantial costs, risk of market adopting different technologies. |
R | |||||||||
| Limited or potential limited availability of green fuels risk DFDS not meeting customer require ments and decarbonisation targets. |
R |
| DFDS Annual report 2024 Sustainability statement ESRS 2 General disclosures |
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| Sub-sub topic | Disclosure reporting | Location in VC | Time horizon | Operation | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48a-c | Sub-topic | Impact, Risk, or Opportunity |
Own operations |
Value chain | Short-term | Medium-term Long-term | Ferry | Logistics | ||||
| E2 | Pollution of air | Non-GHG pollutants are emitted to air through our vessel voyages, contributing to air pollution. |
ANI | |||||||||
| Pollution | ||||||||||||
| E4 | Direct impact drivers of biodiversity loss |
Climate change | The greenhouse gas emissions associated with our operations lead to effects on biodiversity and ecosystems. |
ANI | ||||||||
| Biodiversity and ecosystems |
Other | Our organisation operates a significant number of vessels, which generate substantial underwater noise during voyages |
PNI | |||||||||
| S1 | Working condition | Work-life balance | Impacts on work-life balance and wellbeing from overtime/working schemes | ANI | ||||||||
| Own workforce |
Health and safety | Safety and accident concerns of ship crews, truck drivers, and terminal and warehouse workers |
PNI | |||||||||
| Equal treatment | Gender equality | Both seafarers and logistics faces challenges attracting and retaining women | ANI | |||||||||
| and opportunities for all |
Measures against violence and harassment in the workplace |
Bullying and harassment is known to occur in the maritime and logistics sector | PNI |
Double materiality assessment ANI Actual negative impact PNI Potential negative impact API Actual positive impact PPI Potential positive impact R Risk O Opportunity
| Location in VC | Time horizon | Operation | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48a-c | Sub-topic | Sub-sub topic | Disclosure reporting | Impact, Risk, or Opportunity |
Own operations Value chain |
Short-term | Medium-term Long-term | Ferry | Logistics |
| S2 | Working conditions | Secure employment Insecure employment for certain workers, leaving risks for human rights | ANI | ||||||
| Workers in the value chain |
Health and safety | Nature of work subjecting workers to excessive hours, impacts on work-life balance and wellbeing |
ANI | ||||||
| Health and safety | Safety for ship crews, truck drivers, and value chain workers due to nature of industry work | ANI R |
|||||||
| Equal treatment and opportunities for all |
Gender equality and equal pay for work of equal value |
Negative impacts more likely to disproportionately affect the underrepresented gender in the value chain |
ANI | ||||||
| Forced labour | Risk of fines, repercussions and reputational damage in potential forced labor in the value chain |
PNI R |
|||||||
| S4 Consumers and end-users |
Information related impacts for consumers and/or end-users |
Privacy | If exposed to cyber-attacks, DFDS might be involved in a leakage of private customer information and derived financial risk |
PNI R |
|||||
| Personal safety of consumers and/or end-users |
Health and safety |
Safety of passengers through ship-related accidents. Accidents related to products and services of DFDS can be financial risk through legal proceedings and fines, reputational risk, and customer loss |
PNI R |
| Location in VC | Time horizon | Operation | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48a-c | Sub-topic | Sub-sub topic | Disclosure reporting | Impact, Risk, or Opportunity |
Own operations |
Value chain | Short-term | Medium-term Long-term | Ferry | Logistics | |
| G1 | Corporate culture | Not applicable | Risk of negativities in corporate culture affecting risk management, productivity, innovation, etc. |
R | |||||||
| Governance | Protection of whistleblowers |
Not applicable | Lacking awareness of the whistleblower system entails that unlawful behaviour may not reported |
R | |||||||
| Management of relationships with suppliers including payment practices |
Not applicable | Poor supplier management can lead to negative impacts, including contract terms, pressure on price and lead time, payment practices, and payment conditions |
PNI | ||||||||
| Corruption and bribery |
Prevention and detection including training |
Transportation sector has an increased risk for corruption | PNI |
48 f, h Based on residual risk after mitigating actions, the risk severity assessment has returned low to medium scores for the sustainability-related risk items in the ERM process. We consider low to medium scores to reflect a high resilience of the business overall.
ɿ For information on our resilience analysis of E1 Climate Change, see page 85.
In the 2024 report, all IROs are covered by the ESRS Disclosure Requirements.
59 DFDS has built the expertise in the CSRD Reporting Team to translate the IROs into relevant disclosure requirements. The CSRD Reporting
Team has involved relevant stakeholders across DFDS to inform these judgements and have sought external assistance as relevant.
ESRS E3 Water and marine resources DFDS' core operations focus on transportation and do not involve significant water-intensive activities or marine resource use.
ESRS E5 Resource use and circular economy Waste management and the circular economy are not within the scope of material impact for our operations. We recognise that new building of vessels and the subsequent scrapping/recycling
have significant impact on resource use and circular economy. In our assessment, we found the topic non-material due to the infrequency of new builds and scrapping.
A inherent part of our business model is to ensure that our vessels are properly maintained and renewed in due time before they become inefficient and worn out. Consequently, we aim to resell for longer time use, and hardly ever recycle ships. In the rare case that a ship must be recycled in the future, we will use an approved yard and carry out the work in line with EU ship recycling regulations and the principles of the IMO Hong Kong International Convention.
ESRS S3 Affected communities DFDS' transport operations is found to have limited impact on local communities.

The ferry and logistics industries are significant contributors to the causes of climate change and must play a key role in addressing its impacts. At DFDS, we recognise the urgent need to transition to sustainable practices and technologies to minimise our environmental impact. Through strategic investments and collaborations, we are working toward decarbonising our operations and supporting the broader industry shift toward a net zero future. Our approach to decarbonisation focuses on four main techniques: efficiency, electrification, alternative fuels, and circularity.
14 DFDS' transition plan for climate change mitigation is defined in our decarbonisation strategy, "Moving to Green". Our transition plan is split into three pillars; decarbonisation at sea, decarbonisation on land, and "getting our house in order".
All three pillars of the transition plan support the goal to be net zero by 2050. By 2030, our goals on land rely on a combination of efficiency measures and aggressive electrification. At sea, we plan to introduce alternatively-fuelled vessels by the end of 2030, along with a significant emphasis on both technical and operational efficiency improvements. This is necessary because zero emission fuels and technologies for shipping are less mature than the technologies already available on land.
"Getting our house in order" relates to our smallest emission footprint, our everyday activities.
16b DFDS' commitment to achieving net zero emissions is structured into two distinct phases: core decarbonisation techniques and secondary techniques for long-term impact. This approach is underpinned by the adoption and implementation of key principles to drive sustainable transformation across our operations.
Our core strategies focus on enhancing efficien-
cy and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, which we execute through the following initiatives:
We have made substantial progress in electrification, efficiency improvements, and the adoption of alternative fuels. These are our primary decarbonisation levers, where we possess significant
16b Prioritised decarbonisation and net zero techniques

expertise and can operate independently. While circularity remains a critical component of our vision, it necessitates extensive collaboration and is an area where we are building capacity for future impact.
Secondary techniques for long-term impact
To complement our core strategies, we recognise the need for secondary measures, including carbon capture and offsetting. These techniques will play a role in addressing residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through our initiatives alone, ensuring we achieve net zero in the long-term.
16a, g Our pathway to 2050 includes 1.5°C and well below 2°C strategies. However, we do not have targets or a transition plan which is explicitly aligned with limiting to 1.5°C in line with the Paris agreement, and we are currently not excluded from the EU Paris-aligned benchmarks. We strive to adopt the most ambitious plan possible, however, the main obstacle to making a firm commitment is the uncertainty that exists regarding the maturity and availability of renewable fuels and associated shipping technologies - engines and propulsion systems. Added to this, is the lack of knowledge and procedure for the safe handling, storage, and distribution of high-potential shipping fuels such as green ammonia.
16d We acknowledge the potential locked-in greenhouse gas emissions associated with our key assets. The majority of our assets are designed to operate on fossil fuels until the end of this decade, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle. Our legacy assets (vessels) are a critical focus area for our locked-in emissions, and for those, we consider sustainable, certified biofuel as a viable transitional solution.
16c The climate mitigation action plan (as referenced in E1-3.28), requires capital expenditures (CapEx) for its implementation. The most significant CapEx include vessel newbuilds and vessel conversion to facilitate the switch to alternative fuels or batteries. Additionally, continuing to invest in e-trucks to our fleet and the electrification of our terminals will incur CapEx on an ongoing basis. The CapEx required to the action plan related to the vessels is seven billion DKK in the years 2026-2030. The amount and timing of investments are subject to change, based on the availability of alternative fuels, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments.
16e, h "Moving to Green" is a key strategic focus in DFDS and one of our five strategic pillars. As we deliver on these ambitions, the alignment of our economic activities to the EU taxonomy is likely to increase. However, our CapEx plan is not specifically aimed at expanding taxonomy alignment or upgrading taxonomy-eligible activities to taxonomy-aligned within any specified period. We consider the transition to green as essential to continue our operations and serve our customers, and therefore, large investments associated with new, alternatively powered vessels, are included in our long-term CapEx planning.
16i, j The decarbonisation of our business is a shared responsibility for everyone at DFDS, and there are several teams involved in guiding and driving our climate plans. In 2023, we launched a new organisational unit, Decarbonisation, to accelerate progress in reducing emissions across all of our commercial activities.
Any strategic decision-making related to decarbonisation is brought before the Decarbonisation Board, bringing together key stakeholders and the CEO. It monitors and ensures the progress of
decarbonisation targets, and works to prioritise resources across key departments at DFDS to achieve our ambitions. The Decarbonisation Board prioritises investment into new projects based on a standardised KPI framework that takes into account aspects such as financial returns, scalability, technical risk, and, relative abatement cost, to ensure that we get the most value from our investments.
21 DFDS' Climate Policy outlines our commitment to reaching net zero by 2050. The policy includes general objectives such as improving energy efficiency, transitioning into sustainable fuels, and reducing emissions from sea- and land-based activities. The policy is used as a general framework for DFDS, to ensure that environmental and climate-related concerns are being prioritised throughout the business. The policy's scope applies globally to all DFDS employees and covers all assets owned and controlled by DFDS. It also extends to third-party service providers and other supply chain activities.
Accountability for implementing the Climate Policy lies with all leadership levels to carry out the objectives of the policy. In addition, the policy outlines the role of the Decarbonisation team as the primary responsible for target and pathway setting, as well as communication. The policy

The Climate Policy is available for all internal and external stakeholders, on our intranet and our website, respectively. In addition, considerations on climate change are included in our corporate Code of Conduct.The policy addresses climate change mitigation through its clear commitment to reducing emissions through efficiency and the transition to sustainable fuels. Climate change adaptation is also addressed by techniques to enhance resilience, such as improving infrastructure and transitioning to renewable energy. Energy efficiency targets are set across both maritime- and land-based operations. Renewable energy deployment is part of DFDS actively working towards the transition of the fleets and operations to renewable sources.
19a-b, AR7b At DFDS, climate-related risks are assessed within the broader enterprise risk management (ERM) framework. The scope of resilience analysis is embedded within the overall risk management process, focusing primarily on short-term climate risks and their financial implications. Identified risks are addressed with mitigation actions, which are continuously monitored to ensure the organisation remains resilient to climate challenges. This approach ensures a continuous assessment of resilience through the evaluation of climate-related risks as part of the company's standard risk assessment. In 2024, our climate risk analysis has primarily concentrated on our own operations.
AR8a The areas of uncertainty in our resilience analysis primarily stem from the evolving nature of climate-related risks and their potential financial impact on business operations. The setting and evaluation of our strategies are considered in the results of the ERM process, as a general practice that ensures our strategies are aligned with identified risks and opportunities.
Our vessels represents the largest area of uncertainty, particularly regarding the technological developments and investments needed for the green transition. This includes uncertainties related to alternative fuel availability, technological
advancements, and pricing. A major part of our strategy is focused on transitioning to the vessels of tomorrow, ensuring we remain resilient and adaptable to future challenges.
19c Our resilience analysis in 2024 demonstrated progress towards our targets. However, higher costs led to the closure or postponement of several alternative fuel projects. The lack of sustainable fuels remains a significant risk for our organisation and impacts our planned infrastructure for future ferry projects.
AR8b Our strategy and business model are designed to adapt to climate change over the short-, medium-, and long-term, due to our inherent operational flexibility and ongoing risk management. We integrate short-term climate risks into our broader risk management framework, ensuring constant awareness of significant near-future climate impacts. Our network's flexibility, through adjustable shipping routes, modal shifts, and operational optimisation based on evolving conditions, enables us to effectively address anticipated challenges while maintaining resilience and continuity for our customers.
| Physical risks | Short-term | Medium-term | Long-term | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | Logistics | (12-36 months) | (3-5 years) | (5+ years) | ||
| Chronic | Changing temperature (air, freshwater, marine water) | |||||
| Sea level rise | ||||||
| Heat stress | ||||||
| Acute | Storms | |||||
| Transition risks | Ferry | Logistics | Short-term (12-36 months) |
Medium-term (3-5 years) |
Long-term (5+ years) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | The costs associated with building, acquiring, and adapting to low-carbon technology for both our assets and broader infrastructure investments, pose a significant risk to our financial resources. |
|||||
| Policy + Legal | Costs stemming from Emission Trading Systems (ETS) or other current and future climate regulations could have a substantial impact on our financial resources. |
|||||
| Market + Reputation There is a risk of not meeting customer demand fast enough due to limited availability of green fuels, as well as the costs and challenges of transitioning to low-carbon technologies in a timely manner. |
IRO-1 Description of the processes to identify and assess material climate-related impacts, risks and opportunities
20a The process to identify impacts on climate change in our organisation is based on our double materiality assessment (DMA). In addition to the workshops and interviews, research supporting our understanding of how the transportation sector impacts climate change, was a fundamental part of understanding the impact we have as an industry player.
AR 13a In 2024, we conducted our first climatescenario based risk assessment. While previously, climate change risk was looked at on a short-term view, this was the first year in which we used scenarios and as such expanded our corporate view of climate change risks facing us in the future.
This inaugural analysis provided us with a baseline understanding of how to effectively use climate scenarios. This initial assessment using a scenario analysis concentrated on our own operations and our customers from a value chain perspective.
As a result, we now have foundational knowledge that will guide our future efforts. Moving forward, we plan to deepen our assessments by examining individual business areas and assets more thoroughly. This will enable us to identify specific vulnerabilities and opportunities, ensuring that we are better prepared to mitigate risks and capitalise on potential benefits associated with climate change.
Our commitment to expanding our climate risk assessment capabilities reflects our dedication to sustainability and resilience. By continuously improving our understanding and management of climate-related risks, we aim to safeguard our operations and support our customers in navigating the evolving landscape of climate change.
AR 13b-d The RCP 8.5 scenario, developed by the IPCC, represents a high-emission future where greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise significantly throughout the 21st century. It is primarily driven by rapid population growth, high energy demand, and a reliance on fossil fuels. The key inputs include assumptions on low climate policy interventions, low technological advancements, no policy interventions, and minor mitigation efforts. This scenario can be categorised as a "worst case" for future climate impacts, with projections for major changes and situations in temperatures, sea-levels, weather, and ecosystems.
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario, outlines a road map for achieving global carbon neutrality. It is a scenario in which rapid decarbonisation across
energy systems, the scaling of renewable energy, electrification, and technological advancements are made. Key assumptions include significant policy actions, investments into clean energy, and rapid technological advancements. The scenario can be categorised as a "best-case" for future climate impacts, with the rapid decarbonisation efforts slowing down the effects of climate change on matters such as temperature and weather conditions.
20bi-bii We utilised climate scenarios such as the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 to identify potential high-emission climate-related hazards. This involved examining how extreme weather events may increase in frequency and severity. We focused on assessing how these hazards could disrupt logistics, infrastructure, and the supply chain, placing emphasis on regions where our operations are most exposed to such risks. Our use of a high emission climate scenario analysis informed our understanding of physical risks under varying timelines. In a high-emission scenario like RCP 8.5, we anticipate increased exposure to severe weather patterns, including intense storms and prolonged heatwaves, which could impact business functions. This mode of analysis allows us to prioritise adaptive strategies, focusing on critical assets and operations that are most vulnerable to climate-related disruptions.
20ci-cii We used the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario to
guide our process for identifying climate-related transition events. This included evaluating the impact of decarbonisation policies, shifts in energy sources, and advancements in renewable energy and electrification. By aligning our assessments with a pathway that limits global warming to 1.5°C, we were able to identify key regulatory, technological, and market shifts that could affect our operations, such as stricter emission regulations and the phasing out of fossil fuels. Under the Net Zero by 2050 scenario, we analysed the timeline of decarbonisation initiatives, technological developments, and energy transition policies. In the short-term, we foresee focus on rising compliance costs and initial capital expenditures for low-carbon solutions. In the medium- and long-term, we consider the broader impacts of electrification, renewable energy integration, and potential disruptions in supply chains as industries transition to cleaner technologies.
AR 11c The acute and chronic climate-related hazards indicate the physical risks which DFDS faces due to climate change. As a result of these climate-related hazards, DFDS faces the risks of:
21 In our assessment of transition risks, we found that both our ferry and logistics operations are affected by each identified risk.
28, 29a Vision and targets – net zero by 2050: We have the ambition to decarbonise our operations as soon as it is technically and financially feasible to do so. To ensure we reach this goal, we have set minimum targets for decarbonisation of our vessel, road, and terminal operations.
ɿ Read more on our decarbonisation targets on page 89
In 2024, we continued advancing our efforts to reduce GHG emissions across our fleet, achieving key investment decisions and initiating pilot projects that will drive further progress in coming years.
On the technical front, we made strides in vessel upgrades, including securing investment decisions for dynamic propeller curve optimisation projects. In our shore power initiatives, we expanded our pipeline for shore power projects with one land-side and five vessel-side investments, to be executed in 2025.
To enhance data-driven decision-making, we have onboarded 11 vessels onto a data logging platform, improving our ability to monitor and optimise vessel performance. These initiatives, alongside ongoing efforts such as continuous hull coating improvements, reflect our commitment to reducing the overall environmental footprint of our operations. Further implementation, approvals, and pilot projects of all initiatives are set to continue in 2025.
Logistics decarbonisation initiatives in 2024, were focused on further deployment of e-trucks, installation of charging stations, and continued development of a more robust data foundation for the green transition. During Q2, another 10 e-trucks were deployed in Germany and planning is ongoing for the deployment of an additional 100 e-trucks during Q3 2024– Q2 2025.
In 2024, another charging facility in Vlaardingen with a capacity of 300kW was added. In addition, DFDS invested in a mobile EV charging station, which allows for both a more efficient operation of the e-trucks on the one hand, and on the other hand provides more flexibility to implement e-trucks in locations without existing charging stations. The solution will be located in Cuxhaven, Germany, to bridge the waiting time until a permanent charging station is installed and ready to use.
We are committed to decarbonise as fast as we can, given financial and technical constraints. We have set detailed, year-on-year targets from now until 2030, for our vessel, road, and terminal operations. Due to the disparate techniques required to decarbonise different parts of our
operation, and their relative maturity, these three areas have individual pathways to 2030 - all in support of our ultimate goal to reach net zero by 2050.
To achieve a targeted 45% reduction in well-towake (WtW) CO2e emission intensity of vessel operations by 2030, we are focusing on key levers:
We are committed to launching six alternatively fueled vessels by end 2030. These vessels of tomorrow will be powered by low- and zero-emission fuels, supported by extensive collaborations such as:
The Every Minute Counts programme is a combination of schedule optimisation and slow steaming on all our network routes. The programme aims to reduce emissions from our existing vessels while maintaining high service standards. Improvements in efficiency are varied, from reducing turnaround time in port terminals, improving schedules, to enabling lower speed on voyages. These measures lead to a decrease in fuel consumption, saving energy usage, and will remain integral during and beyond the transition to non-fossil fuels.
In order to enhance the operational efficiency and long-term sustainability of our fleet, we continually invest in technology that improves the operational efficiency of our existing fleet. Key initiatives include hull modifications such as improved hull coatings, upgrading propellers, and implementing advanced weather reporting systems for optimised route planning. While we prioritise upgrades for older vessels, we aim to improve the general efficiency of our fleet, and where technology has been tested, we plan to expand their implementation. By continuously assessing market development, we aim to ensure our investments simultaneously decrease fuel consumption and deliver improved performance.
We aim to transition our vessels to shore power by 2030, which would enable vessels to connect to electricity while in port, instead of running on
fuel. This transition will both positively mitigate our docking energy efficiency and fuel usage, and benefit the environment surrounding our terminals.
We have set an ambitious goal to achieve a 75% reduction in well-to wheel (WtW) CO2e emission intensity by 2030. To achieve the target, we use the following techniques:
Optimising our operations is based on limiting empty runs while simultaneously improving the efficiency of our services across our network. Techniques to improve our road transport efficiency include:
We are continuing to increase the size of our e-truck fleet across multiple markets in Europe, and play an active role in supporting the development of suitable charging infrastructure for long-distance trucking. Available charging infrastructure is the main barrier to e-truck
deployment and adoption. As the charging network grows, the proportion of our fleet that is electric will increase.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HCEVs) are being developed by a number of manufacturers as a solution for longer distance haulage and special applications that are currently not achievable with battery electric vehicles (BEVs). We see a potential role for both HCEVs and/ or hydrogen combustion engines in our pathway to 2030.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO): HVO offers an immediate opportunity to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from road transport. Whilst we do not see HVO as a sustainable fuel in the long-term, it has the advantage of quickly and relatively cheaply lowering our carbon footprint, and can be used in existing trucks. We are committed to source fuel that meets stringent sustainability criteria.
In 2024 we achieved a milestone and established targets for our terminal operations, which is a 75% reduction in well-to-wheel (WtW) CO2e emission intensity by 2030. With a similar framework as our road transport decarbonisation techniques, the following techniques will be deployed:
Efficiency is at the core of our approach to terminal decarbonisation, as it is in other areas of our operation. Initiatives in support of terminals efficiency include:
The key transition technique for terminals is a shift from fossil fuels to electric terminal vehicles. Compared to other parts of our operation, terminals emit relatively little, but they are the place where road and sea converge, and where we foresee the greatest need for a well-managed electrification programme. With this in mind, we plan for producing, consuming and providing renewable energy at terminals. In 2024, we began a large project to design and pilot micro grids at some of our key terminals.
We aim to continue investigating hydrogen applications for our terminal operations, similarly to our road transportation, as part of a broader shift to sustainable energy sources.
The current 2030 pathway for terminals shows a gap between the top-down targets and the
bottom-up initiatives that we have currently identified. We are committed to identifying concrete initiatives to close this gap.
We are actively seeking diverse funding opportunities, including EU and national sources, to support the ambitions of our "Moving to Green" strategy.
AR21 The pathways set for both vessel and land are largely dependent on the available funding we can receive, as well as the maturity and availability of technologies and fuels.
29ci-iii, 16c The significant CapEx and OpEx required to implement the action plan for climate mitigation are related to future investments in new vessels and the ongoing investment in e-trucks and electric equipment for terminals. See note 3.1.2 "non-current tangible assets" in the financial statements. In the EU taxonomy reporting, the significant CapEx required to implement the action plan for climate mitigation relate to economic activities 6.6 freight transport services by road, 6.10 sea and coastal freight water transport, and 6.16 infrastructure enabling low-carbon water transport.
13 DFDS' remuneration policy integrates climate considerations into the CEO's bonus scheme.
Additionally, ESG factors are generally included in the CFO's remuneration scheme. The CEO has a direct climate-related decarbonisation bonus incentive of 10%, while the CFO has a general ESG incentive of 10%, with one-third attributed to decarbonisation.
The decarbonisation incentive focuses on the continuous pursuit of CO2e reduction targets and the ongoing development of various initiatives. Currently, no specific targets can be disclosed.
DFDS has set a target for net zero emissions by 2050 across all our operations. Our 2030 targets focus on two main operational areas: vessels and land. This targeted approach allows us to plan effectively, tailor solutions to operational realities, and measure progress in detail. The operational differences between our land-based and seabased activities necessitate this approach, as each area requires different decarbonisation strategies. We further split land by type of operation in order to set decarbonisation pathways in pursuit of our targets. Prioritising distinct targets over a unified organisational target ensures we can implement actionable and relevant plans to achieve our goals.
32, AR30c All of our current GHG emission targets are based on a range between the 1.5°C pathway and the well below 2°C. While we strive to meet the 1.5°C target, we acknowledge that not all our operations can currently align with this ambition. However, we remain committed to regulatory target compliance. We use the methodologies and assumptions of the Paris Agreement as frameworks to inform our target setting process. We also incorporated scientific evidence, such as the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, to ensure our targets are grounded in the latest research.
We collect and analyse existing internal data to make robust methodological assumptions. Acknowledging the impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) posed by climate change, we deliberately establish our targets using data from our operations. We review our approach regularly and ensure its alignment with our business operations and regulatory requirements.
The responsibility for setting targets lies within the Decarbonisation Team, who lead the definition process. The Decarbonisation Board, Executive Management Team (EMT), and the Board of Directors hold responsibility for reviewing and approving targets.
34b All our targets, including achieving net zero by 2050 and specific 2030 targets for vessels, road, and terminals, include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These targets are aligned with our GHG inventory boundaries.
Our 2030 targets do not account for, or rely on GHG removals, carbon credits, or avoided emissions.
The pathways illustrate how we can achieve our 2030 CO₂e emission intensity targets. Each diagram presents a scenario estimating fuel and energy consumption across DFDS' operations. The composition of fuel and energy then determines how emissions are distributed across different Scopes.
• Scope 1 emissions pertain to DFDS' direct fuel consumption within our operation, also described as combustion emissions or Tankto-Well/Wheel emissions.
A transition from liquid fuel to electricity will cause some shift in emissions between Scopes (from Scope 1 to Scope 2), but the Well-to-Wake/ Wheel approach we apply ensures that DFDS' 2030 targets results in CO2e emission savings across all Scopes.
For a detailed breakdown of the Scope shares associated with each GHG emission target, refer to the individual pathway details on the following pages.
75% reduction in Well-to-Wheel (WtW) CO2e emission intensity
on land

2030

in all DFDS operations
34f, AR30a-b The following pathway depicts the core decarbonisation levers and their overall quantitative contributions to reach our 2030 target.
34e The baseline year is 2008, chosen in line with the IMO baseline year, which was used for the 2030 intensity target introduced in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. We do not currently adjust or correct our baseline for weather abnormalities, instead we account for weather abnormalities in explaining our progress to our targets. The baseline was normalised to accurately represent activities and external factors influencing emissions. Due to high variation from M&As in previous years, we did not use 3-year averages. We aim to identify the most accurate baseline values to plan
34b In the baseline year for vessels the consumption consists only of conventional fossil fuels. Most of the emissions come from fuel combustion, and are therefore in Scope 1, at around 85%, and the last 15% is related to upstream emissions, in Scope 3.
By 2030, the uptake of alternative fuels reduces CO2e emissions from fuel combustion, while they are expected to have similar or higher upstream emissions than fossil fuels. The implementation of shorepower removes emissions from both Scopes 1 and 3, and since it is our intention to procure renewable electricity or cover electricity purchases with Renewable Energy Certificates/ Guarantees of Origin, zero emissions are calculated in Scope 2. This results in approximately 80% of emissions in Scope 1 and 20% in Scope 3.

2008 2024 2030
15932 25703 20392
Absolute Value Emissions (WtW) ('000 tonne CO2e)
1
market conditions.
3
The increase in absolute emissions from 2008 to 2024 is due to an increase in transport work - in 2008 we did less than half the transport work we do today. We anticipate a lower growth rate between 2024 and 2030, and will still achieve a greater reduction in emissions intensity compared to absolute emissions.
From 2023, we have developed our pathway from a unit of TtW (Tankto-Wake) CO2e to WtW (Well-to-Wake) CO2e. In addition, the baseline was updated, and shorepower was added as a
30f, AR30a-b The following pathway depicts the core decarbonisation levers and their overall quantitative contributions to reach our 2030 target.
ɿ Read more on the specifics of road decarbonisation techniques on page 87
34e The baseline year is 2022, chosen for its reliable and sufficient data. It was normalised to accurately represent activities and external factors influencing emissions. Due to high variation from M&As in previous years, we did not use 3-year averages. We aim to identify the most accurate baseline values to plan our operations and decarbonisation initiatives effectively.
34b In the baseline year for road, the consumption consists only of conventional fossil fuels. Most of the emissions come from fuel combustion, and are therefore in Scope 1, at around 74%, and the last 26% Is related to upstream emissions, in Scope 3.
In 2030, the significant uptake of alternative fuels, in particular HVO, reduces CO2e emissions from combustion, while they are expected to have similar or higher upstream emissions than fossil fuels. The implementation of e-trucks reduces emissions in both Scopes 1 and 3, and since it is our intention to procure renewable electricity or cover electricity purchases with Renewable Energy Certificates/ Guarantees of Origin, zero emissions are calculated in Scope 2. This results in approximately 31% of emissions in Scope 1 and 69% in Scope 3.

34a,c-d, f 2030 pathway for road transport
1 34a Given our anticipated growth throughout the decade, we expect a greater reduction in emissions intensity rather than absolute emissions. Additionally, we foresee changes in the absolute values of our targets due to constant fluctuations in business operations and market conditions.
30f, AR30a-b In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone in setting targets for our terminal operations. The following pathway depicts the core decarbonisation levers and their overall quantitative contributions to reach our 2030 target.
ɿ Read more on the specifics of terminal decarbonisation techniques on page 88
34b Due to our terminal pathway being set in Q4, 2024, we are unable to disclose the Scope split of the combined target this year.
34e The baseline year is 2022, chosen for its reliable and sufficient data. It was normalised to accurately represent activities and external factors influencing emissions. Due to high variation from M&As in previous years, we did not use 3-year averages. We aim to identify the most accurate baseline values to plan our operations and decarbonisation initiatives effectively.

2022 2030
81 291
officiency Electrification Gap
Switching to HVO
Absolute Value Emissions (WtW) (tonne CO2e)
Operational
34a Given our anticipated growth throughout the decade, we expect a greater reduction in emissions intensity rather than absolute emissions. Additionally, we foresee changes in the absolute values of our targets due to constant fluctuations in business operations and market conditions.
1
| 37-39 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption and mix | Unit | 2024 |
| Total fossil energy consumption | MWh | 9,713,392 |
| Share of fossil sources in total energy consumption | % | 98.6% |
| Fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products | MWh | 9,665,424 |
| Fuel consumption from natural gas | MWh | 12,430 |
| Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling from fossil sources |
MWh | 35,536 |
| Total renewable energy consumption | MWh | 141,734 |
| Share of renewable sources in total energy consumption | % | 1.4% |
| Fuel consumption for renewable sources, including biomass (also comprising industrial and municipal waste of biologic origin, biogas, renewable hydrogen, etc.) |
MWh | 95,853 |
| Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling | ||
| from renewable sources | MWh | 43,427 |
| Consumption of self-generated non-fuel energy | MWh | 24,57 |
| Total energy consumption | MWh | 9,855,130 |
| 40 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Energy intensity per net revenue | Unit | 2024 |
| Total energy consumption from activities in high climate impact sectors | ||
| per net revenue from activities in high climate impact sectors | MWh/MDkk | 331 |
| 41 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Energy in high climate impact sectors | Unit | 2024 |
| Total energy consumption from activities in high climate impact sectors | MWh | 9,855,130 |
We monitor and report energy data in two streams: land-based operations and sea-based operations.
Land-Based Operations: Energy for land-based operations is reported for each location. The data is derived from various sources: invoices, fuel or electricity consumption records, and/or meter readings. Both electricity consumption and any electricity generated through the use of on-site solar panels are accounted for through this process.
Sea-Based Operations: Energy data for sea-based activities is collected for each voyage, using recorded fuel consumption, on-board meter readings, and/or documented fuel usage.
The non-renewable energy share is calculated as the proportion of total energy consumption derived from non-renewable sources. Energy from non-renewable sources can include fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products, natural gas, coal or coal products, and other fossil sources.
The renewable energy share is calculated as the proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources.
Energy from renewable sources can include fuel consumption from renewable sources including biomass, purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling from renewable sources as well as the consumption of self-generated non-fuel energy.
The consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling is calculated as the proportion of total energy consumption derived from renewable sources where Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are present. DFDS adopts a market-based accounting approach for renewable energy, recognising purchased green electricity as renewable energy consumption. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are utilised to identify the locations operating with renewable energy sources. This information forms the basis for determining the proportion of electricity sourced from non-renewable energy across our operations.
Total energy consumption is calculated as the sum of total fossil energy consumption and total renewable energy consumption.
42 DFDS operations are all considered high climate impact sectors according to those listed in NACE Sections A to H. Specifically, DFDS' activities are in Section H, which includes:
43 Energy consumption per net revenue ratio is calculated with the following formula:
Total energy consumption from activities in high climate impact sectors (MWh)
Net revenue from activities in high climate impact sectors (MDkk)
AR 41 We are unable to disclose the breakdown of total GHG emissions by operating segments in this year's annual report due to lack of data split availability for our Scope 3 emissions. We have plans to improve this going forward.
DFDS is dedicated to achieving net zero emissions across all operations by 2050. While we
| GHG emission intensity per net revenue (tCO2e/MDkk) | 2024 |
|---|---|
| GHG emission intensity, location-based | 134 |
| GHG emission intensity, market-based | 134 |
have not set company-wide targets for 2030, we have chosen to establish targets based on specific operational areas: vessels and land. We have not yet set specific targets for our non-commercial activities, including buildings
We are committed to enhancing data transparency and developing comprehensive organisational targets in the future. For detailed 2030 targets,
and company cars.
please refer to section E1-4.
| GHG emission intensity per GT-Mile (g CO2 e/ GT mile) | 2024 |
|---|---|
| GHG emission intensity - Own fleet1 | 12 |
| GHG emission intensity - Route network2 | 12 |
| 48-49, 51-52 Breakdown of GHG emissions | Unit | Comparative (2023)1 | 2024 | %N/N-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 GHG emissions | ||||
| Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions | '000 tCO2e | 2,566 | 2,618 | 2% |
| Percentage of Scope 1 GHG emissions | ||||
| from regulated emission trading schemes | % | 0% | 40% | N/A |
| Biogenic emissions of CO2e carbon (in Scope 1) | '000 tCO2e | N/A | 24 | N/A2 |
| Scope 2 GHG emissions | ||||
| Gross location-based Scope 2 GHG emissions | '000 tCO2e | 12 | 16 | 28% |
| Gross market-based Scope 2 GHG emissions | '000 tCO2e | 12 | 15 | 28% |
| Scope 3 GHG emissions by category ** | ||||
| Total Gross (indirect) Scope 3 GHG emissions | '000 tCO2e | 1,055 | 1,345 | 27% |
| 1 Purchased goods and services | '000 tCO2e | 140 | 314 | 125%3 |
| 2 Capital goods | '000 tCO2e | 15 | 6 | -57% |
| 3 Fuel and energy-related activities | '000 tCO2e | 594 | 607 | 2% |
| 4 Upstream transportation and distribution | '000 tCO2e | 300 | 406 | 35% |
| 6 Business traveling | '000 tCO2e | 6 | 11 | 69% |
| Total GHG emissions *** | ||||
| Total GHG emissions derived from location-based method | '000 tCO2e | 3,633 | 3,978 | 10% |
| Total GHG emissions derived from market-based method | '000 tCO2e | 3,633 | 3,977 | 10% |
1 Emissions measured as gCO2 per gross tonnage nautical mile for owned ferries in operation.
2 Emissions measured as gCO2 per gross tonnage nautical mile for ferries operating the route network.
1 The comparative figures for 2023 presented in this table have not been subject to assurance.
2 Biogenic emissions for 2023 cannot be disclosed, so no comparative change can be noted.
3 Fluctuations in scope 3 categories stem from a change in categorisation, the addition of entities, and a general increase in spend from 2023 to 2024.
GHG emissions are calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in the GHG Protocol. To calculate our total GHG emissions, our consumption values are converted into carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) for both land and sea operations. This is done through the use of an online tool which is modelled based on the GHG Protocol. It incorporates a comprehensive and fact-based set of emission factors drawn from various European and regional databases as applicable for the CO2 sources.
Scope 1 GHG includes all direct emission sources where DFDS has operational control as defined by the GHG Protocol. This includes all use of fossil fuels for stationary combustion or transportation in owned, leased or rented assets. It also includes process emissions (e.g. chemical processes, industrial gases, direct methane emissions).
Location based Scope 2 GHG includes all indirect emissions related to purchased energy; electricity and heating/cooling where DFDS has operational control, as defined by the GHG Protocol – these are calculated based on the emission intensity of local grid area where the electricity usage occurs.
Market based Scope 2 GHG includes all indirect emissions related to purchased energy; REC covered electricity, and heating/cooling where DFDS has operational control, as defined by the GHG Protocol – these are calculated based on electricity consumption, including contractual purchases of renewable energy.
Our determined Scope 3 emission categories are: Category 1: Emissions related to procured goods and services Category 2: Capital goods
Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related emissions Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution Category 6: Business travel
DFDS' spend-based Scope 3 emissions are categorised and calculated using AI-powered software. Uploaded spend data is classified for categorisation, while calculations leverage the GHG Protocol framework and an extensive database of emission factors.
Categories included in our spend-based approach: Category 1: Emissions related to procured goods and services Category 2: Capital goods Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution Category 6: Business travel
DFDS' activity-based Scope 3 emissions are categorised and calculated using the same process as GHG, Scope 1 and 2. The well-to-tank (WTT) activity-based data is related to our fuel and energy consumption, waste generation, and water consumption.
Categories included in our activity-based approach are: fuel- and energy-related emissions (category 3).
AR 46h Part of the spend data for Q4 is based on an estimation due to the liquidation of our spendconsolidation tool. The spend estimate has been calculated using a linear regression forecasting method. This method has been applied to our existing spend data from 2022 up until end-Q3 2024. The estimated part of the Q4 2024 spend data is based on Q4 2023 data, with the % increase added. The estimation on Scope 3 accounts for 9% based on our overall Scope 3 spend.
We consume renewable biomass-based fuel sources, for which we separately disclose the biogenic emissions associated with these fuels for each Scope in addition to our total emissions. These emissions are calculated using the same online tool that manages our GHG emissions calculations.
For sea-based data, our control process features an automated system that monitors and verifies data as it is transferred from our on-board system to an internal dashboard. This system identifies potential outliers and errors efficiently. To further ensure data accuracy and integrity, we are subject to regular external audits. For land-based data our control process features internal verification for reported data completion and accuracy.
AR 45d We account for our renewable electricity usage by aligning our total electricity consumption from our locations with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) sourced from the countries where the electricity is consumed. Approximately 55% of our total electricity consumption is covered by green energy bundled with REC certification.
Per net revenue AR 53 The GHG intensity per net revenue is calculated using the following formulas:
GHG intensity (location-based) =
Total location-based GHG emissions (tCO2e)
Net revenue (MDkk)
GHG intensity (market-based) =
Total market-based GHG emissions (tCO2e)
Net revenue (MDkk)
The disclosure of GHG intensity based on the gross tonnage nautical-mile (GT- mile) performance of our own fleet and route network vessel voyages is calculated as the unit DFDS uses to quantify reduction of GHG emissions. This intensity is calculated by dividing the total GHG emissions, segmented by our fleet and route network, by the GTmiles sailed.
At DFDS, we understand that our impact on the pollution of air is an aspect of our environmental footprint. Efforts to lower CO₂e emissions, such as enhancing fuel efficiency, and optimising operations, simultaneously reduce the release of harmful air pollutants. This integrated approach underscores our dedication to responsible practices, cleaner air, and a healthier environment, ensuring our operations align with the goals of a sustainable future.
AR9 The ferry and logistics industries significantly contribute to global air pollution, with major impacts arising from fuel combustion such as vessel operations, the use of heavy machinery, and extensive transportation processes. Our materiality assessment identified emissions of particular concern, including sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometers (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), black carbon (BC), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs).
11a-b In our double materiality assessment (DMA), we conducted a general evaluation of pollution-related impacts, risks, and opportunities across our own operations and value chain; however, we have not yet implemented the detailed screening of specific site locations, business activities, or conducted consultations with affected communities. The methodologies used in our assessment were broad and did not follow the phased LEAP approach or the detailed criteria specified for assessing material pollution-related impacts, dependencies, risks, and opportunities. We acknowledge these gaps and are committed to enhancing our processes in the future to align more closely with these requirements.
14-15 We are committed to minimising our environmental impact. The Climate Policy outlines our CO2e reduction ambitions, which simultaneously decrease the pollution of air from non-GHG pollutants. By reducing fuel consumption and CO2e emissions, we not only advance towards our goal of becoming net zero but also significantly reduce pollution impacts on air quality, contributing to cleaner air in the environment.
While our policy demonstrates our dedication to sustainability and aligns with the UN Global Compact's environmental principles, it does not currently address pollution risk management or potential emergency pollution incident impact. Additionally, while we incorporate environmental factors into our Enterprise Risk Management processes (ERM), we recognise the need to further develop our approach to managing pollution risks across our value chain and enhancing stakeholder engagement in our policy development and communication efforts. We are committed to addressing these areas to ensure full compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.
62 Given that air pollution is a key material topic for DFDS and closely aligns with our decarbonisation strategy, we consider our current Climate Policy to be well-suited to address these challenges effectively.

18, ESRS 62 DFDS is committed to net zero emissions by 2050 through enhanced energy efficiency, electrification, and sustainable fuels. While our decarbonisation efforts will reduce air pollution, we recognise that our current
ESG strategy does not directly indicate specific resources and detailed plans for addressing other pollution forms and ecosystem restoration. This is due to our prioritisation of CO2e reduction as the most pressing sustainability challenge. As we evaluate the effectiveness of our current initiatives, we will assess whether additional or distinct measures are necessary.
Our truck fleet is classified under the high EURO emission standards, ensuring minimal pollution from fuel combustion. Additionally, the majority of our vessels are equipped with advanced scrubbers to significantly reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions. Our vessels are also fitted with engines that comply with stringent nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission limits.
| 28a | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pollutant | Unit | Emissions Land |
Emissions Sea |
Emissions Total |
|
| NOx | Tonnes | 1,891.7 | 51,468.0 | 53,359.7 | |
| SOx | Tonnes | 0.1 | 3,899.0 | 3,899.1 | |
| CO | Tonnes | 420.1 | 2,908.0 | 3,328.1 | |
| BC | Tonnes | 18.4 | 65.0 | 83.4 | |
| PM10 | Tonnes | 37.0 | 2,854.0 | 2,891.0 | |
| NMVOCs | Tonnes | 11.4 | 856.0 | 867.4 |
Distribution of air pollutants on land
30b We use the air pollutant calculation methodology found in the Stockholm Environment Institute and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (2022) A Practical Guide for Business Air Pollutant Emission Assessment.
30c For fuel consumption data, see accounting policies for E1-5, page 93
To calculate air pollutant emissions from our vessel activity, we segregate data by fuel type and apply the relevant emission factors. For vessels equipped with scrubbers, we apply an additional emission factor to account for emission reductions.
To calculate air pollutant emissions from our land activity, we utilise a volume-based method where fuel is segregated by fuel type. We convert the volume of fuel consumed to kilograms (kg) of fuel, and then apply the relevant emission factors.
31 Our current methodology for calculating vehicle emissions does not account for specific vehicle types (i.e., Euro 5 versus Euro 6 trucks) or the distance traveled by each respective vehicle type. At present, we lack the visibility to correlate the total distance traveled in operations by each vehicle type, which has the ability to affect specific pollutants such as NOx which has reduced emissions when using a newer vehicle type i.e., Euro 6 trucks.


With the launch of our biodiversity strategy in 2024, we are adopting a strategic and targeted approach to strengthen biodiversity and minimise our impact on both land and sea. Our strategy is based on gathering data and engaging with stakeholders to continuously build our understanding of our impact on biodiversity. We are committed to expanding this knowledge, implementing measures where possible, and continuously adapting our strategy based on new insights and feedback.
17a As a ferry and logistics company, we acknowledge our impact on the environment. This awareness has led us to identify two primary areas where our operations effect direct drivers of biodiversity loss: Climate Change and Underwater Radiated Noise (URN).
Climate Change: Our CO2e emissions contribute to climate change, which adversely affects biodiversity by altering global weather patterns and temperatures. Our impact through climate change is detailed in our disclosures under ESRS E1.
Underwater Radiated Noise (URN): Our organisation operates a significant number of vessels, which generate underwater noise during voyages. While this is a broader issue within the global shipping industry, we recognise our specific contribution to negative impacts to biodiversity through the noise pollution caused by our fleet.
We have identified these potential impacts through our double materiality assessment process. Our material impacts are associated with our vessel operations, which constitute the most significant portion of our emissions and noise pollution.
Our biodiversity strategy, established in 2024, aims to enhance our ability to assess our direct impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. Due to the complexity and scope of the project, we have not yet conducted comprehensive assessments of the negative or positive impacts of our physical site locations. Nevertheless, the strategy highlights our commitment to developing our knowledge of our potential biodiversity impacts and mitigating our environmental footprint wherever feasible.
17b-e No dependencies, risks, or opportunities were identified.
19 As a first step after the establishment of our biodiversity strategy, we have mapped our various physical locations to Natura 2000 sites, providing insights into where our operations intersect with or are in close proximity to biodiversity-sensitive areas. Notably, out of our terminals of operational control, we have identified that five are located within a 5 km radius of biodiversity-sensitive areas. This underscores the importance of understanding the potential impact of our operations. Accurately identifying our direct impact on species and habitats presents significant challenges, both in the access to relevant data, as well as the complexity of operating in shared environments in many of our physical locations. As a result, we are currently unable to draw definitive conclusions about actual or potential negative effects of our operations on species and habitats.
Given the inherent complexities and challenges in the shipping industry, we have determined
that the impact from our vessels on biodiversity and ecosystems is more material than that from our physical site locations. Consequently, our primary focus has been on understanding and mitigating the effects of vessel operations. At this stage, we have not concluded whether biodiversity mitigation measures are necessary at our physical site locations. As our strategy evolves and our capabilities improve, we may extend our efforts to address potential impacts at these sites in the future.
22, 23a-b DFDS' Code of Conduct and Biodiversity Policy serve complementary roles in promoting biodiversity. The Code of Conduct provides broad guidance for ethical behaviour, encouraging employees to consider biodiversity impacts. The Biodiversity Policy outlines specific objectives and actions to minimise environmental impact and support sustainability initiatives. Both are managed by the Group Sustainability team and aligned with the ESG Strategy.
The Biodiversity Policy contains clear objectives focused generally on minimising biodiversity impact, integrating biodiversity considerations into business processes, and supporting research and conservation initiatives. The policy ensures proper ownership of biodiversity at DFDS, as well as outlines the commitment made towards
regular assessments and reviews of the strategy and action plans. The policy applies to all DFDS operations. It encompasses all employees and key stakeholders.
Biodiversity governance is embedded in DFDS' ESG Strategy, overseen by the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team (EMT). The Group Sustainability team is responsible for policy maintenance and alignment with the Biodiversity Strategy. The policy explicitly considers stakeholder interests by encouraging collaboration with various groups, including external stakeholders, to enhance biodiversity-related knowledge and drive the agenda forward.
The Biodiversity Policy outlines our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
All our policies are available to employees and external stakeholders through our intranet and website, respectively. The Code of Conduct is publicly accessible, and all employees receive mandatory Code of Conduct training.
The biodiversity aspect relates to the material issue under the "other" subtopic of underwater radiated noise. Our ambitions are to continuously develop our understanding of our impacts and to drive our action plans and strategy, both of which include considerations of underwater radiated noise. The topic of climate change, identified as
a direct driver of biodiversity loss, falls under our Climate and Environment Policy. By implementing changes to reduce our carbon footprint, we can reduce our broader environmental impact.
23f Our Biodiversity Policy underscores our understanding that biodiversity is crucial for ensuring human well-being, climate resilience, and economic resilience. This policy also acknowledges the social consequences associated with impacts on biodiversity.
24a,c The current scope of our Biodiversity Policy does not have policies specific to our operational sites owned, leased, or managed which are near protected areas of biodiversity sensitive areas. In addition, we do not have specific policies which relate to sustainable ocean or seas practices; however, our organisation adheres to all required standards and regulations set for our vessels regarding pollution and treatment of water.
27 Our biodiversity strategy includes both short-term and long-term actions. For example, the installation of URN technology on new build vessels is an ambition we hope to complete in the
future. Part of our long-term ambitions is to ensure that future-generation vessels incorporate noise considerations to minimise their impact on marine biodiversity. This aligns with our sustainable fleet objectives, as we depend on a longer horizon of data collection and evaluations to guide operational decisions based on biodiversity considerations.
For many years, we have been actively implementing various actions directly related to biodiversity on our vessels, such as adjusting our routes and reducing speed in the Mediterranean to avoid disrupting the habitat of endangered sperm whales, collaborating with the environmental organisation ORCA to collect data and observe animals on our route between Amsterdam and Newcastle, contributing to a research project studying bat migrations on either vessels or locations, and participating in a project conducting long-term measurements of the ecological health of marine plankton with the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey.
Our actions encompass a broad range of operational areas, from our logistics operations at land-based facilities to our marine shipping routes. We consider both our upstream and downstream potential impacts from our operations. Our primary focus is on our vessel voyages, as we recognise this operation has the highest likelihood of affecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
A significant part of our biodiversity journey at DFDS involves developing and expanding our
collaborative network with experts and peers. We aim to form partnerships that enable us to work together to understand our impact on biodiversity during our voyages and explore options for mitigating any potential effects. These partnerships include, but are not limited to, collaborations with universities, biodiversity and scientific experts, networks, and industry peers.
SBM-3 Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model & E4-5 – Impact metrics related to biodiversity and ecosystems change
SBM-3 16, E4-5 35 As of 2024, DFDS has not yet conducted a comprehensive assessment of the potential negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems from our physical locations. Consequently, we do not currently maintain a list of material sites that may have potential effects on those areas.
ESRS 2 81 Since our biodiversity strategy and action plan were only introduced this year, our approach remains exploratory, allowing us to refine our commitments as we advance. While we have not yet set measurable outcome-oriented targets or established fixed timelines, as we are
focused on implementing key actions as outlined in our policy.
Our policy includes clear action steps, and we are committed to continuously reviewing the effectiveness of these actions in relation to sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities. Through regular assessments, we aim to define our ambitions and track progress over time, ensuring that our approach remains aligned with long-term sustainability objectives as our strategy matures.
The taxonomy is a classification and reporting system that identifies sustainable economic activities as defined by EU. It is a cornerstone in the EU's sustainable finance framework and an essential tool for market transparency. According to the regulation DFDS is required to disclose the proportion of our activities that are taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned in terms of revenue, capital expenditures (CapEx), and operating expenditures (OpEx).
DFDS' Taxonomy-related disclosures have been assessed and prepared in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020.
In 2024 we have made a high-level assessment of eligibility. We conclude that the climate change mitigation technical screening criteria remains relevant for assessing our economic activities.
In determining the activities to include in the EU Taxonomy report, our methodology is rooted in a high-level analysis of our core service offerings. The activities represent the focal points of our operations, ensuring relevant and impactful reporting. 5 activities in the Climate Delegated Act have been identified as eligible for DFDS:
Our ocean transport operations are represented through activity 6.10, covering our vessels, and 6.16, covering our terminal operations. For the logistics solutions on land, we are covering freight by truck through activity 6.6 and by rail through activity 6.2. Activity 7.7 covers our ownership of warehouses and office buildings.
In 2024, the taxonomy-eligible share of our revenue was 84% (2023: 84%), of which non-aligned was 61% (2023: 58%). The taxonomy-eligible share of operational expenses (OpEx) was 100% (2023: 100%) of which non-aligned was 78% (2023: 74%), whereas the taxonomy-eligible share of capital expenditures (CapEx) was 96% (2023: 96% of which non-alinged was 74% (2023: 78%).
DFDS has analysed its compliance level with the technical screening criteria and the Do-No-Significant-Harm (DNSH) criteria for the above-mentioned activities. Our assessment shows alignment within 4 economic activities: Freight rail transport (CCM 6.2), Freight transport services by road (CCM 6.6), Sea and coastal freight water
transport, vessels for port operations and auxiliary activities (CCM 6.10), and Acquisition and ownership of buildings (CCM 7.7).
Alignment has been determined to 22% for revenue (2023: 26%), 22% for OpEx (2023: 26%) and 22% for CapEx (2023: 18%).
Revenue linked to aligned activities comprise freight transport by rail (DKK 470m), revenue derived from vessels (DKK 6,055m) as well as revenue generated by e-trucks (DKK 49m). Aligned OpEx constitutes maintenance and servicing cost for owned ships and trucks (DKK 287m).
CapEx linked to aligned activities include investments and improvements in vessels (DKK 891m) and e-trucks acquisitions (DKK 37m). No additions related to acquisitions were considered aligned.
As the taxonomy-alignment requirements are still evolving, we expect our taxonomy reporting to continue developing.
| Units | 2024 | 20231 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||
| Aligned | DKK million | 6,575 | 6,966 |
| Aligned | % | 22 | 26 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | DKK million | 18,286 | 15,917 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | % | 61 | 58 |
| Non-eligible | DKK million | 4,892 | 4,422 |
| Non-eligible | % | 16 | 16 |
| Total | DKK million | 29,753 | 27,304 |
| OpEx | |||
| Aligned | DKK million | 287 | 299 |
| Aligned | % | 22 | 26 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | DKK million | 1,010 | 846 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | % | 78 | 74 |
| Non-eligible | DKK million | - | - |
| Non-eligible | % | 0 | 0 |
| Total | DKK million | 1,297 | 1,145 |
| CapEx | |||
| Aligned | DKK million | 927 | 778 |
| Aligned | % | 22 | 18 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | DKK million | 3,361 | 3,414 |
| Eligible, non-aligned | % | 74 | 78 |
| Non-eligible | DKK million | 166 | 184 |
| Non-eligible | % | 4 | 4 |
| Total | DKK million | 4,454 | 4,376 |
1 2023 restated due to updated methodology for calculating revenue for vessels aligned for sea and coastal freight water transport (6.10), presenting more reliable and repevant information. OpEx and CapEx restated as a result of IFRS 16 restatement.
| Substantial contribution criteria | DNSH criteria ('Does Not Significantly Harm') | Proportion of | Category | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | Proportion of Revenue |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollution | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollutions | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Minimum safeguards |
taxonomy aligned or eligible of revenue, 2023 |
(enabling activity or transitional activity) |
||
| Economic activities | Code(s) | DKK million | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Percent | E/T |
| A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy aligned) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight rail transport | CCM 6.2 | 470 | 2 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 3 | T |
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 49 | 0 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | T |
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels | ||||||||||||||||||
| for port operations and auxiliary activities | CCM 6.10 | 6,055 | 20 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 23 | T |
| Revenue of environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
6,575 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 26 | ||
| Of which enabling | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | E | |
| Of which transitional | 6,575 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 30 | T | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-Eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight rail transport | CCM 6.2 | 145 | 0 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 0 | ||||||||
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 12,646 | 43 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 42 | ||||||||
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels | ||||||||||||||||||
| for port operations and auxiliary activities Infrastructure enabling low-carbon water transport |
CCM 6.10 CCM 6.12 |
4,908 588 |
16 2 |
EL EL |
EL EL |
N/EL N/EL |
N/EL N/EL |
N/EL N/EL |
N/EL N/EL |
14 2 |
||||||||
| Revenue of Taxonomy-eligible but not environmen tally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned |
||||||||||||||||||
| activities) (A.2) | 18,286 | 61 | 61 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 58 | |||||||||
| Total (A.1+A.2) | 24,861 | 84 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES | Y | Yes (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) | 4,892 | 16 | N | No (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) | ||||||||||||||
| Total (A+B) | 29,753 | 100 |
N/EL Not eligible (taxonomy-non-eligible activity for the relevant environment objective)
| Substantial contribution criteria | DNSH criteria ('Does Not Significantly Harm') | Proportion of Category |
||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CapEx | Proportion of CapEx |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollution | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollutions | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Minimum safeguards |
taxonomy aligned or eligible of CapEx, 2023 |
(enabling activity or transitional activity) |
||
| Economic activities | Code(s) | DKK million | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Percent | E/T |
| A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy aligned) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 37 | 1 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | T |
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels | ||||||||||||||||||
| for port operations and auxiliary activities | CCM 6.10 | 891 | 21 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 14 | T |
| Acquisition and ownership of buildings | CCM 7.7 | 0 | 0 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 3 | N/A |
| CapEx of environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
927 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 18 | ||
| Of which enabling | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | E | |
| Of which transitional | 891 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 14 | T | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-Eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 1,347 | 30 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 29 | ||||||||
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels | ||||||||||||||||||
| for port operations and auxiliary activities | CCM 6.10 | 1,023 | 23 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 27 | ||||||||
| Infrastructure enabling low-carbon water transport | CCM 6.16 | 481 | 11 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 8 | ||||||||
| Acquisition and ownership of buildings | CCM 7.7 | 510 | 11 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 17 | ||||||||
| CapEx of Taxonomy-eligible but not environmen tally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned |
||||||||||||||||||
| activities) (A.2) | 3,361 | 75 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 78 | |||||||||
| Total (A.1+A.2) | 4,288 | 96 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES CapEx of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) |
166 | 4 | Y | Yes (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) | ||||||||||||||
| Total (A+B) | 4,454 | 100 | N | No (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) | ||||||||||||||
| N/EL Not eligible (taxonomy-non-eligible activity for the relevant environment objective) |
| Substantial contribution criteria | DNSH criteria ('Does Not Significantly Harm') | Proportion of | Category | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpEx | Proportion of OpEx |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollution | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Climate change mitigation |
Climate change adaptation |
Water and marine resources |
Pollutions | Circular economy |
Biodiversity and eco systems |
Minimum safeguards |
taxonomy aligned or eligible of OpEx, 2023 |
(enabling activity or transitional activity) |
||
| Economic activities | Code(s) | DKK million | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | Percent | E/T |
| A. TAXONOMY-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy aligned) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 2 | 0 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | E |
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels for port operations and auxiliary activities |
CCM 6.10 | 284 | 22 | Y | N | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 26 | T |
| OpEx of environmentally sustainable activities (Taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
287 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 26 | ||
| Of which enabling | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 0 | E | |
| Of which transitional | 284 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | 26 | T | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-Eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Freight transport services by road | CCM 6.6 | 653 | 1 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 1 | ||||||||
| Sea and coastal freight water transport, vessels | ||||||||||||||||||
| for port operations and auxiliary activities | CCM 6.10 | 358 | 28 | EL | EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | N/EL | 23 | ||||||||
| OpEx of Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (not Taxonomy-aligned activities) (A.2) |
1,010 | 78 | 78 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 74 | |||||||||
| Total (A.1+A.2) | 1,297 | 100 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| B. TAXONOMY-NON-ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES OpEx of Taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) |
- | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total (A+B) | 1,297 | 100 | Y N |
Yes (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) No (taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned activity with the relevant environment objective) |
N/EL Not eligible (taxonomy-non-eligible activity for the relevant environment objective)
| Row | Nuclear energy related activities | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to research, development, demonstration and deployment of innovative electricity generation facilities that produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle. |
NO |
| 2 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction and safe operation of new nuclear installations to produce electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production, as well as their safety upgrades, using best available technologies. |
NO |
| 3 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to safe operation of existing nuclear installations that produce electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production from nuclear energy, as well as their safety upgrades. |
NO |
| Fossil gas related activities | ||
| 4 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction or operation of electricity generation facilities that produce electricity using fossil gaseous fuels. |
NO |
| 5 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment, and operation of combined heat/cool and power generation facilities using fossil gaseous fuels. |
NO |
| 6 | The undertaking carries out, funds or has exposures to construction, refurbishment and operation of heat generation facilities that produce heat/cool using fossil gaseous fuels. |
NO |

We have determined the taxonomy-eligible economic activities (the numerator for the taxonomy-eligible KPIs) by the following process:
We have determined the taxonomy-aligned economic activities (the numerator for the taxonomy-alignment KPIs) by the following process:
The economic activities identified as aligned all contribute to climate change mitigation based on the assessment and documentation carried out.
The contribution stems from zero direct tailpipe CO2e emissions from trains and wagons and none are dedicated to the transport of fossil fuels. Revenue is determined by splitting rail service revenue by diesel and electric trains.
The contribution stems from zero-emission heavyduty vehicles emitting less than 1g CO2e/kWh and low-emission heavy-duty vehicles emitting less than half of the reference CO2 emissions of vehicles in their sub-group. To determine alignment, we define the e-trucks meeting the criteria and include the part of the transportation that has been carried out by the e-trucks in question.
The contribution stems from vessels that are exclusively operating coastal and short sea services designed to enable the modal shift of freight on land to sea. The sea freight produces lower CO2e emissions than the average reference CO2e emission defined for heavy vehicles in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation 2109/1242. In addition, vessels with an attained value below the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) or Energy Efficiency Existing Ships Index (EEXI) value, respectively, are considered equivalent.
Note that this is a transitional alignment that applies until year 2025 (included).
7.7 Acquisition and ownership of buildings The contribution is related to the energy performance of the building as documented by energy performance certificates and related documents.
For each eligible criteria we have assessed whether the economic activity has a negative impact on any of the other climate and environmental objectives. We have assessed each activity's alignment with every DNSH criteria by either investigating internally if our operations comply with the stated criteria, or if we are complying with other EU regulations and environmental standards. We only report alignment for economic activities when we have reliable data proving that no negative impacts have been identified.
Across the four aligned activities, the climate risk and vulnerability has been assessed in the climate risk scenario analysis performed in 2024.
Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources Pollution to water has been assessed and found not to have material impact.
Transition to a circular economy Documentation received from rail service providers for waste management plans. Truck manufacturers have provided details of the recyclability aligned to EU regulation. Vessels are compliant with MARPOL, EU regulation No. 1257/2013, and commitment to Hong Kong Convention. § Accounting policies
Certificates from train service suppliers to document the use of electric propulsion in the delivery of the service. For e-trucks data on tyres according to Euro classes determine whether they do significant harm. In some locations, e-trucks are fitted with different types of tyres according to seasons/weather conditions. In cases where e-trucks are fitted with non-compliant tyres for a part of the year (or the full year), they will not be considered aligned. Vessels follow sulphur and NOx requirements and measures to minimise toxicity of anti-fouling paint is in place.
Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems Ballast water treatment in place on vessels, measures to prevent invasive species and noise vibration limitations in place.
Our economic activities are carried out in compliance with the Minimum Safeguards. DFDS has policies and processes in place to ensure that human rights are respected within our own operations as well as the value chain, including third-party workers, hauliers, and seafarers. As such we comply with the minimum labour and human rights standards. Taxation is governed by our Group Tax Policy. The foundation on how DFDS makes decisions and interacts with
stakeholders is described in our Code of Conduct, which also includes how we deal with fair competition and bribery/corruption.
The taxonomy-eligible KPIs have been calculated as followed:
The taxonomy-alignment KPIs have been calculated as followed:
The denominator for the taxonomy KPIs has been determined as followed:
Reconciling to line items: addition on acquisition of enterprises, additions (except for development projects and assets under construction), transfers (only from development projects and assets under construction), addition/remeasurement.
Double counting: DFDS has no economic activities that contributes to several environmental objectives. DFDS has ensured that allocation to Revenue, OpEx and CapEx KPIs across identified economic activities are not double counted. This has been verified by enabling controls such as reconciling the taxonomy KPIs to the consolidated financial statements.
Disaggregation of KPIs: The identified economic activities are not subject to disaggregation of taxonomy KPIs.

Sustainable business is about people. We strive to "be a great place to work" in that we want to support the health, safety, and well-being of all our employees including their physical and mental health. We strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and believe that a diverse workforce makes better decisions. We believe that prioritising people is a way to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
We want DFDS to be a company where all employees act according to our values and where we can rely on our colleagues' knowledge and expertise as well as their ability to act with agility and solve problems as they arise.
| Impacts | Description | Impact, Risk, or Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Working conditions | Impacts on work-life balance and wellbeing from overtime/working schemes | ANI PNI |
| Safety and accident concerns of ship crews, truck drivers, and terminal and warehouse workers | R ANI PNI | |
| Equal treatments and opportunities |
Both seafarers and logistics faces challenges attracting and retaining women | PNI |
| for all | Bullying and harassment is known to occur in in the maritime and logistics sectors | ANI |
ANI Actual negative impact PNI Potential negative impact API Actual positive impact PPI Potential positive impact R Risk O Opportunity
14a In the process to identify and assess material IROs, the scope of disclosure includes all employees in the DFDS workforce who could be materially impacted by our own operations and activities in our value chain.
14b Material negative impact occurrences are typically individual incidents.
14d Material risks arising from impacts on own workforce include serious accidents in the terminals during land and/or sea operations, cyber security risks, and potential GDPR related breaches. In the Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy, health & safety is a key focus in the "Be a great place to work" part of the strategy.
14e Our transition plans for achieving greener and climate-neutral operations may come with a risk of material impacts on workers, including the handling of green fuels.
15 Through our extensive efforts within health & safety, we have mapped the contexts and activities that may lead to a greater risk of harm for our employees. For this purpose, we divide employees in office and non-office workers, classifying non-office work as high risk. Non-office workers make up 65% of our workforce and are related to
operations conducted on ferries, and at terminals, haulage and warehouses.
19 DFDS has a range of policies in place to manage material impacts on our own workforce. These policies have been implemented to ensure the identification, prevention and mitigation of potential risks and impacts and to address opportunities. Depending on purpose and scope, the policies are owned and approved by relevant bodies as listed in the policies table.
Ownership entails enforcement of policies and the responsibility to ensure that principles are integrated into practices and culture. Policies are rolled out via internal channels, including training sessions, introduction programmes, intranet, and other management communication such as townhall meetings. The policies are also publicly available on our website. Our policies are subject to review at regular intervals.
21 Any commitment to relevant internationally recognised instruments is included in the last column of the policies table.
20a As a responsible employer, we are fully committed to respecting human rights as defined by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidelines for Multinational
| Policy | Objective(s) | Relation to IROs | Scope | Owner | Account ability |
Third-party standards or initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code of Conduct |
Our Code of Conduct is our internal guideline for how employees should act responsibly, treat each other with respect, and respond to ethical issues. It is directly linked to the UN Global Compact's ten guiding principles and covers topics like human rights, diversity and inclusion, anti-harassment and discrimination, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and bribery. |
Human rights, diversity & inclusion, anti-harassment and discrimination, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and bribery |
All DFDS employees People | Board of Directors |
UN Global Compact's ten guiding principles |
|
| Labour Code of Conduct |
This Labour Code of Conduct (LCoC), describes our minimum standard for critical working conditions of our employees. The aim is to prevent, remedy and account for any adverse human rights events across the company. |
Prevent, remedy and account for any adverse human rights issues |
All DFDS employees People | EMT | ||
| Human rights At DFDS, we recognise the importance of human rights and are committed to conducting our business in compliance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct. The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework to ensure that human rights considerations are prioritised within DFDS. |
Working conditions, equal treatment and opportunities |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
People | Board of Directors |
(27c) United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct |
|
| Modern Slavery Act |
At DFDS, we hold the belief that respecting human rights is integral to our purpose, vision, and values. We prioritise the well-being and human rights of all individuals connected to our operations, including our employees, contractors and service providers, supply chain workers, customers, and the communities in which we operate. We firmly advocate for the freedom, safety, and dignity of every person. |
Modern slavery and trafficking (freedom, safety) |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
People | Board of Directors |
IMPA ACT, UN Global Compact, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights International Bill of Human Rights (IBHR) International Labour Organisation's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (ILOD), Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, UN Convention against Corruption |
| Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Policy |
The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy is to establish a general framework to ensure we have a work environment that is truly inclu sive, diverse, and free from any bias, discrimination, and harassment. We strive to be diverse and inclusive within the dimensions of ethnicity, gender, language, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, physical and mental ability, thinking styles, experience, and education. |
Work environment that is truly inclusive, diverse, and free from any bias, discrimination, and harassment |
All DFDS employees HSSE | EMT | ||
| Health & Safety Policy |
How we conduct our Health & Safety responsibilities is a cornerstone and an integral part of DFDS's business. Throughout our operations, DFDS is committed to achieving the goal of: • Zero accidents • No harm to people • A safe and healthy working environment • Industry-leading service to our customers through a safe and healthy operation |
Zero accidents No harm to people A Safe and Healthy working environment Industry-leading service to our customers through a safe and healthy operation |
All DFDS employees Legal | EMT | ||
| Whistleblower DFDS Compliance Line system is an additional means of reporting that enables both employees and external stakeholders to report existing or potential violations of law or regulations, certain parts of the DFDS Code of Business Conduct, or other serious irregularities directly to DFDS. |
Grievance mechanism. Potential breaches of Code of Conduct, laws and regulation. |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
T&I | Board of Directors |
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct. Danish national regulation |
|
| Data protection policy (GDPR) |
This Data Protection Policy ("the Policy") sets forth the required behaviours of DFDS employees in relation to processing Personal data. In addition to this Policy DFDS has put in place BU specific GDPR policies, procedures, and guidelines applicable to the business units. |
Personal data integrity | All DFDS employees People | CTO | Danish national regulation |
Enterprises. We have formalised our commitment and processes in a Human Rights Policy. We perform human rights impact assessments (HRIA), which in the first instance was performed as part of the double materiality assessment, and serves as the foundation for our continued work with human rights and our efforts to create transparency.
The entire organisation shares the responsibility of respecting and protecting human rights. The coordination of human rights efforts at DFDS is entrusted to the Director of Sustainability. To further embed the efforts across the organisation, a dedicated Human Rights Review Group comprised of representatives from Ferry, Logistics, Procurement, People, Health & Safety (H&S), Legal, and CSRD Reporting, will perform the next HRIA in 2025. Expertise from additional functions in DFDS will be included on an ad hoc basis based on impact findings.
22 DFDS is dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our value chain and all aspects of our operations. We prioritise transparency and awareness in these efforts. Through our HR policies and procedures, we not only ensure compliance with national laws but also uphold international conventions safeguarding employee rights, including those employed through third parties. The Human Rights Policy and Modern Slavery Report outline our approach and actions and explicitly address forced labour. Our Code of Conduct (CoC) further specifies what we expect of our employees in this regard.
23 We aim to ensure that robust safety processes, equipment, tools, and training are fully integrated into the way we work as governed by the H&S Policy. The local H&S organisations and Marine Standards department are responsible for implementing and integrating our "Safety-First" approach into existing procedures and processes on both land and sea.
24a We do not tolerate discrimination against any employee or job applicant based upon an individual's race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or other characteristics. Policies aimed at eliminating discrimination include the Human Rights Policy, the CoC, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy. Everyone can report incidents they experience personally or witness happening to others, and we encourage open and honest communication.
24b-c Our DEI Policy outlines a specific commitment to gender diversity to ensure the inclusion and ability to attract women to an industry with an overrepresentation of men.
24d The procedure to implement policies to prevent and mitigate discrimination, and advance diversity and inclusion, include publication on the DFDS intranet and notification to all employees, office and non-office. The procedure for detection and action is handled in our whistleblower process, by managers or HR depending on how the case is reported.
20b, 27a-c As part of our ongoing due diligence process, we engage with our employees and their representatives on material impacts. The responsibility for engagement falls under the Executive Vice President for People. Our key actions include an annual engagement survey and an annual appraisal process for all employees. The process supports the engagement, performance and development of the employee and is in line with DFDS's overall strategy and business goals.
The annual engagement survey, MyVoice, is sent to all employees (office and non-office). Questions are grouped in three sets: Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, and Health and Wellbeing. In 2024, the response rate was 80% and the aggregated engagement score was 6.7.
Engagement also includes day-to-day interactions with managers and may occur at the initiative of the employee. All employees are encouraged to reach out to HR, the management team or the whistleblower system for any concerns or grievances. Both formal and informal channels are sources of information on employee perspectives, and they serve inform our decision-making processes.
Our engagement with our workforce and the grievance mechanisms in place ensure that we mitigate actual or potential negative impacts, and act as needed to create positive impacts.
20c, 32a Our general approach to providing remedy for human rights impacts is part of our grievance mechanism process, in which the outcome of an issue raised through our whisteblower system may result in an action to remedy the matter. Additionally, DFDS has outlined a procedure to assess and approve the provision of remedy for individuals or communities adversely affected by our business activities by way of the Human Rights Review Group. In cases where remedy would go beyond the normal operating procedures, the Review Group will assist in making recommendations for the Executive Management Team (EMT) to approve. The review practice is planned to be initiated in 2025.
32b Since 2015, DFDS has provided the possibility of anonymously reporting any concerns over breaches of acceptable behaviour by or within the company through a Whistleblower System hosted by a third-party. Our Whistleblower Policy outlines the policy governing the system and handling of reports. Alongside the Whistleblower System, we encourage employees to report incidents or unacceptable behaviour to their local manager, HR or to a member of the EMT. Within the Whistleblower System, reports can be raised anonymously, and whistleblowers are safeguarded against potential retaliation.
AR29-30, 32c The system is open for reporting by employees as well as third parties and can be easily accessed through our website.
32d The availability of the Whistleblower System is further supported by links on the DFDS intranet, QR-code stickers on physical locations and in vehicles. Communication and awareness activities include mention in the onboarding process of new employees, postings on the intranet, CoC roll-out and questions related to whistleblower in the annual employee survey, MyVoice.
32e All cases are handled and treated confidentially by the assigned Whistleblower team. Appropriate consequences are applied case by case, reflecting the severity of the issue. The Board of Directors receives regular updates on reports and findings from the Whistleblower System.
33 The awareness of and trust in the process to raise their concerns, is measured annually in the employee engagement survey, which includes questions on the Whistleblower System. DFDS will not retaliate nor tolerate any form of retaliation from co-workers or partners against people for making a good faith report or participating in an investigation, as stated in our Whistleblower Policy.
| Objective | Goal | Actions | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Initiatives |
Reduce workplace accidents |
Performing safety training, conduct safety audits, upgrade safety equipment |
Systems implemented to manage and measure health and safety both at sea and on land. Monitor accident rates, conduct employee surveys |
| Diversity and Inclusion Programmes |
Increase workforce diversity and an inclusive culture |
Diversity perspective implemented in recruitment, promotion, and talent processes. Provide diversity training, diversity targets, financial incentives, new HR system implemented in 2024 will increase transparency on diversity matters |
Track diversity metrics, measure inclusion in engagement survey, gather employee feedback. |
| Work-Life Balance Initiatives |
Improve work-life balance |
Challenge stigma surrounding mental health challenges |
Evaluate employee satisfaction, monitor productivity |
38a DFDS takes action to address material impacts, manage risks and pursue opportunities in the following areas:
We operate within our Safety First programme, which is a group-wide initiative to improve the knowledge of procedures regarding safety. At sea, we use SERTICA, a fleet management solution, on all DFDS vessels to manage and measure our H&S performance. It is a system widely used by companies worldwide to optimise internal processes concerning maintenance, procurement, HSQE (health, safety, quality, and environment), performance and to make decisions based on data. On land, a H&S performance system, EcoOnline, has been implemented across all locations to ensure standardised reporting and data.
The equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) perspectives are included in recruitment, promotion, and talent processes. We apply a dedicated and structured approach as well as a focus on an inclusive culture. This includes target setting, financial incentives via bonus schemes, engagement surveys, management conferences, training sessions, toolboxes, and efforts to raise awareness and to make more unbiased decisions.
The monitoring and measures implemented to improve DEI cover all layers of the organisation, including the Board of Directors and the EMT. Both, being diverse in terms of gender, nationality, age,
and seniority. In December 2024, a new group-wide HR system was implemented, which will enable us to increase transparency on HR matters.
We encourage employees to elect employee representatives, and we engage with these representatives in good faith with full transparency. In areas where collective bargaining is prohibited by law, we will allow employees to develop alternative ways to express their opinions and care for their rights.
At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We offer formal and informal training programmes for leaders and employees. We also want to help our employees grow personally. Performance management is structured by a recurrent annual appraisal process for all employees. The process supports the engagement, performance and development of the employee and is in line with DFDS' overall strategy and business goals.
DFDS is dedicated to following up on all reported incidents and taking appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary. We treat all reports seriously and with care and all reported incidents are investigated thoroughly. We ensure trust and the possibility for anonymity in the reporting process. Regardless of who is involved, we follow up on
every incident, to maintain a safe and inclusive workplace for all.
38b Any material impacts brought to our attention through managers, HR, or the Whistleblower System are dealt with, including providing remedy as deemed necessary. Records and reporting to document remedy is in place for the whistleblower process.
38d The scores from the engagement survey serve as a measure to understand the status and effectiveness of employee engagement at DFDS.
AR43 We recognise that transitioning to alternative fuels for our vessels may bring negative impacts on our own workforce from a safety perspective. When assessing alternative fuel types, we take aspects such as toxicity and handling into consideration.
39 Processes to identify what action is needed and are appropriate in response to impacts on own workforce, include the annual engagement survey, MyVoice, the whistleblower system, reports from the H&S systems, and general insights from managers.
40a The actions for mitigating risk overlap with actions to address impacts. The opportunities identified are based on mitigation actions and are thus not included in the report as per the DMA methodology.
41 It is the responsibility of the People division and the H&S organisation to ensure that we have policies in place to mitigate negative impacts on our own workforce. The ferry and logistics industry involves inherent risks and essential tasks that must be managed, even under higher risk conditions. In situations where a trade-off is necessary, the safety of our workers remains our top priority, as outlined in our Health & Safety Policy.
43 Resources allocated to manage material impacts include HR and H&S systems for tracking performance and manage actions, dedicated teams and functions predominantly in the People division, and campaigns to address specific impacts and their related actions.
46 To manage and reduce material negative impacts on our workforce, we have implemented time-bound and outcome-oriented targets for gender diversity and health & safety, respectively.
With the aim of improving gender diversity in DFDS, we have set targets for the underrepresented gender on various levels:
For the highest management body (the Board of Directors), the gender target has been achieved with the underrepresented gender in two of the six board positions as elected by the Annual General
Meeting. If and when the composition of the Board of Directors should no longer meet the target, a new target and target year will be implemented.
For the Top Management (see definition in S1-9), the target is 25% share of the underrepresented gender by 2030.
Across the DFDS group, our target is to have a 30% share of the underrepresented gender by 2030.
The key metric for health & safety is Lost-time injury frequency (LTIF) presenting the number of registered work-related accidents disabling an employee to work for more than 24 hours per one million exposure hours. Our target for this metric is to see an ongoing decrease in injury frequency to the point of elimination.
47a-c The target setting, the tracking of performance, and identifying improvements in the performance is undertaken by management in the People division. The process is informed by specialists, research, historical data and performance, and in dialogue with the EMT. As such, our own workforce or workforce representatives have not been directly involved.
ESRS 2 81 For the material IROs related to worklife balance and bullying and harassment we have not set measurable targets. The IROs are addressed in our policies and actions and our ambition is for these impacts to be eliminated.
For work-life balance the annual employee engagement survey, MyVoice, tracks relevant indicators by which we evaluate the progress. Likewise for bullying and harassment, with additional indicators in the whistleblower system.
| Gender targets, female representation | Target | Target year | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Directors | achieved | - | 33% |
| Executive Management Team | 30% | 2030 | 29% |
| Senior Management | 30% | 2030 | 19% |
| All Managers | 30% | 2030 | 19% |
| Deck & Engine Managers | 20% | 2030 | 7% |
| Office Managers | 40% | 2030 | 32% |
| All employees | 30% | 2030 | 22% |
| Office | - | - | 43% |
| Non-office | - | - | 13% |
| 50a Employees by gender | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Headcount | Total |
| Female | 3,905 |
| Male | 13,496 |
| Other | 35 |
| Total | 17,436 |
| 50a Employees per country >10% | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headcount | Total | |
| UK | 3,828 | |
| Turkiye | 3,251 |
| 50b Employees by contract type | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headcount | Female | Male | Not declared | Total |
| - No. of permanent | 3,547 | 12,413 | 19 | 15,979 |
| - No of temporary | 337 | 1,057 | 15 | 1,409 |
| - No. of non-guaranteed hours | 21 | 26 | 1 | 48 |
| No. of employees, total | 3,905 | 13,496 | 35 | 17,436 |
| 50c Employee turnover | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Headcount | Total |
| Total no. of leavers | 2,566 |
| Rate of employee turnover | 18% |
Headcount (HC) is the total number of employees, regardless of their contract type. The headcount is based on the number of employees on the 31st of December, 2024, as recorded in HR systems for landbased employees and seafarers respectively.
Employees on long-term leave are excluded from the calculation.
Land-based data on gender categories varies between countries, depending on the local legislation. For some countries, the category 'other' and 'not declared' (grouped as 'not declared'), has been recorded and included in the report. Seafarers are recorded as are male/ female in accordance with their certification and travel documents.
Land-based employees (HC) reported by country. Seafarers are reported by flag in countries where the number of DFDS employees represent more than 10% of the total number of employees.
Permanent contracts: Contracts without ending day; that are valid until the employee or employer chooses to cancel it.
Temporary contracts: Contracts with a fixed term.
Non-guaranteed hours: Hourly paid employees such as student workers
Number of employees (HC) who have left DFDS, both voluntarily or due to other factors such as dismissal retirement, between 1st of January and 31st of December 2024. Employee turnover includes all employees, and contract types.
Number of Employees Who Left
Employee turnover rate: × 100
Average Number of Employees
Number of employees pr. 31/12/2023 + Number of employees pr. 31/12/2024
Average number of employees:
2
50d The headcount is based on the number of employees at year end, as recorded in HR systems for land-based employees and seafarers respectively. The headcount refers to the total number of employees, regardless of whether they are on a full-time or part-time contract. Employees on longterm leave are excluded from the calculation.
FTEs (full-time equivalents) are a measure of an employee's contractual working hours in relation to a full-time contract in the given position and country. The figure quantifies the workforce in terms of full-time positions. Employees on long-term leave are excluded from the calculation. The FTE number is calculated as an average for the reporting period.
50f The total head count at the end of 2024 is 17,436. The most representative number in the financial statement is the average FTEs in 2024, which amounts to 14,121. As a cross-reference, the average no. of FTEs is lower due to part-time employment and that employees who joined DFDS in the Ekol International Transport acquisition on November 15, 2024, count in full in the head count but only impact the average by 1.5 months in the FTE number.
63b DFDS has no agreements for representation by European Works Council (EWC), Societas Europaea (SE) Works Council, or Societas Cooperativa Europaea (SCE) Works Council.
| 60a CBA coverage | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Headcount | Total |
| No. of employees with CBA | 6,053 |
| % of employees with CBA | 35% |
| 60b, 63a CBA and social dialogue | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Collective bargaining coverage | Social dialogue | ||
| Coverage rate | EEA countries >10% Non-EEA countries >10% EEA countries >10% | ||
| 0-19% | Türkiye | ||
| 20-39% | UK | UK | |
| 40-59% | |||
| 60-79% | |||
| 80-100% |
CBA is calculated as the number of land-based employees and seafarers that are covered by a CBA between 1st of January and 31st of December 2024. CBA refers to agreements between employers and employees and/or employee representative organisation/group that regulate the terms and roles governing the relationship between the two parties. The data has been collected from local payroll systems.
Social dialogue refers to workers' representatives including works councils, health and safety representatives, and trade union representatives as reported by local HR.
FTE is the measurement of an employee's contractual working hours in relation to a full-time contract in the given position and country. The figure quantifies the workforce in terms of full-time positions. Employees on long-term leave are excluded from the calculation. The FTE number is calculated as an average for the reporting period.
66 One of our primary priorities on the diversity agenda has been to increase the number of women in the business and across organisational layers. Except for in the People and Finance divisions, women leaders are still a minority in DFDS. We have a specific focus on increasing the number of women among office-based managers and for the deck and engine workers at sea. We have signed Danish Shipping's Charter for more women at sea and we run a female cadet programme in partnership with a maritime training institution.
69 We are committed to ensuring that all employees earn fair wages. All salaries and benefits must at the least meet the specified minimum wage set by national law or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. For employees not covered by CBA, we are closely following market developments and adjust salaries regularly and accordingly.
We will investigate best practice and define relevant benchmarks with a view to update our processes to include an adequate wage benchmark in coming years. For 2024, no data on adequate wages is reported based on a lack of data availability.
| 66a Gender distribution in management | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headcount | No. | % | ||
| Executive Management Team | Female | 2 | 29% | |
| Male | 5 | 71% | ||
| Not declared | 0 | 0% | ||
| Senior Management | Female | 6 | 19% | |
| Male | 26 | 81% | ||
| Not declared | 0 | 0% | ||
| All managers | Female | 466 | 19% | |
| Male | 1,945 | 81% | ||
| Not declared | 1 | 0% |
| 66b Age distribution | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headcount | Total - No. | Total - % |
| Employees under age 30 | 3,300 | 19% |
| Employees between age 30-50 | 8,939 | 51% |
| Employees above age 50 | 5,197 | 30% |
Executive Management Team (EMT)
CEO, CFO, and selected executive/senior vice presidents
EMT and all other Vice Presidents
Total number of management positions (responsibility for at least one other employee)
The age distribution data is caculated as the headcount as of December 31, 2024, as recorded in HR systems.
| 88a Health and safety management system | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | |||
| Percentage of employees covered | 100% | ||
| 88b Fatalities | 2024 | ||
| Own employees | Contractors | ||
| Number of fatalities | 0 | 0 | |
| 88e Lost-time injury frequency (LTIF) | 2024 | ||
| Incidents/mio. hours | Land | Sea | Total |
| Lost-time injury frequency (LTIF) | 6.8 | 3.9 | 5.3 |
88c-d Recordable work-related accidents are not reported for 2024 due to insufficient data. Reporting of work-related accidents has been initiated in 2024. Further roll-out and awareness of the reporting tool is needed before the reported numbers can be considered representative.
Health & Safety management systems covers DFDS employees on land, and all crew working on the vessels.
Number of fatalities among employees caused by work-related injuries during 1st of January – 31st of December 2024.
Number of fatalities among third-party contractors caused by work-related injuries while operating for DFDS during 1st of January – 31st of December 2024.
LTIF is the number of registered work-related injuries disabling a seafarer to work for more than 24 hours per one million exposure hours.
97a Gender pay gap for 2024 is not reported due to insufficient data. In 2024, a new HR system was implemented along with an action plan to improve the data foundation. This includes implementing job levels across the group and preparations for the Pay Transparency Act. It is our ambition to report on gender pay gap from 2025.
97b The annual total remuneration ratio of the CEO to the average total remuneration for all employees was 33 in 2024.
DFDS recognises that the disclosure requires a ratio to the median remuneration. However, using an average provides equally useful information. It is our ambition to adjust the calculation to meet requirements from 2025.
103d The number of cases reported through the DFDS whistleblower system in the reporting year. The line is open to own workforce and external parties. Given the anonymity option, it is not possible to distinguish between internal and external reports.
104a-b No severe human rights issues and incidents connected to own workforce have occurred during 2024.
| 103a-c Discrimination and complaints | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number | |
| Total number of incidents of discrimination | 22 |
| Number of complaints filed through channels for people in the undertaking's own workforce to raise concerns |
96 |
| Complaints to NCP | 0 |
| Total number of fines, penalties, and compensation for damages as a result of the incidents and complaints disclosed above |
0 |
The remuneration ratio is calculated by dividing the annual total remuneration (including granted LTI for the CEO), by the average employee total remuneration (excl. CEO).
103d Complaints and channels to raise concerns are measured as the number of cases reported through the DFDS whistleblower line in the reporting year. The line is open to own workforce and external parties. Given the anonymity option, it is not possible to distinguish between internal and external reports.
Measured as the the number of reports in the whistleblower system that legal has assessed to be human rights issues and incidents. Human right issues connected to the value chain are not included.
Discrimination is measured as the number of incidents of discrimination that have been reported in our whistleblower system during January 1st – 31st of December 2024 (self-declared as 'Discrimination or Harassment').
This is the number of complaints filed to National Contact Points (NCP) for OECD Multinational Enterprises as reported to the company by NCP.
These are measured as the fines, penalties, and compensation for damages, as a result of the incidents and complaints disclosed.
DFDS recognises the importance of fair labour practices and human rights throughout the supply chain. Supply chain sustainability is an integral part of DFDS' Sustainable Procurement Programme and we aim to use our leverage to promote human rights, environmental care, good labour practices, and high ethical standards. We want to ensure transparency and accountability in our operations, highlighting our efforts to improve working conditions, promote fair wages, and prevent labour exploitation. A management system dedicated to assess and identify sustainability risks within the supply chain based on our spend, the suppliers' country, and industry risk profile, is used. In parallel, we perform audits of third-party transport suppliers to ensure they live up to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
| ANI Actual negative impact | PNI Potential negative impact API Actual positive impact PPI Potential positive impact |
R Risk | O Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBM-3 Material IROs table for S2 Workers in the value chain | Impact, Risk, | ||
| Impacts | Description | or Opportunity | |
| Working conditions | Insecure employment for certain workers, leaving risks for human rights | ANI | |
| Nature of work subjecting workers to excessive hours, impacts on work-life balance and wellbeing | ANI | ||
| Safety for ship crews, truck drivers, and value chain workers due to nature of industry work | ANI R | ||
| Equal treatments and opportunities for all |
Negative impacts more likely to disproportionately affect the underrepresented gender in the value chain | ANI | |
| Other work | Risk of fines, repercussions and reputational damage in potential forced labor in the value chain |
11a In the DMA process, the scope for mapping impacts, risks, and opportunities has included all value chain workers. In terms of disclosure, any value chain workers related to IROs found material are in scope. The most significant and direct impacts on workers in the value chain are found among workers directly involved in DFDS operations. Value chain workers subject to material impacts include suppliers and third-party workers on DFDS sites, and downstream workers in logistics operations. Within these categories, we have an awareness of workers in risk of being particularly vulnerable, such as women, unregulated workers and lower-skill professions.
11b Based on the Human Rights Index, we have an awareness on our operations in Türkiye and Morocco for forced and compulsory labour impacts in the value chain.
11c The material impacts occurrence is typically systemic to workers in the value chain in that the line of work within ferry and logistics operations come with health & safety risks. Additionally, some impacts are related to individual incidents, typically also within health & safety. Both types of occurrences are taken into consideration for mitigating actions and policies.
10b Material risks arising from impacts on value chain workers are related to Health & Safety,
which is included in the Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy.
12-13 Other than as stated in previous paragraphs, we have not identified workers with particular characteristics that may be at greater risk of harm nor impacts that are linked to specific groups of workers.
16 DFDS has a range of policies in place to manage material impacts related to our value chain. Generally, these policies have been implemented to ensure the identification, prevention and mitigation of potential risks and impacts and to address opportunities. Depending on purpose and scope, the policies are owned and approved by relevant bodies as listed in the table. Ownership entails enforcement of policies and the responsibility to ensure that principles are integrated into practices and culture. Policies are rolled out via relevant channels and are publicly available on our website. Our policies are subject to review at least annually. Throughout the value chain section, these policies are referenced as relevant.
17a Our human rights commitment and approach is described under Own Workforce and encompasses workers in our value chain.
ɿ Read more on human rights page 110
| Policy | Objective(s) | Relation to IROs | Scope | Owner | Account ability |
Third-party standards or initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Safety Policy |
How we conduct our Health & Safety responsibilities is a cornerstone and an integral part of DFDS' business. Throughout our operations, DFDS is committed to achieving the goal of: • Zero accidents • No harm to people • A Safe and Healthy working environment • Industry-leading service to our customers through a safe and healthy operation |
Zero accidents No harm to people A Safe and Healthy working environment Industry-leading service to our customers through a safe and healthy operation |
All DFDS employees HSS | EMT | ||
| Human rights At DFDS, we recognise the importance of human rights and are committed to conducting our business in compliance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct. The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework to ensure that human rights considerations are prioritised within DFDS. |
Working conditions, equal treatment and opportunities |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
People | Board of Directors |
(27c) United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct |
|
| Modern Slavery Act |
At DFDS, we hold the belief that respecting human rights is integral to our purpose, vision, and values. We prioritise the well-being and human rights of all individuals connected to our operations, including our employees, contractors and service providers, supply chain workers, customers, and the communities in which we operate. We firmly advocate for the freedom, safety, and dignity of every person. |
Modern slavery and trafficking (freedom, safety) |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
People | Board of Directors |
IMPA ACT, UN Global Compact, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights International Bill of Human Rights (IBHR) International Labour Organisation's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (ILOD), Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, UN Convention against Corruption |
| Whistleblower DFDS Compliance Line system is an additional means of reporting that enables both employees and external stakeholders to report existing or potential violations of law or regulations, certain parts of the DFDS Code of Business Conduct, or other serious irregularities directly to DFDS. |
Grievance mechanism. Potential breaches of Code of Conduct, laws and regulation. |
DFDS employees, across the value chain, and external stakeholders |
Legal | Board of Directors |
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines on responsible business conduct. Danish national regulation |
|
| Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) |
Through DFDS' Sustainable Procurement Programme, we endeavor to work with suppliers who share a similar commitment to responsible business practices. DFDS' Supplier Code of Conduct includes the values and the requirements that we expect our suppliers to live up to when conducting business in an environmentally responsible, ethical, and social way. Our Supplier Code of Conduct describes what behaviours we value, and how we expect suppliers to respond to ethical issues. |
Human rights, diversity & inclusion, anti-harassment and discrimination, environmental protection, anti-corruption, and bribery |
DFDS suppliers | Procure ment |
EMT | Incorporates the IMPA ACT fundamentals and is based on the UN Global Compact and Guiding Principles on Environment, Labour Practices, Business Ethic and Human Rights |
Board of directors / EMT: Executive Management Team / HSS: Health, Safety & Security
17b The key channels for engagement with value chain workers include our grievance mechanism, our supplier audits, and the general dialogue in the supplier relationship.
17c DFDS has a procedure to assess and approve the provision of remedy for individuals or communities adversely affected by our business activities. In cases where remedy would go beyond the normal operating procedures, the Review Group will assist in making recommendations for the Executive Management Team to approve.
18 DFDS is dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our supply chain and all aspects of our organisation. We prioritise transparency and awareness in these efforts. Through our HR policies and procedures, we not only ensure compliance with national laws but also uphold international conventions safeguarding employee rights, including those employed through third parties. Our Human Rights Policy and Modern Slavery Report addresses trafficking, and forced labour.
DFDS has a Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC).
AR15 The SCoC sets the minimum expectations from suppliers and is based on our commitment to recognised global standards and to the United Nations Global Compact's principles, including the International Bill of Human Rights, International Labour Organisation's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and made operational by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
19 Our policies are aligned with relevant internationally recognised instruments as included in the policies table.
Through our supplier audits, we occasionally observe cases of non-conformity with our SCoC which in turn is non-respect of UN Guiding Principles, the ILO Declaration, or the OECD Guidelines, which involve value chain workers. The nature of these cases ranges from not having a grievance mechanism to other work-related rights such as adequate housing or water and sanitation.
22a As outlined in the SCoC, we expect our suppliers to establish a process of continuous due diligence in relation to their actual and potential adverse impacts. The process shall: a) regularly assess potential and actual impacts on the areas of fundamental responsibility, b) integrate impact assessment findings across relevant internal processes and functions, so as to ensure the prevention and mitigation of identified adverse impacts; and c) account for and report to DFDS how impacts are being addressed.
The feedback from these processes in turn inform our decisions and activities aimed at managing actual and potential impacts.
22b During audits of suppliers, we engage with business owners and their workers either directly or through a third-party performing the audit on our behalf. In-person audits and remote audits are performed at intervals ranging from bi-annually to every two years depending on the perceived risk of the supplier in question. The high risk indicators taken into account include the risk of human rights violations and the size of DFDS' annual spend related to the supplier. The outcomes of the audit and feedback from the process are relevant inputs for how we manage actual and potential impacts.
22c The management in Group Procurement have the operational responsibility for ensuring engagement with value chain workers. Ultimately, the EMT ensures executive ownership of the ESG agenda and is actively involved in selecting sustainability priorities and driving the implementation of related action plans.
27a We typically become aware of how we cause or contribute to material negative impacts through our audits. When this is the case, we collaborate with the supplier to remedy the impact and ensure compliance with our SCoC. If negative impacts come to our knowledge through our whistleblower system, it follows the whistleblower procedures.
27b-c We expect our suppliers to have a reporting system to ensure that employees can voice grievances anonymously and without fear of reprisals on any aspect of our SCoC. All grievances should be investigated in a fair and timely manner. We expect that suppliers account for and report to DFDS any relevant impact or breach to the SCoC. We also welcome anyone within or outside of DFDS to report any potential or actual violations of this SCoC. Concerns can be reported directly to DFDS representative, managers or through the DFDS whistleblowing system.
27d All cases are handled and treated confidentially by the assigned Whistleblower team, and appropriate consequences are applied case by case, reflecting the severity of the issue. The Board of Directors receives regular updates on reports and findings from the whistleblower system. Suppliers and workers in the value chain are made aware of the whistleblower system in the SCoC.
28 We review the awareness of the whistleblower system as part of our audit process.
DFDS will not retaliate nor tolerate any form of retaliation against people for making a good faith report or participating in an investigation, as stated in our whistleblower policy.
In delivering road transport services, also known as haulage, DFDS engages with 4,000+ third-party hauliers. To support a safe, legal, and efficient operation, DFDS operates a group haulage compliance function to monitor, assess, and mitigate risk in the haulage supply chain.
The audit scope includes the following sustainability-related categories:
Haulier suppliers are prioritised for audits based on exposure risk for DFDS as defined by contract type and annual turnaround.
In 2024, DFDS conducted 199 on-site audits of key haulage suppliers.
| Objective | Goal | Actions | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Safety | Suppliers are expected to provide a safe, secure, and healthy working environment for all of their workforce Reduce workplace accidents |
Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets the minimum expectations from suppliers. Suppliers are assessed and/or audited for compliance with SCoC. |
Assessments and audits track the effectiveness and adherence with our SCoC. |
| Human and labour rights |
Suppliers are expected to manage adverse impacts on human and labour rights Creating a working environment where value chain workers are treated with dignity and respect |
Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets the minimum expectations from suppliers. Suppliers are assessed and/or audited for compliance with SCoC. |
Assessments and audits track the effectiveness and adherence with our SCoC. |
| Business ethics | Suppliers should establish adequate processes to conduct their business with highest ethical standards. |
Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets the minimum expectations from suppliers. Suppliers are assessed and/or audited for compliance with SCoC. |
Assessments and audits track the effectiveness and adherence with our SCoC. |
31, 32a, 34a Our action plans to manage material IROs related to value chain workers are centred around our SCoC, our supplier assessment processes, and the audits we perform directly or with the help of third parties. These actions are aimed at unveiling non-conformance, enabling a dialogue to plan actions, and improve the working conditions.
AR 32 We consider actual impacts on our value chain from decisions to terminate business relationships and seek to address any negative impacts that may result from termination. Given the diverse nature of our business relationships across DFDS, such decisions are influenced by various factors, and we do not have a standardised process for evaluating and addressing these impacts.
32b, 33c Any material impacts brought to our attention through the whistleblower system are dealt with, including providing remedy as deemed necessary. Records and reporting to document remedy is in place for the whistleblower process.
We engage with suppliers through the EcoVadis platform, a tool for managing ESG risk and compliance, for performance improvements. The effectiveness of actions and initiatives are assessed through our audits and whistleblower reports.
33a The processes to identify the need for action in terms of value chain workers relies on our supplier assessments and supplier audit findings.
33b In our supplier audits, any non-conformities are assessed for severity. DFDS will allow a certain time to rectify the matter depending on the severity of the finding and in particular, severe cases the supplier relationship may be discontinued.
35 It is the responsibility of the Procurement and the Health & Safety organisation to ensure that we have policies and procedures in place to mitigate any negative impact on workers in the value chain. The ferry and logistics industry involves inherent risks and essential tasks that must be managed, even under higher risk conditions. The safety of our workers remains our top priority, as outlined in our Health & Safety Policy.
38 Resources allocated to manage material impacts include Health & Safety (H&S) systems for tracking audit performance and manage actions, as well as dedicated teams predominantly within Procurement. The People division is involved in internal safety and third-party haulage audits.
41 DFDS has ambitions to increase the SCoC coverage for all recurring suppliers and the ESG assessment of prioritised suppliers. We are currently working to improve the tracking of these metrics for future target setting. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of our policies is tracked in our supplier audits and in sustainable procurement.
ɿ Read more on sustainable procurement on page 129
In DFDS' operations, our key consumers and end-users are the passengers on our ferries. Our aim is to offer superior service in meeting their transport needs. We recognise the importance of ensuring a high level of service quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. It involves transparent reporting on customer feedback mechanisms, safety protocols, and measures to enhance the passenger experience. We are committed to prioritising the needs and expectations of our passengers, fostering trust and loyalty and strengthening our position as a customer-centric and responsible operator in the maritime industry.
| ANI Actual negative impact | PNI Potential negative impact API Actual positive impact |
PPI Potential positive impact | R Risk | O Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBM-3 | Material IROs table for S4 Consumers and end-users | Impact, Risk, | ||
| Impacts | Description | or Opportunity | ||
| Information related impacts for consumers and/or end-users |
If exposed to cyber-attacks, DFDS might be involved in a leakage of private customer information and derived financial risk |
PNI R | ||
| Personal safety of consumers and/or end-users |
Safety of passengers through ship-related accidents. Accidents related to products and services of DFDS can be financial risk through legal proceedings and fines, reputational risk, and customer loss |
PNI R |

10a The scope of consumers and end-users likely to be materially impacted by DFDS' own operations, value chain, and business relationships, encompasses passengers on DFDS ferry routes. Passengers include individuals using our services to cover their transportation needs. The passengers that are also part of our freight and logistics value chain, such as truck drivers employed by a third-party, are covered in S2, workers in the value chain.
Throughout their journey with DFDS, the key potential impacts to our passengers are related to safety. For the customer relationship in general, the right to privacy related to the customer data we receive is a potential risk.
10b Negative impacts are rare and incident-based.
10d Material risks include GDPR non-compliance leading to fines and financial risk related to accidents affecting passengers.
9a-b In the Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy, Health & Safety is a key focus in the "Be a great place to work" part of the strategy, which also extends to the safety of passengers onboard our vessels.
15 DFDS has a range of policies in place to manage our material impacts on our passengers, including Health & Safety, Data protection, Human Rights, Modern Slavery, Whistleblower, and Code of Conduct as presented under Own workforce.
These policies have been implemented to ensure the identification, prevention and mitigation of potential risks and impacts and to address opportunities. Depending on purpose and scope, the policies are owned and approved by relevant bodies as listed in the table. Ownership entails enforcement of policies and the responsibility to ensure that principles are integrated into practices and culture.
Policies guide the actions of DFDS staff when interacting with passengers. The policies are also publicly available on our website.
16a Our human rights commitment and approach is described under Own Workforce and encompasses workers in our value chain.
The Code of Conduct outlines that DFDS employees should treat passengers "with respect, dignity, fairness, and courtesy". The DFDS Data Protection
Policy states that a passenger (Data Subject) has the right to request information in which Personal data relating to him/her is processed and for what purpose. The CoC protects consumers against violations of competition law.
16b Key engagement with passengers is the direct contact to DFDS staff in customer services, at the terminal, and during their journey on our vessels. We perform surveys to gauge passenger experiences and receive their feedback on an ongoing basis.
16c DFDS has a procedure to assess and approve the provision of remedy for individuals or communities adversely affected by our business activities. In cases where remedy would go beyond the normal operating procedures, the Review Group will assist in making recommendations for the Executive Management Team (EMT) to approve.
17 Policies are aligned with relevant internationally recognised instruments as included in the policies table.
We have recorded no cases of non-respect of human rights involving passengers in the reporting year.
20a-b We perform surveys to gauge passenger experiences and receive their feedback on an ongoing basis. To further inform the DMA and our work with IROs we have engaged with a passenger association for insights.
20c The leadership of Passenger has the operational responsibility for ensuring engagement with passengers. Ultimately, the EMT ensures executive ownership of the ESG agenda and is actively involved in selecting sustainability priorities and driving implementation of related action plans.
25a We typically become aware of how we cause or contribute to material negative impacts through our interactions with passengers during the journey or in dialogue with customer service. When this is the case, we collaborate with the passenger to remedy the impact. If negative impacts come to our knowledge through our Whistleblower System, it follows the whistleblower procedures.
25b-c The specific channels for consumers to raise concerns or needs, include customer care and customer complaints resources on our website for passengers. The DFDS Whistleblower System is open to all external parties.
25d The effectiveness of these channels is assessed based on response times recorded and tracked for customer queries and complaints.
26 The number of cases brought up with customer care teams indicate that passengers are aware of the channels available. In addition, we include complaints data in our review of customer surveys.
DFDS will not retaliate nor tolerate any form of retaliation against people for making a good faith report or participating in an investigation, as stated in our Whistleblower Policy.
30, 31a, 32b, 33a Actions and resources to manage IROs related to consumers include guidelines for data ethics and GDPR, our commitment to the health & safety of our passengers, and we need to ensure safety with proper lane traffic planning and clear signage and dedicated walkways. HSSE Terminals has performed detailed safety analyses of selected terminals and implemented a plan. We continue to underline the importance of safety reporting and to improve the safety focus.
31b, 32c Any material impacts brought to our attention through the Whistleblower System are dealt with, including providing remedy as deemed necessary. Records and reporting to document remedy is in place for the whistleblower process.
32a Our approach to identifying action needed in response to material impacts is guided by our policies and internal training in customer care.
34 It is the responsibility of the Passenger teams and the Health & Safety organisation to ensure that we have policies and procedures in place to mitigate any negative impact on passengers. The ferry operation has some inherent risks and the safety of passengers takes precedence as stated in our Health & Safety Policy.
41 For the reporting period, DFDS did not adopt any specific targets related to end-users nor any tracking of effectivenes of policies or actions. This decision was based on an assessment of our current operational capabilities and strategic priorities. While no formal targets were set, we remain committed to continuous improvement and are exploring future opportunities to establish targets.

DFDS is committed to conducting business in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner to meet stakeholders' expectations of high business integrity standards. Our approach to business integrity is embedded in our corporate values, policies, and procedures. Providing maritime transport and logistics services means that we are in close contact with many people throughout our value chain. Corruption is an inherent risk to our business, and we mitigate this by having clear policies for employees and suppliers on how to act. While we actively engage in dialogues with governments and authorities with respect to infrastructure issues of common interest, we do not support or provide donations to individual political parties or politicians. We believe that engaging in partnerships and industry organisations and taking an industry perspective serves the company and our stakeholders best, just as we actively share knowledge and data to move the industry forward.
5a The responsibility for business conduct ultimately lies with the Board of Directors. Business conduct is outlined in our Code of Conduct (CoC) and is part of the culture at DFDS, as guided by the tone at the top in our Executive Management Team (EMT). The ownership of the CoC is with the People Division. For the annual review and update, multiple internal stakeholders are involved including Legal, Health & Safety, and People. The CoC is approved by the Board of Directors.
5b Members of the Board of Directors have expertise in business conduct and sustainability matters, either directly or in capacity of C-level positions in other organisations. DFDS has legal competencies in the administrative bodies of the organisation. The EMT demonstrates ongoing awareness of business conduct matters and DFDS has training programmes available for topics related to business conduct.
6 In the process to identify material IROs, the criteria used, include activity type (ferry and logistics, respectively) and whether the IRO is related to own operations or the value chain. In relation to business conduct matters, the criteria also includes the countries we operate in, known business conduct risks in the ferry and logistics industry, and the nature of transactions.
7 DFDS has a range of policies in place to manage material impacts related to business conduct and corporate culture, including Whistleblower Policy, CoC and Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) as presented under S1 Own workforce.
ɿ Read more on policies page 110
DFDS is committed to protect any data collected when we conduct business. This could be personal data, or other types of data, pertaining to our customers, suppliers, business partners and employees. Our operations and connections with third-parties are increasingly being powered by data and technology. Our ambition is to improve business value and increase efficiency, therefore usage of data is fundamental to achieve these goals. As such, it is crucial that we handle data with care and comply with all applicable laws and standards related to data, data privacy, and the ethical use of data.
To this extent, DFDS implemented the Data Ethics Policy in 2021. In 2023, the policy was revised to further strengthen the overall policy framework. In this latest revision, we expanded the description of the data
we collect, how we use it, and the policies we have in place to ensure responsible handling and use of data.
The Data Ethics Policy sets out the overall guidelines and principles for how data ethics are considered and included in the use of data, including personal data, and the design and implementation of technologies. Being a transport and logistics provider, we use data to maintain and improve our customer experience and our operational efficiency. We are committed to ensure that employees, customers, and business partners can entrust us with their data whether it is personal data or other business data. We are determined to handle this data in a sustainable and responsible manner. We recognise that digital development entails both responsibility and transparency.
The Data Ethics Policy supplements our Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notice which sets out the overall requirements for our handling of personal data, and our Information Security Policy and IT policies, which describes how we look after DFDS' data, including relevant security standards for data storage, access management, and safe IT usage.
The purpose of our Data Ethics Policy is to ensure a fair balance between, the many benefits that the use of data and new technology offers, and the consequences that the use of data can have on an individual, a business and society in short- and long-term.
Our data ethics review 2024 in reference to The Danish Financial Statements Act §99d is available on our website: https://assets.ctfassets. net/mivicpf5zews/2qJItDbT1v4SHYd53BYSzT/1d 6fbc2c3cb22e4211097efff6d29ded/dfds-dataethics-review-2024-01.pdf
Employees can at any time request information on how we use their personal data and what data we have collected. Security cameras are only installed as a safety measure, and employee privacy is always considered before installation and use. Training programmes on GDPR are conducted to foster understanding and compliance across the Group.
9 DFDS' corporate culture builds on our CoC. In an organisation of more than 17,400 employees, spread across land and sea, regions, cultures, and professional roles, a significant amount of effort is needed to maintain a strong corporate culture. The EMT oversees and approves the communication activities and interactions to promote corporate culture, including onboarding of new employees and training, supporting our CoC and DFDS culture. The operational responsibility lies with the People division. The annual employee survey, MyVoice, serves as a measure to evaluate the corporate culture.
10a-b Our mechanism for identifying, reporting and investigating concerns about unlawful behaviour takes its departure in the Board of Directors, whose work is governed by DFDS Articles of Association and the Rules of Procedure for the Board of Directors. In accordance, the Board of Directors' annual cycle holds all material governance aspects, including major risks and oversight of financial procedures and reporting.
The Board of Directors is supported by three board committees, each having three directors as members, and the Audit Committee has particular oversight of financial processes.
The Board of Directors is evaluated annually and at intervals the evaluation is performed by an external party.
The CoC outlines how employees are expected to react if they should become aware of behaviour in contradiction of the CoC, including instructions on who to inform or to report via the whistleblower system. The Whistleblower System is open to internal and external stakeholders.
10c-d The Whistleblower System offers the possibility to report material irregularities (with certain limitations as stipulated by local regulation). DFDS will not retaliate nor tolerate any form of retaliation against people for making a good faith report or participating in an investigation, as stated in our Whistleblower Policy and in adherence with national law.
10e DFDS is committed to investigate business conduct incidents reported in the Whistleblower System promptly, independently, and objectively.
10g Business conduct training is considered mandatory and specific online training is assigned
to the relevant employees. The suite of training opportunities is open to all employees and it is the responsibility of each manager to suggest and oversee the non-mandatory training as relevant.
10h DFDS is committed to eliminating corruption and bribery, as further described in G1-3. We acknowledge that facility payments are a known challenge in the ferry and logistics industry. Given that DFDS' activities are mainly in the European area, we consider the risk to be lower based on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index. We recognise that these risks still exist and that we also operate in areas outside the EU where the index scores indicate higher levels of risk of corruption. Based on an industry generic view, the functions we consider at risk in DFDS can be seen in the table below.
15a Supply chain sustainability is an integral part of DFDS's Sustainable Procurement Programme.
We impact our supply chain through promoting human rights, environmental care, good labour practices, and high ethical standards. Our SCoC incorporates the IMPA Act (International Marine Purchasing Association) fundamentals and is based on the UN Global Compact and Guiding Principles on Environment, Labour Practices, Business Ethic and Human Rights.
DFDS's SCoC sets the standard for our supply chain to operate in accordance with ethical business principles and conform to all applicable international laws, rules, and local regulation. We expect our suppliers to adhere to our principles and standards and to develop and implement relevant management systems appropriate for a company of their size in line with our SCoC.
| Sustainable procurement | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Supplier Code of Conduct commitment | 64% |
| ESG assessment of suppliers >10 mDKK | 100% |
| Sustainable Procurement training completion | 98% |
We use a dedicated management system to assess and identify sustainability risks within our supply chain. The monitoring of our supply chain is performed in three steps:
engage suppliers on improvements and corrective actions.
Our ESG supplier evaluation programme enables us to better address higher-risk areas in our supply chain and engage in a constructive dialogue with our suppliers to develop more innovative and sustainable products and/or services.
In parallel, we perform audits of third-party transport suppliers to ensure they adhere to our SCoC.
ɿ Read more on engagement with value chain workers on page 121
We expect our suppliers to sign our SCoC, and would revert to sanctions to the point of terminating the relationship with a supplier who violates the Code or refuses to take part in a remediation plan.
To ensure awareness of sustainability matters, all DFDS buyers and category managers are in scope for sustainable procurement training.
15b When selecting suppliers, we perform a supplier risk assessment as outlined in 15a.
18a DFDS has procedures in place to prevent and address allegations or incidents of corruption and bribery. The CoC instructs employees on expected
| Function | Risk |
|---|---|
| Procurement | This function often involves large contracts and significant financial transactions, making it a prime target for bribery. |
| Customs and border Control | Interactions with customs officials can be a hotspot for bribery, as employees might offer payments to expedite shipments or avoid inspections. |
| Freight forwarding and shipping | This area involves numerous third-party interactions, including with port authorities and shipping agents. Bribes might be used to secure favourable shipping routes or to bypass regulations. |
| Sales and marketing | Sales teams might engage in bribery to win contracts. |
| Finance and accounting | Corruption can occur through fraudulent invoicing, or manipulating financial records to cover up illicit payments. |
actions in terms of preventing and reporting incidents of corruption and/or bribery. Any allegations or incidents are addressed by legal in a similar process as for whistleblower reports. In terms of detection, we rely on employees to report allegations or incidents.
18b The investigation of any corruption and/or bribery allegations and incidents reported in the Whistleblower System or brought to the attention of the legal team via internal channels are performed by the whistleblower responsible in the legal team. As such, the investigation is not separate from the chain of management involved in the prevention of corruption and/or bribery.
18c The process to report outcomes of any such investigations is part of the whistleblower reporting process.
20 Anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies are part of our CoC. The CoC is presented to all new employees as part of their onboarding programme. Any updates to the CoC are communicated to all DFDS employees.
21a Training in the CoC, which covers the anticorruption and anti-bribery policies, is mandatory for all employees. The nature of the training is an online course for all office-based employees and seafarers (63%) to be completed on-demand. Training of non-office land-based employees (37%) is performed in-person by managers. Training completion is tracked in the training portals for landbased office workers and seafarers respectively. Since this training was implemented in the second half of 2024, we will start reporting figures in 2025.
21b Given that the CoC training is mandatory for all employees, the functions-at-risk targeted by training programmes is 100%.
21c The CoC training is mandatory for the administrative and management bodies. The Board of Directors approve any updates to the CoC but are not required to complete the training.
24a DFDS has had no convictions for violation of anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws in the reporting year and consequently received no fines for such violation.
14 DFDS has implemented a strategic initiative, which aims to optimise payment efficiency and reinforce our commitment to timely transactions and payments on time. This is achieved by aligning standard payment terms across suppliers.
In recognition of the importance of flexibility, especially for SMEs, deviation from standard payment terms may be approved on a case-bycase evaluation. The aim is to simultaneously streamline procurement processes while maintaining transparency and fairness in our supplier relations.
33a The average number of days to pay invoices from the date when the contractual term of payment starts (invoice date) is 42 days.
33b Standard payment terms across suppliers are current month + 63 days. Additionally, minimum acceptable payment terms are current month +30 days to ensure a balance between supplier relationship and financial sustainability.
33c DFDS does not have any outstanding legal proceedings for late payments.
Suppliers who have signed DFDS' Which one is right? Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) is the percentage of current suppliers contracted by Group Procurement based on registration in DFDS's sustainable procurement database.
Percentage of current suppliers contracted by Group Procurement with a spend >10 mDKK undergoing ESG assessment based on registration in EcoVadis database.
DFDS buyers and category managers trained in Sustainable Procurement is the completion rate of employees in scope for the training. The completion rate is based on registrations in the training system.
The employees in scope of the Code of Conduct training covers all employees in DFDS during 2024. Of the total, employees in scope for online training are office-based employees on land and seafarers. Non-office employees on land receive in-person training. Ekol is not included.
The number of convictions for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws includes all convictions as a result of legal proceedings against DFDS in the reporting year.
The amount of fines paid for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws includes fines paid as a result of legal proceedings on these matters against DFDS in the reporting year.
The number of legal proceedings outstanding for late payments includes all legal proceedings against DFDS relating to late payments of business partners that are outstanding at year end.
The average number of days to pay invoices has been collected across entities.
132 ESRS 2 General disclosure index

| Disclosure Requirement Datapoint | Sustainability statements Appendix | SFDR reference | Pillar 3 reference | Benchmark regulation reference | EU Climate Law reference | Section | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS 2 GOV-1 | 21 (d) | Board's gender diversity | Indicator number 13 of Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816 ( 27 ), Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 68 | ||
| ESRS 2 GOV-1 | 21 (e) | Percentage of board members who are independent |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 68 | |||
| ESRS 2 GOV-4 | 30 | Statement on due diligence | Indicator number 10 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 70 | |||
| ESRS 2 SBM-1 | 40 (d) i | Involvement in activities related to fossil fuel activities |
Indicator number 4 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 (28) Table 1: Qualitative |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |
| ESRS 2 SBM-1 | 40 (d) ii | Involvement in activities related to chemical production |
Indicator number 9 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | ||
| ESRS 2 SBM-1 | 40 (d) iii | Involvement in activities related to controversial weapons |
Indicator number 14 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818 ( 29 ), Article 12(1) Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | ||
| ESRS 2 SBM-1 | 40 (d) iv | Involvement in activities related to cultivation and production of tobacco |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 12(1) Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS E1-1 | 14 | Transition plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050 |
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, Article 2(1) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 83 | |||
| ESRS E1-1 | 16 (g) | Undertakings excluded from Par is-aligned Benchmarks |
Article 449a; Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 1: Banking book-Climate Change transition risk: Credit quality of exposures by sector, emissions and residual maturity |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article12.1 (d) to (g), and Article 12.2 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 84 | ||
| ESRS E1-4 | 34 | GHG emission reduction targets | Indicator number 4 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Article 449a; Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 3: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: alignment metrics |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 6 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 89 | |
| ESRS E1-5 | 38 | Energy consumption from fossil sources disaggregated by sources (only high climate impact sectors) |
Indicator number 5 Table #1 and Indicator n. 5 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 93 | |||
| ESRS E1-5 | 37 | Energy consumption and mix | Indicator number 5 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 93 |
| Disclosure Requirement Datapoint | Sustainability statements Appendix | SFDR reference | Pillar 3 reference | Benchmark regulation reference | EU Climate Law reference | Section | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS E1-5 | 40-43 | Energy intensity associated with activities in high climate impact sectors |
Indicator number 6 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 93 | |||
| ESRS E1-6 | 44 | Gross Scope 1,2, 3 and Total GHG emissions |
Indicators number 1 and 2 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Article 449a; Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 1: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: Credit quality of exposures by sector, emissions and residual maturity |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 5(1), 6 and 8(1) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 94 | |
| ESRS E1-6 | 53-55 | Gross GHG emissions intensity | Indicators number 3 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Article 449a Regulation (EU) No 575/2013; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2453 Template 3: Banking book – Climate change transition risk: alignment metrics |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Article 8(1) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 94 | |
| ESRS E2-4 | 28 | Amount of each pollutant listed in Annex II of the E-PRTR Regulation emitted to air, water and soil |
Indicator number 8 Table #1 of Annex 1 Indicator number 2 Table #2 of Annex 1 Indicator number 1 Table #2 of Annex 1 Indicator number 3 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 98 | |||
| ESRS 2 - SBM 3 - E4 | 16 (a) i | Indicator number 7 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 101 | ||||
| ESRS 2 - SBM 3 - E4 | 16 (b) | Indicator number 10 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 101 | ||||
| ESRS 2 - SBM 3 - E4 | 16 (c) | Indicator number 14 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 101 | ||||
| ESRS E4-2 | 24 (b) | Sustainable land/agriculture practices or policies |
Indicator number 11 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS E4-2 | 24 (c) | Sustainable oceans/seas practices or policies |
Indicator number 12 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 100 | |||
| ESRS E4-2 | 24 (d) | Policies to address deforestation | Indicator number 15 Table #2 of Annex 1 |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS 2 - SBM3-S1 | 14 (f) | Risk of incidents of forced labour | Indicator number 13 Table #3 of Annex I |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS 2 - SBM3-S1 | 14 (g) | Risk of incidents of child labour | Indicator number 12 Table #3 of Annex I |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- |
| Disclosure Requirement Datapoint | Sustainability statements Appendix | SFDR reference | Pillar 3 reference | Benchmark regulation reference | EU Climate Law reference | Section | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS S1-1 | 20 | Human rights policy commitments | Indicator number 9 Table #3 and Indicator number 11 Table #1 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 110 | |||
| ESRS S1-1 | 21 | Due diligence policies on issues addressed by the fundamental International Labor Organisation Conventions 1 to 8 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 110 | |||
| ESRS S1-1 | 22 | Process and measures for preventing trafficking in human beings |
Indicator number 11 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 111 | |||
| ESRS S1-1 | 23 | Workplace accident prevention policy or management system |
Indicator number 1 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 111 | |||
| ESRS S1-3 | 32 (c) | Grievance/complaints handling mechanisms |
Indicator number 5 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 111 | |||
| ESRS S1-14 | 88 (b) and (c) |
Number of fatalities and number and rate of work-related accidents |
Indicator number 2 Table #3 of Annex I |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 117 | ||
| ESRS S1-14 | 88 (e) | Number of days lost to injuries, accidents, fatalities or illness |
Indicator number 3 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 117 | |||
| ESRS S1-16 | 97 (a) | Unadjusted gender pay gap | Indicator number 12 Table #1 of Annex I |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 118 | ||
| ESRS S1-16 | 97 (b) | Excessive CEO pay ratio | Indicator number 8 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 118 | |||
| ESRS S1-17 | 103 (a) | Incidents of discrimination | Indicator number 7 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 118 | |||
| ESRS S1-17 | 104 (a) | Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and OECD |
Indicator number 10 Table #1 and Indicator n. 14 Table #3 of Annex I |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818 Art 12 (1) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 118 | ||
| ESRS 2-SBM3-S2 | 11 (b) | Significant risk of child labour or forced labour in the value chain |
Indicators number 12 and n. 13 Table #3 of Annex I |
Sustainability statement |
Page 120 | |||
| ESRS S2-1 | 17 | Human rights policy commitments | Indicator number 9 Table #3 and Indicator n. 11 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 120 | |||
| ESRS S2-1 | 18 | Policies related to value chain workers | Indicator number 11 and n. 4 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 121 |
| Disclosure Requirement Datapoint | Sustainability statements Appendix | SFDR reference | Pillar 3 reference | Benchmark regulation reference | EU Climate Law reference | Section | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS S2-1 | 19 | Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights principles and OECD guidelines |
Indicator number 10 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1818, Art 12 (1) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 121 | ||
| ESRS S2-1 | 19 | Due diligence policies on issues addressed by the fundamental International Labor Organisation Conventions 1 to 8 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II |
Sustainability statement |
Page 121 | |||
| ESRS S2-4 | 36 | Human rights issues and incidents connected to its upstream and downstream value chain |
Indicator number 14 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS S4-1 | 16 | Policies related to consumers and end-users |
Indicator number 9 Table #3 and Indicator number 11 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 124 | |||
| ESRS S4-1 | 17 | Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidelines |
Indicator number 10 Table #1 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 125 | |||
| ESRS S4-4 | 35 | Human rights issues and incidents | Indicator number 14 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- | |||
| ESRS G1-1 | 10 (b) | United Nations Convention against Corruption |
Indicator number 15 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 128 | |||
| ESRS G1-1 | 10 (d) | Protection of whistle-blowers | Indicator number 6 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Sustainability statement |
Page 128 | |||
| ESRS G1-4 | 24 (a) | Fines for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws |
Indicator number 17 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1816, Annex II) |
Sustainability statement |
Page 130 | ||
| ESRS G1-4 | 24 (b) | Standards of anti-corruption and anti-bribery |
Indicator number 16 Table #3 of Annex 1 |
Not applicable to DFDS |
- |
| Income statement | 137 |
|---|---|
| Statement of comprehensive income | 137 |
| Balance sheet | 138 |
| Statement of changes in equity | 139 |
| Statement of cash flows | 141 |
| Notes | 142 |
| Note | 2024 | 20232 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1, 2.2 | 29,753 | 27,304 |
| 2.3 | 6,117 | 5,597 |
| 3,814 | 3,263 | |
| 7,596 | 6,776 | |
| 2.4 | 6,361 | 5,572 |
| 1,424 | 1,206 | |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 4,440 | 4,890 |
| 9 | 26 | |
| 43 | 113 | |
| 2.5 | 2,793 | 2,473 |
| 2.5 | 33 | - |
| 1,716 | 2,504 | |
| 2.5 | 210 | 178 |
| 1,506 | 2,326 | |
| 4.4 | 47 | 80 |
| 4.4 | 870 | 739 |
| 683 | 1,667 | |
| 2.6 | 142 | 148 |
| 541 | 1,519 | |
| 534 | 1,516 | |
| 6 | 3 | |
| 541 | 1,519 | |
| 4.8 | ||
| 9.68 | 26.89 | |
| 9.67 | 26.83 | |
| Proposed dividends DKK 0.00 per share 1 (2023: DKK 3.00 per share) | ||
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20232 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 541 | 1,519 | |
| Other comprehensive income | |||
| Items that will not subsequently be reclassified | |||
| to the income statement: | |||
| Remeasurement of defined benefit pension obligations | 3.2.5 | 9 | -21 |
| Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement | 2.6 | -2 | 6 |
| Items that will not subsequently be reclassified | |||
| to the income statement | 7 | -15 | |
| Items that are or may subsequently be reclassified | |||
| to the income statement: | |||
| Value adjustment of hedging instruments for the year | -168 | -119 | |
| Value adjustment transferred to operating costs | -26 | -110 | |
| Value adjustment transferred to financial costs | 109 | 20 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments, subsidiaries | 76 | 63 | |
| Items that are or may subsequently be reclassified | |||
| to the income statement | -8 | -146 | |
| Total other comprehensive income after tax | -1 | -161 | |
| Total comprehensive income | 540 | 1,357 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to: | |||
| Equity holders of DFDS A/S | 534 | 1,355 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 6 | 2 | |
| Total comprehensive income | 540 | 1,357 |
The Board of Directors proposes to the 2025 Annual General Meeting that no dividends are paid in 2025.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
| DKK million | Note | 31 December 2024 |
31 December 20231 |
1 January 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | 7,497 | 4,952 | 4,407 | |
| Port concession rights | 1,189 | 990 | 1,026 | |
| Other non-current intangible assets | 755 | 831 | 676 | |
| Software | 382 | 346 | 324 | |
| Development projects in progress | 13 | 17 | 12 | |
| Non-current intangible assets | 3.1.1 | 9,837 | 7,136 | 6,444 |
| Land and buildings | 3.1.2 | 828 | 759 | 559 |
| Terminals | 3.1.2 | 821 | 823 | 836 |
| Ferries and other ships | 3.1.2 | 11,712 | 11,782 | 13,186 |
| Equipment, etc. | 3.1.2 | 2,531 | 1,939 | 1,600 |
| Assets under construction and prepayments | 3.1.2 | 374 | 415 | 369 |
| Right-of-use assets | 3.1.3 | 5,667 | 5,600 | 4,442 |
| Non-current tangible assets | 21,933 | 21,317 | 20,991 | |
| Investments in associates, joint ventures and securities | 3 | 2 | 13 | |
| Receivables | 3.2.1 | 2 | 1 | 16 |
| Prepaid costs | 0 | 1 | 124 | |
| Deferred tax | 2.6 | 82 | 79 | 49 |
| Pension assets | 3.2.5 | 25 | - | 0 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 4.2 | 113 | 155 | 299 |
| Other non-current assets | 225 | 238 | 500 | |
| Total non-current assets | 31,996 | 28,691 | 27,935 | |
| Inventories | 3.2.2 | 322 | 339 | 324 |
| Receivables | 3.2.1 | 4,871 | 4,459 | 4,015 |
| Prepaid costs | 452 | 400 | 368 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 4.2 | 51 | 20 | 48 |
| Cash | 1,589 | 737 | 1,189 | |
| Current assets | 7,286 | 5,956 | 5,943 | |
| Assets | 39,281 | 34,647 | 33,878 |
| 31 December | 31 December | 1 January | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 | 20231 |
| Share capital | 1,159 | 1,173 | 1,173 | |
| Reserves | -490 | -451 | -284 | |
| Retained earnings | 13,145 | 13,119 | 12,133 | |
| Equity attributable to equity holders of DFDS A/S | 13,814 | 13,840 | 13,022 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 75 | 92 | 114 | |
| Equity | 4.6 | 13,890 | 13,932 | 13,135 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 4.5 | 17,113 | 13,602 | 12,310 |
| Deferred tax | 2.6 | 522 | 468 | 359 |
| Pension and jubilee liabilities | 3.2.5 | 104 | 90 | 88 |
| Other provisions | 3.2.6 | 58 | 22 | 44 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 4.2 | 74 | 43 | 8 |
| Non-current liabilities | 17,870 | 14,225 | 12,809 | |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 4.5 | 1,621 | 1,627 | 3,018 |
| Trade payables | 3.2.3 | 3,984 | 3,461 | 3,661 |
| Other provisions | 3.2.6 | 392 | 113 | 52 |
| Corporation tax | 78 | 83 | 170 | |
| Other payables | 3.2.4 | 1,160 | 904 | 768 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 4.2 | 69 | 52 | 40 |
| Prepayments from customers | 218 | 251 | 223 | |
| Current liabilities | 7,521 | 6,491 | 7,933 | |
| Liabilities | 25,392 | 20,715 | 20,742 | |
| Equity and liabilities | 39,281 | 34,647 | 33,878 |
1
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
| Translation | Hedging | Treasury | Retained | Equity attributable to equity holders |
Non controlling |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Share capital | reserve | reserve | shares | earnings | of DFDS A/S | interests | Total |
| Equity at 1 January 20241 | 1,173 | -481 | 78 | -48 | 13,119 | 13,840 | 92 | 13,932 |
| Comprehensive income for the year | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 534 | 534 | 6 | 541 | ||||
| Other comprehensive income after tax | 76 | -84 | 7 | 0 | -1 | -1 | ||
| Total comprehensive income | 0 | 76 | -84 | 542 | 534 | 6 | 540 | |
| Transactions with owners | ||||||||
| Acquisition, non-controlling interests | 13 | 13 | -20 | -7 | ||||
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | 0 | -2 | -2 | |||||
| Dividends paid | -176 | -176 | -176 | |||||
| Dividends on treasury shares | 8 | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Share-based payments | 26 | 26 | 26 | |||||
| Share buyback | -46 | -385 | -431 | -431 | ||||
| Cash from sale of treasury shares related to exercise | ||||||||
| of share options | 2 | -2 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Reduction of share capital by cancellation of treasury shares | -13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total transactions with owners | -13 | 0 | 0 | -31 | -516 | -560 | -22 | -582 |
| Equity at 31 December 2024 | 1,159 | -404 | -6 | -79 | 13,145 | 13,814 | 75 | 13,890 |
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
The Parent Company's share capital is divided into 57,969,597 shares of DKK 20 each. All shares have equal rights. There are no restrictions on voting rights. The shares are fully paid up. The Board of Directors proposes to the 2025 Annual General Meeting that a dividend of DKK 0.00 per share is paid in 2025.
| Equity attributable | Non | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Share capital | Translation reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Treasury shares |
Retained earnings |
to equity holders of DFDS A/S |
controlling interests |
Total |
| Equity at 1 January 20231 | 1,173 | -543 | 286 | -28 | 12,133 | 13,022 | 114 | 13,135 |
| Comprehensive income for the year | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 1,516 | 1,516 | 3 | 1,519 | ||||
| Other comprehensive income after tax | 62 | -208 | -14 | -160 | -1 | -161 | ||
| Total comprehensive income | 0 | 62 | -208 | 1,501 | 1,355 | 2 | 1,357 | |
| Transactions with owners | ||||||||
| Acquisition, non-controlling interests | 17 | 17 | -25 | -8 | ||||
| Dividends paid | -293 | -293 | -293 | |||||
| Dividends on treasury shares | 12 | 12 | 12 | |||||
| Share-based payments | 29 | 29 | 29 | |||||
| Share buyback | -21 | -279 | -300 | -300 | ||||
| Cash from sale of treasury shares related to exercise of share options |
1 | -1 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total transactions with owners | 0 | 0 | 0 | -21 | -515 | -536 | -25 | -560 |
| Equity at 31 December 20231 | 1,173 | -481 | 78 | -48 | 13,119 | 13,840 | 92 | 13,932 |
1
to note 1.2.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20232 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 4,440 | 4,890 | |
| Adjustments for non-cash operating items, etc. | 5.4 | 37 | 53 |
| Change in working capital | 5.4 | -64 | -338 |
| Payment of pension liabilities and other provisions | -48 | -44 | |
| Interest etc., received | 47 | 79 | |
| Interest etc., paid | -848 | -725 | |
| Taxes paid | -144 | -240 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | 3,420 | 3,675 | |
| Investments in ferries including dockings, etc. | -818 | -998 | |
| Sale of ferries | - | 1,466 | |
| Investments in other non-current tangible assets | -669 | -578 | |
| Sale of other non-current tangible assets | 138 | 92 | |
| Investments in non-current intangible assets | -96 | -83 | |
| Acquisition of enterprises and activities, net of cash acquired | |||
| including earn-outs | 5.5 | -2,574 | -1,033 |
| Divestment of activities | 378 | - | |
| Other investing cash flows | -7 | -14 | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | -3,647 | -1,149 |
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20232 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free cash flows | -227 | 2,526 | |
| Proceeds from bank loans and loans secured by mortgage in ferries 4.3 | 8,441 | 1,556 | |
| Repayment and instalments of bank loans and loans secured by | |||
| mortgage in ferries | 4.3 | -6,645 | -4,141 |
| Proceeds from issuance of corporate bonds | 4.3 | 1,203 | 981 |
| Repayment of corporate bonds incl. settlement of cross currency | |||
| swap | 4.3 | -305 | - |
| Payment of lease liabilities | 4.3 | -1,024 | -799 |
| Settlement of forward exchange contracts related to leases | 12 | 12 | |
| Acquisition of treasury shares and share buyback | 4.7 | -431 | -300 |
| Other financing cash flows | -6 | -8 | |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | -2 | - | |
| Dividends paid to equity holders of DFDS A/S | -168 | -281 | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | 1,075 | -2,980 | |
| Net cash flows | 848 | -454 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 737 | 1,189 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments of cash and cash equivalents | 5 | 2 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December1 | 1,589 | 737 |
1
At 31 December 2024 DKK 11m (2023: DKK 14m) of the cash was deposited on restricted bank accounts.
2
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.

| 1. | Basis of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements |
143 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Principal accounting policies |
144 | |
| 1.2 | New accounting policies and disclosures |
146 | |
| 1.3 | Significant accounting estimates and judgements | 148 | |
| 2. | Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) | 149 | |
| 2.1 | Segment information | 150 | |
| 2.2 | Revenue | 152 | |
| 2.3 | Costs |
153 | |
| 2.4 | Employee costs | 153 | |
| 2.5 | Amortisation, depreciation and impairment losses for the year | 154 | |
| 2.6 | Tax |
154 | |
| 3. | Invested capital | 158 | |
| 3.1 | Invested capital excluding net working capital | 159 | |
| 3.1.1 | Non-current intangible assets | 159 | |
| 3.1.2 Non-current tangible assets | 161 | ||
| 3.1.3 Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities | 163 | ||
| 3.1.4 Impairment testing |
166 | ||
| 3.2 | Net working capital |
168 | |
| 3.2.1 Receivables | 168 | ||
| 3.2.2 Inventories |
169 | ||
| 3.2.3 Supplier finance arrangements170 | |||
| 3.2.4 Other payables170 | |||
| 3.2.5 Pension and jubilee liabilities 171 |
|||
| 3.2.6 Other provisions173 | |||
| 4. | Capital structure and finances174 | ||
| 4.1 | Financial and operational risks 175 |
||
| 4.2 | Information on financial instruments | 180 | |
| 4.3 | Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities |
181 | |
| 4.4 | Financial income and costs | 182 | |
| 4.5 | Interest-bearing liabilities | 183 | |
| 4.6 | Equity | 184 | |
| 4.7 | Treasury shares |
184 | |
| 4.8 | Earnings per share | 184 | |
| 5. | Other notes | 185 | |
| 5.1 | Remuneration to the Executive Board and Board of Directors |
186 | |
| 5.2 | Fee to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting | 186 | |
| 5.3 | Share based payment |
187 | |
| 5.4 | Cash flow | 190 | |
| 5.5 | Acquisitions and non-controlling interests |
191 | |
| 5.6 | Guarantees, collateral and contingent liabilities | 193 | |
| 5.7 | Contractual commitments |
193 | |
| 5.8 | Related party transactions | 193 | |
| 5.9 | Events after the balance sheet date |
193 | |
| 5.10 | Company overview |
194 | |
1. Basis of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements
Accounting policies are generally included in the notes to which they relate. This note provides a list of other potentially material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements to the extent that they have not been disclosed in the notes to which they relate. These policies have been consistently applied to all of the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the Group consisting of DFDS A/S and its subsidiaries.
The accounting policies have been made within the framework of the prevailing IFRS accounting standards as adopted by the EU. The actual text of the standard is not repeated in the notes. The description of accounting policies in the notes forms part of the overall description of DFDS' accounting policies.
The 2024 consolidated financial statements and Parent company financial statements of DFDS A/S have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU, and additional Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies. The consolidated financial statements are also in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
On 21 February 2025, the Board of Directors and the Executive Management Board considered and approved the 2024 Annual Report of DFDS A/S. The Annual Report will be presented to the shareholders of DFDS A/S for approval at the ordinary Annual General Meeting on 24 March 2025.
The consolidated financial statements and the Parent company financial statements are presented in Danish Kroner (DKK) which is the Parent company's functional currency. The consolidated financial statements and the Parent company financial statements are prepared according to the historical cost convention except that derivatives and financial instruments classified as "Fair value through profit loss" (FVTPL) are measured at fair value.
In general, rounding may cause variances in sums and percentages in the Annual Report.
The consolidated financial statements separately present items or groups of items that are considered material. In addition, information that is considered material, either individually or in combination with other information, is disclosed.
Materiality is judged by reference to the size and nature of the item. The deciding factor is whether the omission or misstatement could, individually or collectively, influence the economic decisions made by the primary users on the basis of the consolidated financial statements. In particular circumstances, either the nature or the amount of an item or an aggregate of items could be the determining factor.
In the Annual Report DFDS presents certain financial performance measures such as subtotals and key figures which are not required or defined under IFRS. It is considered that these alternative measures provide relevant supplementary information for the stakeholders of DFDS.
For definitions of key figures please refer to the sections 'Financial definitions' and 'ESG definitions'.
When preparing the consolidated financial statements, management considers climate-related risks, where these could potentially impact reported amounts materially. The areas in which climate-related risks have been assessed at the end of 2024 are included within the individual notes outlined below: Note 3.1.2 Non-current tangible assets Note 3.1.3 Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities Note 3.1.4 Impairment testing
The consolidated financial statements includes the Parent company DFDS A/S and the subsidiaries in which the Parent company controls the financial and operational policies. Control is obtained when the Group directly or indirectly holds more than 50% of the voting rights in the enterprise (i.e. subsidiary) or if it, in some other way, controls the enterprise. Further, control also implies that the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The Parent company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the Group.
The consolidated financial statements are based on the Parent company and the subsidiaries and are prepared by combining items of a uniform nature and eliminating intercompany transactions, shareholdings, balances, and intercompany gains and losses. The consolidated financial statements are prepared by applying the Group's accounting policies.
Investments in subsidiaries are eliminated against the proportionate share of the subsidiaries' net asset value at the acquisition date.
The Group's investments in associates and joint ventures are recognised in the consolidated financial statements at the Group's proportionate share of the associate's / joint venture's net asset value. Unrealised intercompany gains and losses from transactions with associates and joint ventures are eliminated by the Group's interest in the respective associate/jointly controlled enterprise.
In the consolidated financial statements, the individual financial line items of subsidiaries are recognised in full. The non-controlling interests' share of the results for the year and of the equity of subsidiaries which are not wholly owned are included in the Group's results and equity, respectively, but are presented separately in the proposed profit appropriation and the statement of change in equity.
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's enterprises are measured using the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the enterprise operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Danish Kroner (DKK).
On initial recognition, foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of transaction. Currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of these transactions as well as from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement as financial income or cost except when deferred in equity as qualifying for cash flow hedges.
Currency gains and losses on non-monetary items recognised at fair value, such as securities measured at Fair Value Through Profit and Loss (FVTPL), are recognised in the same line item as the fair value gain or loss.
Non-current assets acquired in foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of acquisition. Gains and losses on hedges relating to the acquisition of non-current assets are recognised as part of the value of the non-current asset at its initial recognition.
In the consolidated financial statements, the Income statement items of subsidiaries with a functional currency different from DKK are translated at the average exchange rate, while the balance sheet items are translated at the exchange rates at the end of the reporting period.
Foreign exchange differences arising on translation of such subsidiaries' equity at the beginning of the reporting period to the exchange rates at the end of the reporting period and on translation of the Income statements from average exchange rates to the exchange rates at the end of the reporting period are recognised in other comprehensive income and attributed to a separate translation reserve under equity. The exchange rate adjustment is allocated between the Parent company's and the non-controlling interests' share of equity.
The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 on the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF Regulation) has introduced a single electronic reporting format for the annual financial reports of issuers with securities listed on the EU regulated markets. The Group's iXBRL tags have been prepared in accordance with the ESEF taxonomy, which is included in the ESEF Regulation and developed based on the IFRS taxonomy published by the IFRS Foundation. The Annual Report submitted to the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (the Officially Appointed Mechanism) consists of the XHTML document together with the technical files, all of which are included in the ZIP file DFDS-2024-12-31-en.zip.
Key figures are calculated in accordance with the latest version of the Danish Finance Society's guidelines, 'Recommendations and Financial Ratios' unless separately stated under 'Financial definitions'. The key figures stated in the overview with consolidated financial highlights are defined on the 'Financial definitions' page 236.
The IASB has issued a number of amended standards and interpretations with effective date post 31 December 2024, some of which have not yet been endorsed by the EU. The new and amended standards and interpretations are not mandatory for the financial reporting for 2024. The Group expects to adopt the Standards and Interpretations when they become mandatory.
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027) will not impact the recognition or measurement of items in the financial statements however, it will impact presentation and disclosure.
Management is currently assessing the implications of applying the new standard. A high-level preliminary assessment has identified the following: grouping items of income and expenses in the statement of profit or loss into the new categories will impact how operating profit is calculated and reported, and changes to classification of financial items in the statement of cash flows is expected to impact the presented cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, respectively.
The Group has applied the following standards and amendments for the first time for its annual reporting period commencing 1 January 2024:
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current liabilities with covenants – Amendments to IAS 1: with the introduction of amendments to IAS 1 in 2024, a liability will be classified as non-current when DFDS has the right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period, classification is unaffected by management's intention or expectations whether to use the right to defer settlement or choose to settle early. Previous requirements for classifying a liability as current or non-current established that a liability is current if, among others, DFDS did not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
Lease Liability in Sale and Leaseback – Amendments to IFRS 16: did not have any material impact on the amounts recognised in prior periods and is not expected to significantly affect the current or future periods. - Supplier Finance Arrangements – Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7: as a result of the adoption of the amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7, the Group provided new disclosures for liabilities under supplier finance arrangements in note 3.2.3.
DFDS no longer applies the practical expedient not to account for each lease component within lease contracts separately. DFDS now separates the non-lease components from the lease components. In addition, DFDS has elected to no longer capitalise short-term leases of ferries, but only those expected to be extended resulting in a total lease term exceeding 12 months from commencement date. The change is assessed to give more relevant information and is better aligned with market practice. The changes are considered change in accounting policy and comparative figures have been restated retrospectively.
DFDS's accounting policy has historically been not to separate the non-lease components from the lease components (except for terminals), and instead to account for the contracts in their entirety (the practical expedient). Furthermore, short term leases (with a term below one year) for ferries have historically been
recognised on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset that is depreciated instead of expensing the lease cost directly in the income statement.
Had the change not been implemented, the 31 December 2024 right-of-use assets would have been DKK 269m higher and lease liabilities DKK 281m higher. Operating cost in 2024 would have been lower by DKK 155m. Depreciation would be DKK 152m higher. Minor impact of the change affects profit after tax, interest cost, profit on disposal of non-current assets, exchange rate gain/loss, prepaid cost and other payables.
The following tables summarise the impact of the changes requiring restatement on the Group's consolidated financial statements.
Income statement (extract)
| 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | As reported | Adjustment IFRS 16 |
Restated |
| Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 5,485 | 112 | 5,597 |
| Port terminal operations | 3,264 | -1 | 3,263 |
| Transport solutions and warehouse solutions | 6,743 | 33 | 6,776 |
| Cost of sales, general and administration | 1,206 | 0 | 1,206 |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) |
5,034 | -144 | 4,890 |
| Profit on disposal of non-current assets, net | 111 | 2 | 113 |
| Depreciation on tangibles and right-of-use assets | 2,615 | -142 | 2,473 |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 2,504 | 0 | 2,504 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 2,326 | 0 | 2,326 |
| Financial income | 80 | 0 | 80 |
| Financial costs | 753 | -14 | 739 |
| Profit before tax | 1,652 | 14 | 1,667 |
| Tax on profit | 148 | 0 | 148 |
| Profit for the year | 1,505 | 14 | 1,519 |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Equity holders of DFDS A/S | 1,501 | 14 | 1,516 |
| Non-controlling interests | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total comprehensive income | 1,343 | 14 | 1,357 |
| 31 December 2023 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | ||||
| DKK million | As reported | IFRS 16 | IAS 1 | Restated |
| Assets | ||||
| Right-of-use assets | 5,826 | -226 | 5,600 | |
| Non-current tangible assets | 21,543 | -226 | 21,317 | |
| Total non-current assets | 28,918 | -226 | 28,691 | |
| Assets | 34,873 | -226 | 34,647 | |
| Equity and liabilities | ||||
| Retained earnings | 13,105 | 14 | 13,119 | |
| Equity attributable to equity holders of DFDS A/S | 13,827 | 14 | 13,840 | |
| Equity | 13,918 | 14 | 13,932 | |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 13,134 | -132 | 600 | 13,602 |
| Deferred tax | 467 | 1 | 468 | |
| Non-current liabilities | 13,756 | -131 | 600 | 14,225 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 2,336 | -109 | -600 | 1,627 |
| Current liabilities | 7,199 | -109 | -600 | 6,491 |
| Liabilities | 20,955 | -240 | 20,715 | |
| Equity and liabilities | 34,873 | -226 | 34,647 |
| 1 January 2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | |||
| DKK million | As reported | IFRS 16 | Restated |
| Assets | |||
| Right-of-use assets | 4,648 | -206 | 4,442 |
| Non-current tangible assets | 21,197 | -206 | 20,991 |
| Total non-current assets | 28,141 | -206 | 27,935 |
| Assets | 34,084 | -206 | 33,878 |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Retained earnings | 12,133 | 0 | 12,133 |
| Equity attributable to equity holders of DFDS A/S | 13,022 | 0 | 13,022 |
| Equity | 13,135 | 0 | 13,135 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 12,397 | -87 | 12,310 |
| Deferred tax | 359 | 0 | 359 |
| Non-current liabilities | 12,896 | -87 | 12,809 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 3,137 | -119 | 3,018 |
| Current liabilities | 8,053 | -119 | 7,933 |
| Liabilities | 20,949 | -206 | 20,742 |
| Equity and liabilities | 34,084 | -206 | 33,878 |
| Full year 2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | |||
| DKK million | As reported | IFRS 16 | Restated |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation | |||
| (EBITDA) | 5,034 | -144 | 4,890 |
| Interest etc., paid | -734 | 9 | -725 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | 3,811 | -135 | 3,675 |
| Free cash flows | 2,662 | -135 | 2,526 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | -935 | 135 | -799 |
| Cash flows from financing activities | -3,115 | 135 | -2,980 |
| Net cash flows | -454 | 0 | -454 |
| 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | As reported | Adjustment IFRS 16 |
Restated |
| Net interest-bearing debt | 14,689 | -241 | 14,449 |
| Invested capital, end of period | 28,996 | -226 | 28,770 |
| ROIC before acquisition intangibles (ROIC BAI), % | 10.4 | 0.1 | 10.5 |
| Return on invested capital (ROIC), % | 7.6 | 0.0 | 7.6 |
| Financial leverage, times | 2.9 | 0.0 | 2.9 |
| Earnings per share (EPS), DKK | 26.64 | 0.25 | 26.89 |
| Diluted earnings per share (EPS-D), DKK | 26.58 | 0.25 | 26.83 |
In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, Management undertakes several accounting estimates and judgements and makes assumptions which provide the basis for recognition and measurement of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Group and the Parent company. These assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors such as the current state of the world economy and climaterelated matters which are, by their nature, uncertain and unpredictable.
The assumptions may be incomplete or inaccurate and unanticipated events or circumstances may occur, for which reason the actual results may deviate from the applied estimates and judgements. In the opinion of Management, the following accounting estimates and judgements are significant in the preparation of the Annual Report:
| Note | Key accounting estimates and judgements | Estimate / Judgement Impact |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 | Deferred tax assets | Estimate | ||
| 3.1.2 | Assessment of useful life and residual values | Estimate | ||
| 3.1.3 | Lease extension options | Estimate/Judgement | ||
| 3.1.4 | Impairment testing of goodwill and non-current assets, definition of CGU's and assessment inputs |
Estimate/Judgement | ||
| 5.5 | Purchase price allocation in connection with acquisitions | Estimate/Judgement |
Low
Medium
High
Descriptions of the significant accounting estimates and judgements are included in the notes to which they relate.
This section provides the notes of the main components that forms the basis of Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) which is a measure of profit that excludes the costs and tax benefit of debt financing by measuring the earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) adjusted for corporate income tax on EBIT.
Together with invested capital, NOPAT forms the basis of the ROIC calculation. Reference is made to section 3.

| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20232 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2.1, 2.2 | 29,753 | 27,304 |
| Costs: | |||
| Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 2.3 | 6,117 | 5,597 |
| Port terminal operations | 3,814 | 3,263 | |
| Transport solutions and warehouse solutions | 7,596 | 6,776 | |
| Employee costs | 2.4 | 6,361 | 5,572 |
| Cost of sales, general and administration | 1,424 | 1,206 | |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 4,440 | 4,890 | |
| Share of loss on associates and joint ventures | 9 | 26 | |
| Profit on disposal of non-current assets, net | 43 | 113 | |
| Depreciation on tangibles and right-of-use assets | 2,793 | 2,473 | |
| Reversal of impairment losses | 33 | - | |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 1,716 | 2,504 | |
| Amortisation of intangibles | 2.5 | 210 | 178 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 1,506 | 2,326 | |
| Corporate income tax on EBIT1 | 176 | 148 | |
| Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) | 1,330 | 2,178 | |
| Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) before | |||
| acquisition intangibles | 1,464 | 2,356 | |
| Return on invested capital (ROIC) | 4.4% | 7.6% | |
| Return on invested capital (ROIC) before acquisition intangibles | 6.6% | 10.5% |
Corporate income tax is calculated for each entity within the Group following the tax legislation and current tax rate in each tax jurisdiction adjusted by the tax effect from financial items. The amounts per entity are then consolidated.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
The segments together with allocation of operating profit, assets and liabilities etc. are identical with the internal reporting structure of the Group. Management has defined the Groups' business segments based on the reporting regularly presented to the Group Executive Management, which also forms the basis for management decisions. Segment performance is evaluated by management based on EBITDA and EBIT.
The costs of the segments are the directly recorded costs including systematically allocated indirect costs, primarily concerning Group functions. Non-allocated costs reflect the general functions which cannot reasonably be allocated to the segments. The costs consist primarily of costs concerning the Group Executive Management and Board of Directors but also Group functions such as treasury, investor relations, legal, procurement, communication, finance as well as certain Group projects. Transactions between segments are concluded at arm's length terms.
Segment assets include assets which are directly related to the segment such as non-current intangibles, noncurrent tangibles, other non-current and right-of-use assets, inventories, receivables, prepayments, and cash. Segment liabilities include current and non-current liabilities.
DFDS has adopted the IFRIC agenda decision on segment reporting clarifying requirements of the segment disclosure to disclose material income and expenses included in profit for the year.
Ferry Division operates ferry routes connecting Europe to Türkiye and northern Africa, transporting freight units, mainly trailers, and passengers.
The routes deploy a mix of freight ferries, freight and passenger ferries. In addition, port terminals are owned and/or operated at strategic hubs of the route network. The freight customers are mainly forwarders and hauliers as well as manufacturers of heavy industrial goods. The main passenger customer groups are passengers travelling with own cars, and tour operators.
Logistics Division provides transport solutions for full- and part loads as well as contract logistics solutions, including warehousing and transport of frozen meat and fish. The customers are primarily manufacturers of industrial goods and consumables as well as retailers.
| Ferry | Logistics | Non | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Division | Division | allocated | Eliminations | Total |
| External revenue | 16,489 | 13,253 | 11 | 29,753 | |
| Intragroup revenue | 1,369 | 95 | 836 | -2,300 | - |
| Total Revenue | 17,858 | 13,348 | 847 | -2,300 | 29,753 |
| Ferry and other ship operation and | |||||
| maintenance | 5,773 | 387 | 0 | -43 | 6,117 |
| Port terminal operations | 3,697 | 137 | 0 | -19 | 3,814 |
| Transport and warehouse solutions | 692 | 8,122 | 0 | -1,218 | 7,596 |
| Employee costs | 2,899 | 2,910 | 563 | -10 | 6,361 |
| Cost of sales, general and administration | 1,284 | 756 | 393 | -1,009 | 1,424 |
| Operating profit before depreciation and | |||||
| amortisation (EBITDA) | 3,514 | 1,036 | -109 | 4,440 | |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 1,578 | 282 | -145 | 1,716 | |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 1,525 | 200 | -219 | 1,506 | |
| Profit before tax | 683 | ||||
| Profit for the year | 541 | ||||
| Capital expenditures of the year | 2,303 | 2,941 | 99 | 5,343 | |
| Total assets | 25,057 | 12,888 | 1,337 | 39,281 | |
| Liabilities | 9,331 | 5,151 | 10,910 | 25,392 |
| 20231 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Division |
Logistics Division |
Non allocated |
Total | |
| 15,271 | 12,008 | 25 | 27,304 | |
| 1,222 | 88 | 704 | -2,013 | - |
| 16,493 | 12,096 | 729 | -2,013 | 27,304 |
| 5,265 | 344 | 5 | -18 | 5,596 |
| 3,152 | 132 | - | -20 | 3,263 |
| 699 | 7,206 | - | -1,129 | 6,776 |
| 2,603 | 2,481 | 501 | -13 | 5,572 |
| 965 | 706 | 369 | -834 | 1,206 |
| 3,808 | 1,228 | -146 | 4,890 | |
| 2,136 | 555 | -187 | 2,504 | |
| 2,098 | 469 | -242 | 2,326 | |
| 1,667 | ||||
| 1,519 | ||||
| 1,189 | 1,639 | 87 | 2,915 | |
| 24,265 | 9,084 | 1,298 | 34,647 | |
| 12,208 | 3,138 | 5,369 | 20,715 | |
| Eliminations |
The Group does not have a natural geographic split on countries since it operates routes connecting Europe to Türkiye and northern Africa. The routes support each other with sales and customer services located in one country whereas the actual revenue is created in other countries. Consequently, it is not possible to present a meaningful split of revenues and non-current assets by country.
The split is therefore presented by the sea and geographical areas in which DFDS operates. The geographical split of revenue is shown in the revenue note. Reference is made to note 2.2.
The applied split results in six geographical areas: North Sea, Mediterranean, Baltic and Channel, Continent, Nordic and UK/Ireland. As a consequence of the Group's business model, the routes do not directly own the ferries, but charter the ferries from a Group internal vessel pool.
The ferries are frequently moved within the Group's routes. Furthermore, certain non-current assets such as ITsoftware and headquarter owned corporate assets are for the benefit for the entire Group. It is therefore not possible to meaningfully estimate the exact value of the non-current assets per geographical area. Instead, an allocation has been used.
| North | Mediter | UK/ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Sea | ranean | Baltic Channel | Continent | Nordic | Ireland | Total | |
| 2024 Non-current assets |
7,837 | 12,507 | 2,853 | 2,132 | 2,479 | 1,780 | 2,406 | 31,996 |
| 2023 Non-current assets1 |
8,517 | 8,709 | 2,662 | 2,371 | 2,425 | 1,714 | 2,293 | 28,691 |
The segment information has been compiled in conformity with the Group's accounting policies and is in accordance with the internal management reports.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer
1
to note 1.2.
| 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | Logistics | Non | ||
| DKK million | Division | Division | allocated | Total |
| Geographical markets | ||||
| North Sea | 5,425 | - | - | 5,425 |
| Mediterranean | 5,787 | 358 | - | 6,145 |
| Baltic Sea | 1,245 | - | - | 1,245 |
| Channel | 4,032 | - | - | 4,032 |
| Continent | - | 4,912 | - | 4,912 |
| Nordic | - | 4,101 | - | 4,101 |
| UK/Ireland | - | 3,883 | - | 3,883 |
| Other | - | - | 11 | 11 |
| Total | 16,489 | 13,253 | 11 | 29,753 |
| Product and services | ||||
| Seafreight and shipping logistics solutions | 10,046 | - | - | 10,046 |
| Transport solutions | 624 | 12,891 | - | 13,515 |
| Passenger seafare and onboard sales | 4,574 | - | - | 4,574 |
| Terminal services | 591 | 7 | - | 598 |
| Charters including related income | 448 | - | - | 448 |
| Agency and other revenue | 205 | 355 | 11 | 571 |
| Total | 16,489 | 13,253 | 11 | 29,753 |
| Logistics Division |
Non allocated |
2023 Total |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Ferry Division |
|||
| North Sea | 5,700 | - | - | 5,700 |
| Mediterranean | 4,624 | - | - | 4,624 |
| Baltic Sea | 1,256 | - | - | 1,256 |
| Channel | 3,691 | - | - | 3,691 |
| Continent | - | 4,844 | - | 4,844 |
| Nordic | - | 3,857 | - | 3,857 |
| UK/Ireland | - | 3,308 | - | 3,308 |
| Other | - | - | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 15,271 | 12,008 | 25 | 27,304 |
| Product and services | ||||
| Seafreight and shipping logistics solutions | 9,939 | 1 | - | 9,940 |
| Transport solutions | 705 | 11,691 | - | 12,396 |
| Passenger seafare and onboard sales | 3,568 | - | - | 3,567 |
| Terminal services | 588 | 7 | - | 595 |
| Charters including related income | 363 | - | - | 363 |
| Agency and other revenue | 108 | 310 | 25 | 442 |
| Total | 15,271 | 12,008 | 25 | 27,304 |
Revenue includes revenue recognised from contracts with customers in accordance with IFRS 15 and other revenue (leasing activities). Revenue from leasing activities amounts to DKK 476m (2023: DKK 405m). Onboard sales amounts to DKK 1,916m (2023: DKK 1,656m).
Typically, payment is due upon or after completion of the services in the Logistics division and at the start of the journey in the Ferry division.
Revenue from transport of passengers, freight and from rendering terminal and warehouse services etc., is recognised in the income statement at the time of delivery of the service to the customer, which is the time where the control is transferred and when each separate performance obligation in the customer contract is fulfilled following the "over-time principle". Some of the ferry and freight transports have a series of performance obligations, but as the duration of these transports are short term the impact from splitting these contracts into "distinct services" will not have material impact. Most transports carried out by the Ferry Division are characterised by short delivery time (most sailings are less than 30 hours while sailings to/ from Türkiye are up to 72 hours). Transports carried out by the Logistics Division can be over a longer period.
Revenue from chartering out ferries is recognised straight line over the duration of the agreement. Onboard sales is recognised at a "point in time". Revenue is measured at fair value excluding value added tax and after deduction of trade discounts. Trade receivables are not adjusted for any financing component when recognised. The general credit terms are following market terms.
Accounting estimates and judgements are made in order to determine time of delivery and accrue for relevant income along with evaluation of pricing. These accounting estimates and judgements are based on experience and historical sales figures along with a continuous follow-up on service delivered.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance: | ||
| Ferry and other ship costs including charter related cost | 3,096 | 2,428 |
| Bunker | 3,021 | 3,169 |
| Total ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 6,117 | 5,597 |
Ferry and other ship costs comprise costs of sales related to catering as well as maintenance and daily running costs of ferries and other ships. Bunker consumption includes hedging. Write-downs and realised losses on trade receivables are included in ferry and other ship operation and maintenance. Port terminal operations and Transport solutions and warehouse solutions are costs related to land-based activities such as stevedoring, terminal, and haulage costs. Costs of sales and administration comprise costs of sales, marketing, and administration.
From January 2024, DFDS is included in the scope of companies subject to Maritime Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). Cost will be recognised monthly based on measured emissions at hedged prices - for certificates covered by hedging - and at spot prices - for those not covered by hedges.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Wages, salaries and remuneration | 5,195 | 4,604 |
| Hereof capitalised employee costs | -42 | -44 |
| Defined contribution pension plans | 233 | 211 |
| Defined benefit pension plans | 11 | 8 |
| Other social security costs | 539 | 414 |
| Share based payment | 26 | 28 |
| Other employee costs | 399 | 352 |
| Government grants (Covid-19) | - | -2 |
| Total employee costs | 6,361 | 5,572 |
| Full time equivalents (FTE), average | 14,121 | 13,191 |
Reference is made to note 3.2.5 for detailed information on pension plans, note 5.1 for detailed information on remuneration of Management and note 5.3 for detailed information on the Group's share based payment schemes.
Wages, salaries, social security contributions, pension contributions, paid annual leave and sick leave, bonuses, and non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by employees of the Group. Where the Group provides long-term employee benefits, the costs are accrued to match the rendering of the services by the employees.
1
to note 1.2.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Amortisation and depreciation for the year: | ||
| Software | 76 | 64 |
| Port concession rights etc. | 52 | 35 |
| Other non-current intangible assets | 82 | 78 |
| Total amortisation for the year | 210 | 178 |
| Land & Buildings | 34 | 26 |
| Terminals | 70 | 67 |
| Ferries and other ships | 1,171 | 1,060 |
| Equipment etc. | 449 | 432 |
| Right-of-use assets | 1,069 | 888 |
| Total depreciation for the year | 2,793 | 2,473 |
| Total amortisation and depreciation for the year | 3,002 | 2,651 |
| Reversal of impairment losses for the year: | ||
| Ferries and other ships | 33 | - |
| Total reversal of impairment losses for the year | 33 | 0 |
| Total amortisation, depreciation and impairment losses for the year | 2,969 | 2,652 |
Amortisation and depreciation for the year are recognised based on the amortisation and depreciation profiles of the underlying assets. Reference is made to note 3.1.1, 3.1.2 and 3.1.3.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax in the income statement: | ||
| Current tax | 157 | 131 |
| Movement in deferred tax for the year | -5 | -13 |
| Adjustment to corporation tax in respect of prior years and one-offs | -19 | 23 |
| Adjustment to deferred tax in respect of prior years | 11 | 0 |
| Effect of change in corporate income tax rate | - | 1 |
| Tax for the year | 144 | 142 |
| Tax for the year is recognised as follows: | ||
| Tax in the income statement | 142 | 148 |
| Tax in Other comprehensive income | 2 | -6 |
| Tax for the year | 144 | 142 |
| Tax in the income statement can be specified as follows: | ||
| Profit before tax | 683 | 1,667 |
| Income subject to tonnage tax | 399 | 1,811 |
| Profit before tax subject to corporate income tax | 284 | 144 |
| 22% tax of profit before tax | 63 | -32 |
| Adjustment of calculated tax in foreign subsidiaries compared to 22% | -1 | -16 |
| Tax effect of: | ||
| Non-taxable/non-deductible items | -62 | 115 |
| Tax asset for the year, not recognised | 148 | 60 |
| Utilisation of non-capitalised tax assets | -1 | -6 |
| Adjustments of tax in respect of prior years and one-offs | -9 | 23 |
| Corporate income tax | 138 | 144 |
| Tonnage tax | 4 | 4 |
| Total tax in the income statement | 142 | 148 |
| Effective tax rate (%) | 20.8 | 8.9 |
| Effective tax rate before adjustment of prior years' tax and one-offs (%) | 22.2 | 7.5 |
| Tax in Other comprehensive income can be specified as follows: | ||
| Corporate income tax | 0 | 0 |
| Movement deferred tax | 2 | -6 |
| Total tax in Other comprehensive income | 2 | -6 |
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
The majority of the ferry activities performed in the Danish, Turkish, Spanish, French, and Lithuanian enterprises in the Group are included in local tonnage tax schemes where the taxable income related to transportation of passengers and freight is calculated based on the tonnage deployed during the year and not the actual profits generated. Taxable income related to other activities is taxed according to the normal corporate income tax rules and at the standard corporate tax rates.
In 2024, the Group realised a total effective tax rate adjusted for prior years' tax and one-offs of 22.2% (2023: 7.5%). Addition on acquisition of enterprises primarily relates to the acquisition of the FRS group and the Ekol group in 2024.
DFDS A/S and its Danish subsidiaries are subject to compulsory joint taxation with Lauritzen Fonden Holding ApS and its Danish controlled enterprises. Lauritzen Fonden Holding ApS is the administration company in the joint taxation and settles all payments of corporation tax due by the joint taxed enterprises. In accordance with the Danish rules on joint taxation, DFDS A/S and its Danish subsidiaries are liable for their own corporate tax due and are only subsidiary and pro rata liable for the corporation tax liabilities towards the Danish tax authorities for all other enterprises that are part of the Danish joint taxation.
| Deferred tax | Other intangible assets |
Ferries and other ships |
Land and buildings, terminals and other equipment |
Provisions | Other accrued costs and income |
Tax loss carried forward |
Set-off | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax at 1 January | 50 | 127 | 273 | -14 | 6 | -54 | 388 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 2 | -2 | 8 | -1 | -2 | -1 | 4 | |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises | - | 37 | 5 | - | - | - | 42 | |
| Recognised in the income statement | -6 | -5 | -15 | 10 | 6 | 3 | -7 | |
| Recognised in other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | |
| Adjustment regarding prior years recognised in the income statement | - | 1 | 4 | - | - | 6 | 11 | |
| Deferred tax at 31 December | 46 | 158 | 275 | -3 | 10 | -46 | 440 | |
| Deferred tax assets | - | - | - | 3 | 38 | 46 | -5 | 82 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 46 | 158 | 275 | - | 48 | - | -5 | 522 |
| Deferred tax at 31 December, net | 46 | 158 | 275 | -3 | 10 | -46 | 0 | 440 |
| Deferred tax | Other intangible assets |
Ferries and other ships |
Land and buildings, terminals and other equipment |
Provisions | Other accrued costs and income |
Tax loss carried forward |
Set-off | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax at 1 January | - | 134 | 223 | -9 | -7 | -31 | 310 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 2 | |
| Impact from change in corporate income tax rate | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | -1 | 1 | |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises | 54 | - | 45 | -4 | -1 | -5 | 89 | |
| Recognised in the income statement | -4 | -7 | 5 | 4 | 12 | -17 | -7 | |
| Recognised in other comprehensive income | - | - | - | -6 | - | - | -6 | |
| Adjustment regarding prior years recognised in the income statement | - | - | -2 | - | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Utilisation of tax losses between jointly taxed companies | - | - | - | - | 1 | -1 | 0 | |
| Deferred tax at 31 December | 50 | 127 | 274 | -14 | 6 | -54 | 0 | 389 |
| Deferred tax assets | - | - | 9 | 14 | 38 | 54 | -36 | 79 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 50 | 127 | 283 | - | 44 | - | -36 | 468 |
| Deferred tax at 31 December, net | 50 | 127 | 274 | -14 | 6 | -54 | 0 | 389 |
The Group has unrecognised tax losses carried forward of DKK 1,946m with a tax value of DKK 482m (2023: tax losses of DKK 1,429m, tax value of DKK 333m). Of the unrecognised tax losses carried forward of DKK 1,946m (2023: DKK 1,429m), DKK 1,714m expires within the next five years (2023: DKK 1,332m) and DKK 232m expires after more than five years (2023: DKK 97m). The tax losses of DKK 1,946m (2023: DKK 1,429m) have not been recognised as it has been assessed that the losses cannot be utilised in the foreseeable future.
The Group is liable to a contingent tax that may arise at the withdrawal from tonnage taxation schemes. The Group controls the withdrawal and has no plans to withdraw from the schemes and consequently no deferred tax has been recognised.
The Group is within the scope of the OECD Pillar II model rules regarding minimum taxation of 15%. The rules were implemented throughout EU in 2023 with effect from 1 January 2024. The Group has applied the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar II income taxes, as provided in the amendments to IAS 12 in May 2023. Under the legislation, the Group is liable to pay a top-up tax for the difference between the effective tax rate per jurisdiction calculated as per Pillar II legislation and the 15% minimum rate. Since income from shipping is excluded from the minimum taxation rules, the rules do not have any material impact for the Group. Based on preliminary calculations, in 2024 an insignificant amount of less than DKK 5m has been provided for in top-up taxes related to Group entities. Due to the preliminary nature of the calculations differences may occur when preparing the Pillar II filing, however any such differences are not assumed to be material.
Deferred tax assets, including the tax value of tax losses carried forward, are recognised to the extent that Management assesses that the tax asset can be utilised through positive taxable income in the foreseeable future which usually is within 3-5 years. Estimates are performed annually based on forecasts, business initiatives and likely structural changes for the coming years.
Tax for the year comprises income tax, tonnage tax, and joint taxation contribution for the year of Danish subsidiaries as well as changes in deferred tax for the year. Additionally, the tax for the year comprises adjustments to prior years' taxes and changes in the assessment of provisions for uncertain tax positions. The tax for the year is recognised in the income statement or in the equity in correlation to the underlying transaction.
The current payable Danish corporation tax is allocated by the settlement of a joint taxation contribution between the jointly taxed companies in proportion to their taxable income. Companies with tax losses receive joint taxation contributions from companies that have been able to utilise the tax losses to reduce their own taxable profit. Tax computed on the taxable income and tonnage tax for the year is recognised in the balance sheet as payable or receivable corporate tax considering on-account/advance payments.
Deferred tax is provided for using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax base of the assets and liabilities at the reporting date. However, deferred tax is not recognised on temporary differences relating to non-tax-deductible goodwill that arose on acquisition date without impacting the result or taxable income. Deferred tax relating to assets and liabilities subject to tonnage taxation is recognised to the extent that deferred tax is expected to crystallise. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax losses, can be utilised in the foreseeable future. The carrying amount is reviewed at each reporting date.
Deferred tax is measured based on the expected use and settlement of the individual assets and liabilities and according to the tax rules and at the known tax rates applicable at the balance sheet date when the deferred tax is expected to crystallise as current tax. The change in deferred tax as a result of changes in tax rates is recognised in the income statement. Uncertain tax positions are measured, depending on the type, either as a probability-weighted average of possible outcomes or as the most likely outcome. Uncertain tax positions are recognised either as payable/receivable tax and/or as deferred tax assets/liabilities.
Invested capital is a key component when calculating ROIC. Reference is made to section 2 for more details about NOPAT. The following section provides the notes of the main components that forms basis of the Invested capital being Net working capital (non-interest-bearing current assets minus non-interest bearing current liabilities plus non-current prepaid costs minus pension and jubilee liabilities and other provisions) plus non-current intangible and tangible assets. Furthermore, notes that are closely related to the Non-current intangible, tangible assets, and right-of use assets such as Impairment testing is also included in this section.

| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invested capital excluding net working capital: | |||
| Non-current intangible assets | 3.1.1 | 9,837 | 7,136 |
| Non-current tangible assets | 3.1.2 | 16,266 | 15,717 |
| Right-of-use assets | 3.1.3 | 5,667 | 5,600 |
| Invested capital excluding net working capital | 31,770 | 28,453 | |
| Net working capital: | |||
| Receivables (excluding interest-bearing receivables) | 3.2.1 | 4,873 | 4,460 |
| Inventories | 3.2.2 | 322 | 339 |
| Prepaid costs | 452 | 402 | |
| Derivatives related to operating activities, financial assets | |||
| measured at fair value | 4.2 | 88 | 56 |
| Derivatives related to operating activities, financial liabilities | |||
| measured at fair value | 4.2 | -4 | -18 |
| Pension assets | 3.2.5 | 25 | - |
| Pension and jubilee liabilities | 3.2.5 | -104 | -90 |
| Other provisions | 3.2.6 | -449 | -134 |
| Trade payables | -3,984 | -3,461 | |
| Corporation tax | -78 | -83 | |
| Other payables | 3.2.4 | -1,160 | -904 |
| Prepayments from customers | -218 | -251 | |
| Net working capital | -237 | 316 | |
| Invested capital | 31,533 | 28,770 | |
| Average invested capital | 30,041 | 28,533 |
Restated for changes in
1
accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
| DKK million | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | Port concession rights etc. |
Other non current intangible assets |
Software | Develop ment projects in progress |
Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 5,066 | 1,214 | 1,008 | 758 | 17 | 8,063 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 27 | 4 | 9 | 0 | - | 40 |
| Addition on acquisition of | ||||||
| enterprises | 2,5181 | - | 0 | 13 | - | 2,531 |
| Additions | - | 2462 | - | 2 | 943 | 342 |
| Disposals | - | - | 5 | 9 | - | 14 |
| Transfers | - | - | 0 | 98 | -98 | 0 |
| Cost at 31 December 2024 | 7,610 | 1,464 | 1,012 | 862 | 13 | 10,961 |
| Amortisation and impairment | ||||||
| losses at 1 January 2024 | 114 | 223 | 178 | 412 | - | 926 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -1 | - | 2 | 0 | - | 2 |
| Amortisation charge | 52 | 82 | 76 | 210 | ||
| Disposals | - | - | 5 | 9 | - | 13 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses at 31 December 2024 |
113 | 275 | 257 | 480 | 0 | 1,125 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2024 |
7,497 | 1,189 | 755 | 382 | 13 | 9,837 |
| DKK million | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | Port concession rights etc. |
Other non current intangible assets |
Software | Develop ment projects in progress |
Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 4,522 | 1,213 | 773 | 721 | 12 | 7,241 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 16 | 0 | 7 | 0 | - | 24 |
| Addition on acquisition of | ||||||
| enterprises | 528 | - | 227 | 7 | - | 762 |
| Additions | - | - | - | 1 | 823 | 83 |
| Disposals | - | - | -1 | 51 | - | 50 |
| Transfers | - | - | - | 79 | -77 | 3 |
| Cost at 31 December 2023 | 5,066 | 1,214 | 1,008 | 758 | 17 | 8,063 |
| Amortisation and impairment | ||||||
| losses at 1 January 2023 | 115 | 187 | 98 | 397 | - | 797 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 0 |
| Amortisation charge | 35 | 78 | 64 | 178 | ||
| Disposals | - | - | -1 | 51 | - | 50 |
| Transfers | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Amortisation and impairment losses at 31 December 2023 |
114 | 223 | 178 | 412 | 0 | 926 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2023 |
4,952 | 990 | 831 | 346 | 17 | 7,136 |
1 Reference made to note 5.5
2 Relates to an agreement for a 10 year concession right for a terminal. The amount was prepaid in previous years and has subsequent to the finalisation of the agreement been moved to non-current intangible assets.
3
Primarily relates to the implementation of an ERP system.
The carrying amount of completed software and development projects in progress primarily relates to a Passenger booking system, a Transport Management System, an onboard sales system, an ERP system, and various digital products.
For information regarding the impairment tests reference is made to note 3.1.4.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry: | ||
| North Sea, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean | 3,386 | 3,384 |
| Strait of Gibraltar | 757 | - |
| Logistics: | ||
| Logistics | 3,354 | 1,568 |
| Total | 7,497 | 4,952 |
Generally, the following applies unless otherwise stated:
At initial recognition goodwill is recognised in the balance sheet at cost, as described in note 5.5 'Business-combinations'. Subsequently, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortised. An impairment test is performed at least once a year together with other non-current assets of the Group. The carrying amount of goodwill is allocated to the Group's cash-generating units at the time of acquisition.
Development projects in progress, primarily development of IT software, are recognised as noncurrent intangible assets if the following criteria are met:
The amortisation of capitalised development projects starts after the completion of the development project and is recognised on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life, which normally is 3-5 years, but in certain cases up to 10 years (the latter applies to significant internally developed commercial and operational systems).
Other non-current intangible assets comprise the value of customer relations or similar, identified as part of business combinations, and which has definite useful life. Other non-current intangible assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life, which normally is 3-5 years, except from customer portfolio which is up to 15 years.
Port concession rights comprise the value of access to strategically placed ports which is recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date. Acquired port concession rights are amortised over the concession period.
| DKK million | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equip ment etc. |
Assets under con struction and pre payments |
Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 862 | 1,453 | 21,636 | 3,645 | 415 | 28,012 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 17 | 14 | -42 | 38 | 1 | 28 |
| Addition on acquisition of | ||||||
| enterprises2 | 17 | 10 | 631 | 568 | 1 | 1,227 |
| Additions | 2 | 38 | 48 | 143 | 1,259 | 1,490 |
| Disposals | 19 | 13 | 423 | 409 | 5 | 869 |
| Transfers | 69 | 17 | 809 | 403 | -1,297 | 0 |
| Divestment of activities1 | - | 43 | 2,517 | 6 | - | 2,566 |
| Cost at 31 December 2024 | 949 | 1,476 | 20,141 | 4,382 | 374 | 27,322 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||||
| losses at 1 January 2024 | 104 | 630 | 9,854 | 1,706 | 12,294 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 1 | 10 | -32 | 14 | -7 | |
| Depreciation charge | 34 | 70 | 1,171 | 449 | 1,724 | |
| Reversal of impairment | 0 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 33 | |
| Disposals | 18 | 12 | 423 | 317 | 769 | |
| Divestment of activities1 | - | 43 | 2,108 | 2 | 2,153 | |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||||
| losses at 31 December 2024 | 121 | 655 | 8,429 | 1,851 | 0 | 11,056 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2024 |
828 | 821 | 11,712 | 2,531 | 374 | 16,266 |
| DKK million | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equip ment etc. |
Assets under con struction and pre payments |
Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 616 | 1,395 | 22,372 | 3,020 | 369 | 27,771 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments Addition on acquisition of |
7 | 8 | 22 | 17 | 1 | 54 |
| enterprises | 150 | - | - | 318 | 18 | 486 |
| Additions | 11 | 31 | 21 | 203 | 1,309 | 1,575 |
| Disposals | 0 | 3 | 1,6313 | 211 | 12 | 1,857 |
| Transfers | 79 | 22 | 852 | 298 | -1,269 | -18 |
| Cost at 31 December 2023 | 862 | 1,453 | 21,636 | 3,645 | 415 | 28,012 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||||
| losses at 1 January 2023 | 57 | 559 | 9,186 | 1,420 | 11,222 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 1 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 19 | |
| Depreciation charge | 26 | 67 | 1,060 | 432 | 1,585 | |
| Disposals | - | 1 | 3613 | 152 | 514 | |
| Transfers | 20 | 0 | -36 | -3 | -18 | |
| Depreciation and impairment losses at 31 December 2023 |
104 | 630 | 9,854 | 1,706 | 0 | 12,294 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2023 |
759 | 823 | 11,782 | 1,939 | 415 | 15,717 |
1
Primarily related to the two passenger cruise ferries Crown Seaways and Pearl Seaways which were divested as part of the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route
2
Reference made to note 5.5.
3 Primarily related to sale and lease back of the three freight ferries Hollandia Seaways, Humbria Seaways, and Flandria Seaways.
Estimation of useful lives is based on experience. When there is an indication of a change in an asset's useful life, Management revises the estimates for individual assets or groups of assets with similar characteristics due to factors such as quality of maintenance and repair, technical development, or environmental requirements.
Management has also considered the impact of decarbonisation and climate-related risks on useful lives of existing assets. Such risks include new climate-related legislation restricting the use of certain assets, new technology demanded by climate-related legislation, and the increase in restoration costs for terminal sites due to change in legislation. Residual values of ferries are estimated based on steel prices.
The following applies unless otherwise stated:
The rebuilding/upgrade of ferries and other ships is capitalised if the rebuilding/upgrade can be attributed to:
Maintenance and daily running costs for the ferries and other ships are expensed in the income statement as incurred. Docking costs are capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis until the ferries' or ships' next docking. In most cases, the docking interval is 2 years for passenger cruise ferries and 2½ years for freight and passenger ferries as well as freight ferries.
Gains or losses on the disposal of ferries and other ships are calculated as the difference between the sales price less sales costs and the book value at disposal date. Gains or losses on the disposal of ferries and other ships are recognised when control have transferred to the buyer and are presented in the income statement as 'Profit on disposal of non-current assets, net'.
Due to differences in the wear of certain components of passenger cruise ferries and ro-pax ferries, the cost of these ferries is divided into components with low wear, such as hull and engine, and components with high wear, such as parts of the hotel, catering/restaurants, and shop areas.
The cost of freight ferries is not divided into components as there is no material difference in the wear of the various components of freight ferries.
The depreciation period for components with low wear is 35 years for both ro-pax and ro-ro ferries from the year in which the ferry was built. The depreciation period for passenger cruise ferries is 45 years.
The residual value of ferries is estimated as the expected fair value at the end of their useful lifetime.
Management has also considered the impact of decarbonisation and climate-related risks on the useful lives of existing assets. Such risks include new climate-related legislation restricting the use of certain assets, new technology demanded by climate-related legislation, and the increase in restoration costs for terminal sites due to new and/or more comprehensive policies.
Other non-current tangible assets comprise buildings, terminals and machinery, tools and equipment, and leasehold improvements.
| • Buildings | 25-50 years |
|---|---|
| • Terminals etc. | 10-40 years |
Gains or losses arising from the disposal of other non-current tangible assets are calculated as the difference between the sales price less sales costs and the book value at disposal date. Gains or losses on the disposal of these non-current assets are recognised in the income statement as 'Profit on disposal of non-current assets, net'.
The Group has lease contracts for various items of land & buildings, terminals, ferries, equipment etc. in its operations. The Group's obligations under the leases are secured by the lessors' title to the leased assets. Several lease contracts include extension and termination options, options are negotiated by Management to provide flexibility in managing the asset portfolio. Some lease contracts include variable lease payments, which are further described below.
Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets recognised and the movements during the period.
| DKK million | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and | Ferries and | Equipment | |||
| buildings | Terminals | other ships | etc. | Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 1,524 | 3,222 | 2,437 | 736 | 7,918 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -11 | 68 | -3 | 2 | 56 |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises2 | 202 | 15 | - | 34 | 251 |
| Additions | 36 | 8 | 53 | 258 | 354 |
| Remeasurement | 184 | 157 | 370 | 21 | 732 |
| Disposals | 31 | - | 236 | 166 | 434 |
| Divestment of activities3 | 9 | 188 | - | - | 197 |
| Cost at 31 December 2024 | 1,895 | 3,282 | 2,620 | 883 | 8,680 |
| Depreciation and impairment losses | |||||
| at 1 January 2024 | 436 | 998 | 601 | 282 | 2,318 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -4 | 27 | -3 | 1 | 21 |
| Depreciation charge | 233 | 255 | 391 | 190 | 1,069 |
| Disposals | 24 | - | 160 | 139 | 323 |
| Divestment of activities3 | 5 | 67 | - | - | 72 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| losses 31 December 2024 | 637 | 1,212 | 830 | 335 | 3,014 |
| Carrying amount at | |||||
| 31 December 2024 | 1,259 | 2,070 | 1,790 | 549 | 5,667 |
| DKK million | 20231 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equipment etc. |
Total | |
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 950 | 2,930 | 1,612 | 576 | 6,068 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 10 | 29 | 0 | 3 | 42 |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises4 | 274 | - | - | 54 | 327 |
| Additions | 213 | 13 | 8945 | 241 | 1,361 |
| Remeasurement | 65 | 280 | 15 | 11 | 370 |
| Disposals | 16 | 10 | 84 | 141 | 251 |
| Transfer | 28 | -20 | - | -8 | 0 |
| Cost at 31 December 2023 | 1,524 | 3,222 | 2,437 | 736 | 7,918 |
| Depreciation and impairment losses | |||||
| at 1 January 2023 | 246 | 769 | 383 | 229 | 1,626 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 4 | 9 | -1 | 0 | 12 |
| Depreciation charge | 185 | 234 | 305 | 164 | 888 |
| Disposals | 13 | 7 | 85 | 104 | 208 |
| Transfer | 15 | -7 | - | -8 | 0 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| losses 31 December 2023 | 436 | 998 | 601 | 282 | 2,318 |
| Carrying amount at | |||||
| 31 December 2023 | 1,087 | 2,224 | 1,835 | 453 | 5,600 |
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
3
Addition on acquisitions of enterprises relate to FRS Group and Ekol Group.
Relates to divestment of terminals and offices as part of Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen route
Addition on acquisition of enterprises relates to McBurney Transport Group and Estron Group
Addition primarily relates to sale and leaseback of three ferries, as well as two new charter contracts for ferries.
Set out in the following are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities (included under interest-bearing liabilities) and the movements during the period.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| As at 1 January | 5,832 | 4,497 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 82 | 11 |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises | 251 | 327 |
| Additions | 355 | 1,468 |
| Remeasurement | 732 | 370 |
| Instalments | 1,024 | 799 |
| Disposals | 112 | 43 |
| Divestment of activities2 | 127 | - |
| Transfer3 | -117 | - |
| Total lease liabilities at 31 December | 5,872 | 5,832 |
Non-discounted lease liabilities expiring within the following periods from the balance sheet date:
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1 year | 1,293 | 1,171 |
| 1-3 years | 2,659 | 2,273 |
| 3-5 years | 1,296 | 1,352 |
| After 5 years | 1,551 | 1,904 |
| Total lease liability, non-discounted | 6,798 | 6,699 |
Lease liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet as follows:
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | 4,846 | 4,886 |
| Current liabilities | 1,027 | 946 |
| Total lease liabilities | 5,872 | 5,832 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses relating to short-term leases (included in costs) | 30 | 1 |
| Expenses relating to low-value assets (included in costs) | 151 | 27 |
| Variable lease payments (included in costs) | 104 | 94 |
| Depreciation, ships | 391 | 305 |
| Depreciation, other non-current assets | 678 | 583 |
| Interest expenses on lease liabilities | 208 | |
| Gain arising from sale and leaseback transactions | 95 | |
| Total amount recognised in the income statement | 1,640 | 1,123 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities, gross | -285 | -122 |
| Interest etc., paid | -286 | -208 |
| Cash flows from operating activities, net | -571 | -329 |
| Cash flows from financing activities, net | -1,024 | -799 |
| Total cash outflows from leases | -1,595 | -1,129 |
In 2024 the Group has paid DKK 1,595m (2023: DKK 1,129m) regarding lease agreements whereof interest expenses related to lease liabilities amount to DKK 286m (2023: DKK 208m), instalment of lease liability amounts to DKK 1,024m (2023: DKK 799m), and DKK 285m (2023: DKK 122m) relates to short-term leases, low-value leases and variable lease payments.
At 31 December 2024 the Group was committed to short term and low-value leases for an amount of DKK 144m (2023: DKK 90m).
The Group has two terminal lease contracts that contains variable payments based on the number of transferred units. The terms align the lease expense with the units transferred and revenue earned. The following provides information on the Group's variable lease payments in relation to fixed payments:
| DKK million | Fixed payments |
Variable payments |
2024 | Fixed payments |
Variable payments |
2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lease payments | 145 | 58 | 203 | 135 | 49 | 184 |
| Variable rent only | - | 46 | 46 | - | 45 | 45 |
| Total 31 December | 145 | 104 | 249 | 135 | 94 | 228 |
A 10% increase in units transferred would increase total lease payments by 7%. The Group has lease contracts for ferries and terminals that include extension and termination options. These options provide flexibility in managing the leased asset portfolio and align with the Group's business needs.
In 2023, DFDS entered into an agreement to sell and leaseback three freight ferries for a total sales price of DKK 1,466m which entailed a gain in the income statement of DKK 95m. The transaction improves financial flexibility by releasing cash and lowering the asset ownership share. The leasing period is five years starting from the day of delivery. The agreement includes a right of first refusal to purchase the ferries during the leasing period.
As at 31 December 2024, potential future cash outflows of DKK 333m (undiscounted) have not been included in the lease liability, because it is not reasonably certain that the leases will be extended (or not terminated) (2023: DKK 333m)
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
1
Relates to divestment of terminals and offices as part of Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen route
Relates to a lease liability of DKK 117m which has been settled and offset against a trade receivable.
Future minimum receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 31 December are as follows:
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lease payments (income) | ||
| Ferries | ||
| Within 1 year | 264 | 312 |
| 1-3 years | 177 | 442 |
| Total | 442 | 754 |
The specified minimum payments are not discounted. Operating lease and rental income recognised in the income statement amount to DKK 476m in 2024 (2023: DKK 405m). The contracts are entered into on normal conditions. At inception of each individual agreement, Management assesses and determines whether the agreement is a finance or an operating leasing agreement.
The Group has entered into lease agreements for ferries with extension options. Management exercises significant judgement in determining whether these extension options are reasonably certain to be exercised and, in that connection, considers all relevant factors that create an economic and strategic incentive for it to exercise the extension option.
Management has also considered the impact of decarbonisation and climate-related risks on assessing the likelihood of extending lease agreements. Such risks include new climate-related legislation restricting the use of certain assets and new technology demanded by climate-related legislation.
The right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability is recognised at the commencement date, i.e. the date the underlying asset is ready for use. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost corresponding to the lease liability recognised, adjusted for any lease prepayments including dismantling and restoration costs. The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payments are discounted using DFDS' incremental borrowing rate.
Depreciation follows the straight-line method over the lease term or the useful life of the right-of-use assets, whichever is shortest. However, for one terminal the depreciation is based on volumes handled in the terminal.
The lease payments include fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable and variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate. If the contract holds an option to purchase, extend or terminate a lease and it is reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group, the lease liability will include those. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognised as expenses in the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption for lease contracts that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less for all classes of underlying assets except for terminals and ferries and other ships, and the exemption for lease contracts for which the underlying asset is of low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For all classes of assets, except for terminals, non-lease components, i.e., the service element, is not separated from the lease components and thereby form part of the right-of-use asset and lease liability recognised in the balance sheet.
For contracts with a rolling term (evergreen leases), the Management exercises judgement in determining useful lifetime of the underlying right-of-use asset.
As from 1 January 2024 the Group will change its accounting policies regarding short-term leases for ferries and other ships as well as accounting treatment of the non-lease components. Please refer to section 1.2 "New accounting policies and disclosures".
For accounting purposes, assets leased out are divided into finance and operating leases. In respect of assets leased out on a finance lease, an amount equal to the net present value of the future lease payments is recognised in the balance sheet as a lease receivable from lessee. The asset leased out is reclassified from non-current asset to leases receivables and any gain or loss arising from this is recognised in the income statement. Lease income from assets leased out on an operating lease is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
DFDS performs impairment test of goodwill once a year, or sooner if impairment indication arises. Furthermore, impairment tests are performed for cash generating units (CGUs) with impairment indicators or indicators of reversal of impairment.
The breakdown into cash-generating units takes its starting point in the internal structure of the two segments, Ferry and Logistics, and their operating areas, including the strategic, operational, and commercial management and control of these, both separately and across business units, and the nature of the customer services provided.
Based on this, the Group's ferry cash-generating units in 2023 were the North Sea, Baltic Sea & Mediterranean, the Channel, the Oslo–Frederikshavn-Copenhagen (OFC) route and the Amsterdam – Newcastle route. In 2024, the Group has sold the OFC route, acquired the Strait of Gibraltar activities and signed a contract for Jersey's ferry services. Hence, the groups ferry CGUs in 2024 are the North Sea, Baltic Sea & Mediterranean with goodwill of DKK 3,386m (2023, DKK 3,384m), the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar with goodwill of DKK 757m, the Amsterdam – Newcastle route and the Jersey routes. These changes do not modify our reporting segments. The changes in CGU did not result in goodwill reallocation.
The Groups' logistics cash-generating units tested in 2023 were Dry goods and Cold Chain. In 2024, the Group merged its Logistics organisation into ONE Logistics to offer increased value to our customers across market through increased collaboration. This resulted in changes to the level at which goodwill is being monitored. Hence, the Group has impairment tested one logistics CGU in 2024, called Logistics. This change does not modify our reporting segments. Goodwill was reallocated to the one remaining CGU with goodwill of DKK 3,354m (2023, DKK 1,568m).
Intangible and tangible assets as well as right-of-use assets are assigned to the above-mentioned cashgenerating units unless this cannot be done with a reasonable degree of certainty. Software and other assets which cannot be assigned with reasonable certainty to one or more of the above cash-generating units are tested for impairment as a non-allocated Group asset, i.e., based on the Group earnings.
The determination of cash-generating units differs based on the business area. Most of the freight ferries in North Sea, Baltic Sea & Mediterranean are interchangeable with each other. Where and how the fleet of ferries is deployed is centrally decided. Consequently, these areas are tested for impairment as a single cashgenerating unit. Conversely, the vessels servicing the English Channel, Amsterdam-Newcastle, Strait of Gibraltar and Jersey routes are either used exclusively in each specific itinerary or linked to specific operating licenses. Consequently, these areas are considered as separate cash-generating units.
Logistics activities were previously tested as two cash-generating units: Cold Chain and Dry Goods based on services provided and equipment used being specific to each business area. In 2024, the logistics business was restructured and cash generating units for impairment testing reassessed. Management has determined that the lowest level of identifiable cash inflows - that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets - is the cash inflows generated by all logistics routes together. This is based on increased integration, creation of the equipment pool, and the fact that our logistics routes are largely interdependent and managed with the common objective of supporting our ferry business across regions.
In the impairment test for cash-generating units, the recoverable amount of the unit is compared with its carrying amount. The recoverable amount for the relevant cash-generating units is determined based on value-in-use calculations. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, the latter is written down to the recoverable amount.
The value-in-use is calculated as the discounted value of the estimated future net cash flows per cashgenerating unit. Key parameters for the forecast periods are trends in revenue, cost, EBIT margin, future investments, and growth expectations. These parameters are determined specifically for each individual cash-generating unit. Growth is incorporated in forecasts for periods beyond 2025 and in the terminal period with reference to the growth rate and cash flow section below. Key parameters are based on managements past experience and external sources where available.
The expected net cash flows are assessed at CGU level on basis of approved forecasts for 2025 and business plans beyond 2025. The projections include the estimated impact of long-term strategic decisions and assessment of opportunities for future growth and required investments. For CGUs which include a terminal period, OECD's prediction for EU long-term consumer price index growth rate of 2.0% has been applied (2023: 2.3%). Further, the uncertainty in the world economy has been incorporated in the forecast for 2026 and onwards. The following assumptions for growth rates have been applied to each CGU.
North Sea, Baltic Sea & Mediterranean: For 2026-2029 EBIT grows with 50.5%, 19.3%, 23.3% and 20.2% respectively corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 28% (2023 for years 2025-2028 EBIT growth was in the range of: 5.4% - 13.9%) expected growth in terminal period is 2.0% (2023 2.3%). The growth rates are impacted by the entry of a competitor during 2024 which impacts the forecast for 2025 negatively. Management has prepared weighted scenario analysis for the impairment test of the possible outcome of the current market situation and expected changes in the competitive environment.
Strait of Gibraltar assumed growth in EBIT for 2026-2029 is 71.8%, 26,0%, 22.5% and 20.0% respectively (corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 34%). Projections reflect several one-offs in 2025 due to closure of a route and subsequent alignment with Mediterranean EBIT margins.
The English Channel, Amsterdam - Newcastle and Jersey have no goodwill.
Projected EBIT growth in Logistics, excluding Ekol, for 2026-2029 equals 3.0%, 6.1%, 5.3% and 2.0% respectively (2023 for years 2025-2028 EBIT growth was in the range of: 8.2% - 22.2%) and growth in the terminal period is 2.0% (2023:2.3%). Total logistics EBIT growth in 2026-2029 equals 175.0% 13.3%, 24.1% and 8.4% respectively (corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 43%). EBIT growth of 175.0% from 2025 to 2026, is mainly caused by one-off items in 2025 linked to integration and turnaround costs, and later returning to 2023 EBIT levels. Turnaround initiatives include operational improvements, optimisation of asset base, pricing initiatives and addition of commercial resources.
Impairment tests performed in 2024 did not trigger any impairment losses on the CGUs' assets.
The discount rate for the year-end 2024 impairment testing purposes is based on a calculation of DFDS' weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The cost of equity is based on a risk-free rate plus a market risk premium. The risk-free interest rate is based on a 10-year Danish risk-free rate which at the end of 2024 is 2.1% (2023: 3.0%). The market risk premium is calculated as a general equity market risk premium of 5.5% (2023: 5.9%) multiplied by the leveraged beta value for DFDS of 1.52 (2023: 1.26). The leveraged beta value applied at year-end 2024 is calculated by obtaining the unlevered beta value of peer group companies via the Capital IQ database. This beta value is then re-levered in accordance with the Group's current capital structure. The cost of debt is based on interest-bearing borrowings recently obtained by the Group plus the risk-free interest.
Uncertainties in the global economy such as the impact from the war in Ukraine, volatile currency and high interest rate in Türkiye are taken into consideration in the forecasts where relevant (e.g. freight rates, passenger and freight volumes).
The pre-tax discount rates applied have been the following in the two segments:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Division | 6.8% | 7.4% |
| Logistics Division | 6.8% | 7.4% |
As part of the preparation of impairment tests, sensitivity analysis is prepared based on relevant risk factors and scenarios that Management can determine with reasonable reliability. Sensitivity analysis is prepared by altering the estimates until it reaches a point where the value in use is equal to the carrying amount. Using the discount rate of 6.8% and keeping all other assumptions constant, the Logistics CGU showed headroom of DKK 869m between the value in use and the carrying amount
For the logistics CGU, an increase in the discount rate of 0.76%-points, all other things being equal, would bring the value in use equal to the carrying amount. A decrease in annual EBIT of 10.70% in the logistics CGU, all other things being equal, would bring the value in use equal to the carrying amount.
For ferry division, Management's assessment is that no changes in key assumptions are reasonably likely to reduce the value in use below the carrying value.
Based on the impairment tests prepared at year-end 2024 no cash-generating units are deemed impaired in 2024. Impairment losses recognised in prior years have been reversed in connection with the sale of the OFC route, these were allocated to ships.
In 2023, no cash-generating units were deemed impaired and no impairment losses recognised in prior years were reversed.
The carrying amount of Goodwill, non-current intangible, tangible and right-of-use assets are continuously assessed, at least once a year, to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. When such indication exists the recoverable amount of the asset is assessed. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and the value-in-use. The value-in-use is calculated as the present value of the future net cash flow, which the asset is expected to generate either by itself or from the lowest cash-generating unit to which the asset is allocated.
Management continuously monitors climate related risks when measuring the recoverable amount. While DFDS' operations are not currently exposed to significant physical risk, the value-in-use may be impacted by transition risk, such as legislation, regulations, and changes in demand for the Group's services. Expectations for the following years have been incorporated into projected cash flows: increased operating costs for e-trucks and investments to improve fuel efficiency and conversion to green fuels. In addition, cash flows for Amsterdam - Newcastle CGU, were shortened to 2029 when the existing ferries no longer comply with shore-power usage regulation.
Judgement and estimates are applied in the determination of cash generating units to which goodwill is allocated for impairment testing as well as in the selection of methodologies and assumptions applied in impairment tests. The determination of cash-generating units differs based on the business area. Most of the freight ferries in North Sea, Baltic Sea & Mediterranean are interchangeable with each other and where and how the fleet of ferries is deployed is centrally decided. Consequently, these areas are tested for impairment as a single cash-generating unit. Conversely, the vessels servicing the English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, Amsterdam-Newcastle and Jersey routes can be used exclusively in each specific itinerary. Consequently, these areas are individually tested for impairment as a separate cash-generating units. In logistics, management has determined that the lowest level of identifiable cash inflows - that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets - is the cash inflows generated by all logistics routes together. This is based on increased integration, creation of the equipment pool, and the fact that our logistics routes are largely interdependent and managed with the common objective of supporting the Group's ferry business across regions.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Other non-current receivables | 2 | 1 |
| Total non-current receivables | 2 | 1 |
| Trade receivables | 3,787 | 3,427 |
| Work in progress services | 416 | 331 |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 45 | 38 |
| Corporation tax and joint taxation contribution, receivable, reference is made | ||
| to note 2.6 | 61 | 59 |
| Other receivables and current assets | 563 | 605 |
| Total current receivables | 4,871 | 4,459 |
| Total current and non-current receivables | 4,873 | 4,460 |
The carrying amount of receivables is in all material respects equal to the fair value. Collateral is pledged as security for certain receivables. The collateral consists of bank guarantees with a fair value of DKK 58m (2023: DKK 55m).
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables that are past due, but not impaired: | ||
| Days past due: | ||
| Up to 30 days | 426 | 465 |
| 31-60 days | 73 | 207 |
| 61-90 days | 28 | 23 |
| 91-120 days | 1 | 15 |
| More than 120 days | 96 | 58 |
| Past due at 31 December | 624 | 769 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
| Movements in write-downs, which are included in the trade receivables: | ||
| Write-downs at 1 January | 73 | 70 |
| Addition on acquisition of enterprises | 10 | - |
| Write-downs | 33 | 53 |
| Realised losses | -12 | -21 |
| Reversed write-downs | -21 | -28 |
| Write-downs at 31 December | 83 | 73 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Age distribution of write-downs: | ||
| Days past due: | ||
| Up to 30 days | 7 | 7 |
| 31-60 days | 1 | 0 |
| 61-90 days | 1 | 1 |
| 91-120 days | 1 | 11 |
| More than 120 days | 74 | 55 |
| Write-downs at 31 December | 83 | 73 |
The last five years DFDS' realised credit losses on trade receivables have been insignificant and the loss rate is below 0.1% (2023: 0.1%) of the revenue in any of the respective years. The changes in payment pattern continue to be insignificant and at the same level as previous years.
Accordingly, at year-end 2024 the expected credit losses on trade receivables calculated under the simplified expected credit loss model is based on the average historical loss rate on revenue for the last five years of 0.0% (2023: 0.0%) plus adjustments for forward-looking factors were considered relevant.
Receivables are recognised at amortised cost less expected credit losses. DFDS' risks regarding trade receivables are not considered unusual and no material risk is attributable to a single customer or group of customers. According to the Group's policy of undertaking credit risks, assessment of significant customers are performed. Write-downs on trade receivables are based on the simplified expected credit loss model. Credit loss allowances on individual receivables are provided for when objective indications of credit losses occur such as customer bankruptcy and uncertainty about the customers' ability and/or willingness to pay, etc. In addition to this, allowances for expected credit losses are made on the remaining trade receivables based on a simplified approach. Work in progress services is measured based on the value of the of the work performed as of the balance sheet date. Write-downs and realised losses on trade receivables and work in progress services are recognised in ferry and other ship operation and maintenance costs in the income statement. Other receivables comprise other trade receivables; insurance receivables on loss or damage of ferries and other ships; financial lease receivables; outstanding balances for chartered ferries; interest receivable, etc.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker | 195 | 217 |
| Goods for sale | 133 | 129 |
| Write-down of inventories end of year | -5 | -7 |
| Total inventories | 322 | 339 |
Write-down of inventories during the year is an income of DKK 8m (2023: income of DKK 14m) due to reversal of previous years' write-downs.
Bunker is measured at cost based on the FIFO method or the net realisable value where this is lower. Catering supplies and other inventories are measured at cost based on the weighted average cost method or the net realisable value where this is lower.
The Group participates in supplier finance arrangements under which certain financial institutions acquire invoices issued by bunker suppliers and logistics suppliers to DFDS. When a financial institution acquires the invoices, the suppliers will receive payment from the financial institution while DFDS will settle the invoice at a later stage.
The Group has entered into arrangements with the following terms: Bunker linked payables extended to current month + 93 days. Multiple logistics suppliers' payables extending payment to current month + 93 days.
| DKK million | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Presented within trade payables January 1 | 730 | |
| Presented within trade payables December 31 | 567 | |
| of which suppliers received payment (from financial institution) | 558 |
Payment terms for liabilities that are part of supplier financing arrangement range from 30 days up to current month + 93 days (2023: 30 days up to current month + 93 days).
Payment terms for comparable trade payables outside financing arrangements are typically 30 days up to current month + 63 days (2023: 30 days up to current month + 63 days).
There were no material business combinations or foreign exchange differences in either period. There were no significant non-cash transfers from trade payables to finance payables in 2024 (2023: none).
All supplier finance arrangement related liabilities are presented within payables as these are deemed to be part of working capital in the Group's normal operating cycle. Accordingly, they are presented outside financing cash flows, within change in working capital.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday pay obligations, etc., | 721 | 542 |
| Public authorities (VAT, duty, etc.) | 142 | 78 |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 16 | 3 |
| Other payables | 233 | 254 |
| Accrued interests | 47 | 27 |
| Total other payables | 1,160 | 904 |
Other payables comprise amounts owed to staff, including wages and salaries, holiday pay, salary/ wages related items, etc. amounts owed to the public authorities, VAT, excise duties, real property taxes etc.; amounts owed in connection with the purchase/disposal of ferries and other ships, buildings and terminals; accrued interest expenses; payables to associates and joint ventures; amounts owed in relation to defined contribution pension plans etc.
The Group contributes to defined contribution plans as well as defined benefit plans. The majority of the pension plans are funded through payments to independent insurance companies responsible for the pension obligation towards the employees (defined contribution plans). In these plans the Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions irrespective of the financial situation of these insurance companies or the return of the underlying investments. Pension costs from such plans are expensed in the income statement when incurred.
The Group has defined benefit plans, primarily in the United Kingdom. In addition, there are minor defined benefit plans in Norway, Belgium, Italy, Türkiye, Lithuania, France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. The United Kingdom accounts for -46.9%1 (2023: 12.1%) of the total net liability and 88.4% (2023: 91.8%) of the funded and unfunded obligation. The majority of the defined benefit plans are pension plans that yearly pay out a certain percentage of the employee's final salary upon retirement. The pensions are paid out as from retirement and during the remaining life of the employee. The percentage of the salary is dependent of the seniority of the employee except for certain closed plans in the United Kingdom and some of the other minor plans. The defined benefit plans typically include a spouse pension and disability insurance.
Some of the pension plans in Sweden are multi-employer plans, covering a large number of enterprises. The plans are collective and covered through contributions paid to the pension company Alecta. The Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's interpretations committee (Redovisningsrådet) has defined this plan as a multi-employer defined benefit plan. Presently, it is not possible to obtain sufficient information from Alecta to apportion assets and liabilities of the plans to the participating employers. Consequently, the pension plans are similarly to prior years treated as defined contribution plans. The contributions are DKK 3m in 2024 (2023: DKK 3m). The collective funding ratio at Alecta amounts to 163% as per September 2024 (September 2023: 178%). For 2025, the contributions are expected to be DKK 3m. DFDS' share of the multiemployer plan is estimated to be around 0.0042% and the liability follows the share of the total plan.
In 2024, a ruling in the UK on amendments made to a non-DFDS pension scheme for the years 1997 - 2016 was concluded. This ruling might have implications on the Group as amendments were also made to the Group's UK pension schemes in the period in question. Management has obtained legal assessments and will continue to seek legal advice on the matter and act accordingly. However, as a detailed investigation into historic Scheme amendments is at an early stage, the amount of any potential impact on the defined benefit obligation cannot be confirmed and / or measured with sufficient reliability at the 2024 year-end.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Present value of funded defined benefit obligations | 609 | 658 |
| Fair value of plan assets | -633 | -650 |
| Funded defined benefit obligations, net | -24 | 8 |
| Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations | 77 | 56 |
| Recognised liabilities for defined benefit obligations | 53 | 64 |
| Provision for jubilee liabilities | 27 | 26 |
| Total actuarial liabilities, net | 79 | 90 |
| Pension assets1 | 25 | - |
| Pension and jubilee liabilities | 104 | 90 |
| Total actuarial liabilities, net | 79 | 90 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Movements in the net present value of funded and unfunded defined | ||
| benefit obligations | ||
| Funded and unfunded obligations at January 1 | 714 | 683 |
| Addition regarding acquisition | 4 | - |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 33 | 15 |
| Current service costs | 11 | 8 |
| Interest costs | 31 | 32 |
| Actuarial gain(-)/loss(+) arising from changes in demographic assumptions | -1 | -27 |
| Actuarial gain(-)/loss(+) arising from changes in financial assumptions | -68 | 42 |
| Benefits paid | -45 | -39 |
| Transfers | 7 | - |
| Funded and unfunded obligations at 31 December | 685 | 714 |
| Movements in the fair value of the defined benefit plan assets | ||
| Plan assets at 1 January | -650 | -619 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -32 | -14 |
| Calculated interest income | -30 | -31 |
| Return on plan assets excluding calculated interest income | 59 | 2 |
| Costs of managing the assets | 2 | 3 |
| Employer contributions | -23 | -22 |
| Benefits paid | 40 | 31 |
| Plan assets at 31 December | -633 | -650 |
| Plan assets consist of the following: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | -4 | -3 |
| Blended investment funds | -627 | -645 |
| Other assets (primarily insured plans) | -2 | -2 |
| Total plan assets | -633 | -650 |
1
The United Kingdom defined benefit plans are at accounting basis overfunded by DKK 25m as per end of 2024.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses recognised as employee costs in the income statement: | ||
| Current service costs | 11 | 8 |
| Total included in employee costs regarding defined benefit plans | 11 | 8 |
| Expenses recognised as financial costs in the income statement: | ||
| Interest costs | 31 | 32 |
| Interest income | 30 | 31 |
| Total included in financial costs regarding defined benefit plans | 2 | |
| Total expenses for defined benefit plans recognised in the income statement | 12 | 9 |
| Expenses recognised in other comprehensive income, gain(-)/loss(+): | ||
| Remeasurements of plan obligations | -70 | 16 |
| Remeasurements of plan assets | 61 | 6 |
| Total included in other comprehensive income regarding defined benefit plans | -9 | 21 |
Actuarial calculations or roll forward calculations are performed annually for all defined benefit plans. Assumptions regarding future mortality are based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience in each country. The following significant assumptions have been used for the actuarial calculations.
| Assumptions: | United | Weighted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kingdom | Others | average1 |
| Discount rate | 5.4% | 1.5%-3.3% | 5.1% |
| Social security rate2 | 0.0% | 0.0%-3.3% | 0.0% |
| Future salary increase2 | 0.0% | 0.0%-3.5% | 0.3% |
| Future pension increase | 3.2% | 0.0%-2.3% | 2.8% |
| Inflation | 2.5% | 0.0%-26.2% | 3.0% |
| 2023 | United Kingdom |
Others | Weighted average¹ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 4.5% | 1.5%-3.3% | 4.4% |
| Social security rate2 | 0.0% | 0.0%-3.3% | 0.0% |
| Future salary increase2 | 0.0% | 0.0%-3.5% | 0.2% |
| Future pension increase | 3.2% | 0.0%-2.3% | 2.9% |
| Inflation | 2.5% | 0.0%-23.9% | 2.6% |
Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of the retirement benefit obligation are the discount rate, expected future remuneration increases, and expected mortality. The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on reasonably likely changes in the assumptions occurring at the end of the period.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity analysis | ||
| Reported obligation 31 December | 685 | 714 |
| Discount rate -0.5% point compared to assumptions | 724 | 759 |
| Discount rate +0.5% point compared to assumptions | 650 | 674 |
| Salary increase -0.5% point compared to assumptions | 684 | 713 |
| Salary increase +0.5% point compared to assumptions | 687 | 715 |
| Mortality -1 year compared with used mortality tables | 671 | 702 |
| Mortality +1 year compared with used mortality tables | 710 | 729 |
The mortality table used for the two defined benefit schemes in the United Kingdom is the public S3PxA table with annual improvement of 1.25% (2023: S3PxA table with 1.25% annual improvement). Average remaining life expectancy for a 65-year-old is 22.7 years (2023: 22.7 years). Weighted average duration on the liabilities end of 2024 is 11.6 years (2023: 12.4 years). The Group expects to make a contribution of DKK 42m to the defined benefit plans in 2025. The expected contribution for 2024 was DKK 28m, which turned out to be DKK 27m.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity analysis of the obligations | ||
| 0-1 year | 48 | 41 |
| 1-5 years | 149 | 146 |
| After 5 years | 489 | 528 |
| Total obligations | 685 | 714 |
1
All factors are weighted at the pro rata share of the individual actuarial obligation.
Schemes closed for new members will have a social security rate and future salary increase of 0%.
Contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they relate, and any payable contributions are accrued in the balance sheet as other payables. As regards defined benefit pension plans, an actuarial valuation of the value in use of future benefits payable under the plan is made once a year. The value in use is calculated based on assumptions of future development in wage/salary levels, interest rates, inflation, mortality, etc. The value in use is only calculated for benefits to which the employees have become entitled during their employment with the Group. The actuarial calculation of the value in use less the fair value of any assets under the plan is recognised in the balance sheet under pension obligations. If a defined benefit pension plan constitutes a net asset, the asset is recognised only if it offsets future refunds from the plan or will lead to reduced future payments to the plan. Pension costs of the year are recognised in the income statement based on actuarial estimates and financial expectations at the beginning of the year.
The difference between the calculated development in pension assets and liabilities and the realised values are recognised in other comprehensive income as actuarial gains and losses.
Changes in the benefits payable for employees' past service to the enterprise result in an adjustment of the actuarial calculation of the value-in-use, which is classified as past service costs. Past service costs are recognised in the income statement immediately if the employees have already earned the right to the adjusted benefit. Otherwise, the benefits will be recognised in the income statement over the period in which the employees earn the right to the adjusted benefits.
Other non-current employee obligations include jubilee benefits, etc.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Other provisions at 1 January | 134 | 96 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 1 | 1 |
| Addition from acquisition of enterprises | 471 | 17 |
| Provisions made during the year | 3452 | 49 |
| Used during the year | -59 | -17 |
| Reversal of unused provisions | -12 | -12 |
| Transfers | -7 | 0 |
| Other provisions at 31 December | 449 | 134 |
| Other provisions are expected to be payable in: | ||
| 0-1 year | 392 | 113 |
| 1-5 years | 55 | 12 |
| After 5 years | 3 | 10 |
| Other provisions at 31 December | 449 | 134 |
Of the Group's provision of DKK 449m (2023: DKK 134m), DKK 318m (2023: DKK 0m) is ETS emission provision; DKK 34m (2023: DKK 30m) is redelivery provision on leases; DKK 24m (2023: DKK 15m) is related to investments in associates/joint ventures; DKK 9m (2023: DKK 11m) is restructuring provision; DKK 0m (2023: DKK 38m) is estimated net present value of earn-out agreements regarding acquisitions; and DKK 65m (2023: DKK 40m) is other provisions.
Provisions are recognised when, due to an event occurring on or before the reporting date, the Group has a legal or constructive obligation, and it is probable that the Group will have to give up future economic benefits to meet the obligation and that the obligation can be reliably estimated. Provisions are recognised based on Management's best estimate of the anticipated expenditure for settling the relevant obligation and are discounted if deemed material.
Provisions for ETS emission are initially calculated based on measured emissions at hedged prices for certificates covered by hedging - and at spot prices - for those not covered by hedges, and the cost is recognised in the income statement under the line item Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance and the corresponding liability is recognised under Other provisions. At month end the ETS emission provisions that are not covered by hedges are remeasured based on the latest spot prices. Changes in the ETS emission provisions are reported under change in working capital in the statement of cash flows.
Addition from acquisition of enterprises relate to FRS Group and Ekol Group.
2 Includes mainly provision for emitted greenhouse gases following the Maritime EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) that came into effect 1 January 2024.
This section shows how the activities of DFDS are financed. DFDS targets a financial leverage ratio between 2.0 and 3.0, where the ratio is measured as net interest-bearing debt to operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
The following section provides the notes of the main components that form basis of the net interest-bearing debt. Furthermore, the section includes information on financial and operational risks, financial instruments, treasury shares, and earnings per share.
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest-bearing liabilities2 | 4.5 | 18,733 | 15,229 |
| Derivative financial instruments, related to interest-bearing activities, net 4.2 | 62 | -42 | |
| Receivables, interest-bearing | 3.2.1 | - | - |
| Securities | 4.2 | -2 | -2 |
| Cash | -1,589 | -737 | |
| Net interest-bearing debt (NIBD) | 17,204 | 14,449 | |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 4,440 | 4,890 | |
| Financial leverage ratio (NIBD/EBITDA, times)3 | 3.9 | 2.9 |
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
Hereof DKK 5,872m (2023: DKK 5,832m) relating to lease liabilities that have different characteristics than other liabilities included in interestbearing liabilities.
The ratio includes pro forma EBITDA for the last twelve months for acquired companies.
DFDS' risk management policy is governed by the DFDS Financial Policy, which is approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The financial Policy sets out policies, targets, and strategies for the financial risk management of DFDS. Derivatives are in place to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance. DFDS only uses derivatives for hedging against commercial exposures, not for speculative trading. The most important financial risk factors are 1) bunker price risk, 2) interest rate risk, 3) currency exchange risk, 4) liquidity risks and 5) credit exposure.
The fluctuations in the bunker price which is denominated in USD constitute a significant risk for DFDS.
In the freight industry it is customary to pass through the risk of fluctuations in the bunker price and the corresponding currency exchange rate risk to freight customers via a bunker adjustment factor (BAF). In the passenger industry, fluctuations in the cost of bunker are reflected in the ticket price to the extent possible.
To reduce exposure to bunker and currency risk, approximately 94% (93% in 2023) of DFDS' consumption was covered by BAF agreements.
As the BAF is based on low sulphur fuel prices while some ferries have scrubbers installed, and thus use high sulphur fuels, the Group is subject to a spread risk between these fuel types.
The risk in relation to the spread between high sulphur and low sulphur fuel is partly hedged using commodity swaps. In accordance with the DFDS Financial Policy, the net bunker exposure can be hedged up to 100% for the following four quarters, and up to 50% for the fifth and sixth quarters ahead.
DFDS is primarily exposed to interest rate risk through funding. According to DFDS' Financial Policy the interest rate on more than 40% of the loan portfolio including long-term charter agreements must be fixed with a weighted average duration of 9-36 months. DFDS enters into interest rate swaps and caps to comply with this policy.
The total net interest-bearing debt (including fair values of derivative financial instruments related to interestbearing activities) amounts to DKK 17,204m at year end 2024 (2023: DKK 14,449m). The Group's total interestbearing debt primarily consists of partly secured credit facilities, unsecured corporate bonds and mortgages with security in ferries and other ships. The debt portfolio had an average time to maturity of 3.4 years (2023: 4.0 years).
In accordance with the Financial Policy, interest rate swaps and caps with a principal amount of DKK 4,817m (2023: DKK 4,222m) have been established to reduce interest rate risk. The share of fixed-rate debt including interest rate derivatives was 42% at year-end 2024 (2023: 48%). Including long term charter agreements, the share of fixed-rate debt is 47% (2023: 56%). The duration of the Group's debt portfolio (including charter liabilities) was 1.3 years (2023: 1.7 years).
An increase in the interest rate of 1%-point compared to the actual interest rates in 2024 would have increased net interest payments including hedging by DKK 59m for the Group all else equal (2023: DKK 67m). A decrease in the interest rates of 1%-point would have reduced the net interest payment by DKK 59m in 2024 (2023: DKK 67m).
An increase in the interest rate of 1%-point compared to the actual interest rate at balance sheet date would have had a positive effect on the Group's equity reserve for hedging of DKK 90m all else equal (2023: DKK 130m). A decrease would have had a negative effect of DKK 93m (2023: DKK 134m).
Currency exchange risk is monitored continuously and actively hedged to reduce exposure using forward exchange contracts and currency swaps. According to DFDS' Financial Policy, DFDS can hedge balance exposure, and - net of hedging - balance exposures must be kept below an equivalent to DKK 150m in each currency. In addition, as per Financial Policy, DFDS can hedge exposures from expected cash flows from operations up to four quarters ahead, and cash flows from off-balance sheet contractual commitments.
Approximately 87% of DFDS' revenues in 2024 were invoiced in foreign currencies (2023: 92%) with the most substantial revenue generated in EUR which accounted for 64% of total revenue (2023: 60%).
Apart from DKK and EUR, revenue is mainly generated in SEK, GBP, and NOK. However, SEK, GBP and NOK risks are to a large extent offset by costs. USD risk primarily comes from future bunker consumption and charter agreements. EUR is considered a minor risk due to Denmark's fixed exchange rate policy towards EUR. USD risk is reduced by the BAF mechanism as described above.
The operational currency cash flow is defined as the Group's consolidated net currency cash flows from revenues and operational costs. The table shows the impact on the Group's operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
All else equal, a strengthening of SEK, GBP, NOK, TRY, and USD against DKK at balance sheet date would impact the Group's profit and loss by the amounts presented below.
| Operational currency cash flow risk | EBITDA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 | |
| SEK, income statement effect, 10% strengthening | 6 | 17 | |
| NOK, income statement effect, 10% strengthening | 5 | 12 | |
| GBP, income statement effect, 10% strengthening | 3 | 21 | |
| TRY, income statement effect, 10% strengthening | -13 | -13 | |
| USD, income statement effect, 10% strengthening | -19 | -21 |
The Group's most significant currency balance positions are in EUR, SEK, GBP, NOK, TRY, and USD relating to debt, trade payables and trade receivables. All else equal a strengthening of SEK, GBP, NOK, TRY, and USD against DKK at balance sheet date would have increased/decreased balance sheet items by the amounts presented below.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| SEK, equity and income statement effect, 10% strengthening | -12 | -1 |
| GBP, equity and income statement effect, 10% strengthening | -3 | 3 |
| NOK, equity and income statement effect, 10% strengthening | -1 | 1 |
| TRY, equity and income statement effect, 10% strengthening | 4 | 0 |
| USD, equity and income statement effect, 10% strengthening | 2 | -6 |
DFDS Financial Policy is to secure adequate liquidity to meet financial and operational payment obligations by maintaining a minimum of 1.2x cash sources over cash uses for the next 12 months. The year-end sum of total cash and undrawn committed facilities was DKK 3,383m (2023: DKK 3,509m), of which undrawn committed facilities amount to DKK 1,794m (2023: DKK 2,772m).
As described in Note 3.2.3, the Group participates in supply chain financing arrangements which provide the Group with extended payment terms with banks as finance providers. The banks are externally rated with high quality credit scores and have a long-standing relationship with DFDS. The Group therefore sees no significant liquidity risk related to the finance providers' ability to finance the arrangements.
DFDS' contractual maturities of financial instruments, including estimated interest payments, are stated in the table below:
| DKK million | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After 5 | ||||
| 0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | years | |
| Non-derivative financial assets | ||||
| Cash | 1,589 | - | - | - |
| Trade receivables including work in progress services | 4,203 | - | - | - |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 45 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables and current assets | 624 | 2 | - | - |
| Derivative financial assets | ||||
| Interest swaps & caps | 14 | 21 | 14 | 27 |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 36 | 19 | 19 | 13 |
| Total financial assets | 6,510 | 42 | 33 | 40 |
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries and other ships | 882 | 9,220 | 428 | 947 |
| Issued corporate bonds | 141 | 1,280 | 1,060 | - |
| Lease liabilities (undiscounted) | 1,293 | 2,659 | 1,296 | 1,551 |
| Trade payables | 3,984 | - | - | - |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 16 | - | - | - |
| Other payables | 233 | - | - | - |
| Derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Interest swaps & caps | 25 | 31 | 2 | - |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | 40 | 35 | 7 | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 4 | - | - | - |
| Total financial liabilities | 6,618 | 13,225 | 2,793 | 2,498 |
| DKK million | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After 5 | ||||
| 0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | years | |
| Non-derivative financial assets | ||||
| Cash | 737 | - | - | - |
| Trade receivables including work in progress services | 3,758 | - | - | - |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 38 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables and current assets | 663 | 1 | - | - |
| Derivative financial assets | ||||
| Commodity swaps | 13 | - | - | - |
| Interest swaps & caps | - | 23 | 11 | 78 |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | - | 7 | - | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 7 | 11 | 11 | 14 |
| Total financial assets | 5,216 | 42 | 22 | 92 |
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries and other ships¹ | 594 | 3,903 | 3,106 | 1,146 |
| Issued corporate bonds | 341 | 748 | 355 | - |
| Lease liabilities (undiscounted)¹ | 1,171 | 2,273 | 1,352 | 1,904 |
| Trade payables | 3,461 | - | - | - |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 3 | - | - | - |
| Other payables | 254 | - | - | - |
| Derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Interest swaps & caps | - | 12 | 30 | - |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | 34 | - | 1 | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 18 | - | - | - |
| Total financial liabilities | 5,876 | 6,936 | 4,844 | 3,050 |
The maturity analysis is based on undiscounted cash flows including estimated interest payments. Interest payments are estimated based on existing market conditions.
The undiscounted cash flows related to derivative financial liabilities are presented at gross amounts unless the parties according to the contract have a right or obligation to settle at net amount.
DFDS' credit exposure is primarily attributable to trade- and other receivables and cash. The receivables including work in progress services are stated in the balance sheet net of write-downs. Reference is made to note 3.2.1 for further information on write-downs on trade receivables and work in progress services.
According to the Group's policy of undertaking credit risks, assessments of all customers and other partners are performed.
DFDS' credit risk towards financial counterparties primarily relates to cash on bank accounts and positive market values of derivatives. Credit limits on financial counterparties are calculated in accordance with DFDS' Financial Policy based on credit ratings from international credit rating agencies. Credit ratings and resulting credit limits are monitored continuously. According to the Financial Policy DKK 500m is the maximum allowed credit risk towards a financial counterparty.
The starting point for determining the level of capital distribution to shareholders is the current and expected future financial leverage measured as the ratio between NIBD and EBITDA. Target leverage is a ratio between 2.0 and 3.0. NIBD/EBITDA was 3.9 at year-end 2024. For shorter periods, leverage can move outside the range due to special events, e.g., larger acquisitions.
1
accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
| DKK million | 2024 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected timing of recycling to income statement or non-current assets of gains/ losses recognised in the equity |
|||||||||||
| Hedge instrument | Time to maturity |
Notional principal amount |
Fair value assets |
Fair value liabilities |
0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years |
Fair value recognised on hedging reserve in equity |
Average hedge rate | |
| Expected future transactions | |||||||||||
| Interest | Interest swaps DKK | 0-5 years | 2,505 | 12 | 32 | -8 | -10 | -2 | - | -20 | 2.57% |
| Interest | Interest swaps EUR | 0-10 years | 2,312 | 64 | 26 | -2 | 0 | 14 | 27 | 39 | 2.07% |
| Bond loans | Currency swaps NOK/DKK | 0-5 years | 2,115 | - | 81 | 0 | -2 | -2 | - | -5 | NOK/DKK 0.6546 |
| Ship loans | Currency swaps EUR/DKK | 0-3 year | 1,193 | 1 | - | 0 | 0 | - | - | 1 | EUR/DKK 7.4575 |
| Ferry investments and ferry charter | Forward exchange contracts | 0-7 years | 553 | 61 | - | -3 | -7 | -7 | -5 | -21 | EUR/USD 1.2674 |
| Other financial hedging | |||||||||||
| Commodities | Commodity hedges | 0-1 year | 81 | 0 | - | 0 | - | - | - | 0 | N/A |
| Forward exchange contracts and | |||||||||||
| Sales and goods purchased | currency swaps | 0-1 year | 2,082 | 27 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | N/A |
| Total | 165 | 143 | -13 | -19 | 3 | 22 | -6 |
The fair value of the interest swaps has been calculated by discounting the expected future interest payments. The discount rate for each interest payment is estimated based on market interest rates. The fair value of forward exchange contracts and bunker contracts are calculated based on actual forward curves.
| DKK million | 2023 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected timing of recycling to income statement or non-current assets of gains/ losses recognised in the equity |
|||||||||||
| Hedge instrument | Time to maturity |
Notional principal amount |
Fair value assets |
Fair value liabilities |
0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years |
Fair value recognised on hedging reserve in equity |
Average hedge rate | |
| Expected future transactions | |||||||||||
| Interest | Interest swaps DKK | 0-5 years | 1,547 | 23 | 17 | 0 | 18 | -12 | - | 6 | 2.59% |
| Interest | Interest swaps EUR | 0-10 years | 2,410 | 89 | 25 | 0 | -8 | -6 | 78 | 64 | 2.03% |
| Bond loans | Currency swaps | 0-5 years | 995 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | - | - | NOK/DKK 0.659 |
| Bond loans | Cross currency interest rate swaps | 0-1 year | 265 | 0 | 34 | 6 | - | - | - | 6 | NOK/DKK 0.7637 + 1.09% |
| Ferry investments and ferry charter | Forward exchange contracts | 0-9 years | 595 | 41 | - | -1 | -3 | -3 | -3 | -10 | EUR/USD 1.2674 |
| Off-balance sheet contractual commitments |
Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps |
0-1 year | 1,342 | 1 | 2 | -1 | - | - | - | -1 | EUR/DKK 7.4580 |
| Other financial hedging | |||||||||||
| Commodities | Commodity hedges Forward exchange contracts and |
0-1 year | 128 | 13 | - | 13 | - | - | - | 13 | N/A |
| Sales and goods purchased | currency swaps | 0-1 year | 1,391 | 1 | 16 | N/A | |||||
| Total | 175 | 95 | 17 | 10 | -24 | 75 | 78 |
In 2023, two interest rate swaps were settled in relation to the sale and leaseback of three freight ferries. Due to positive market values on the swaps, a gain of DKK 33m was recognised in the income statement. No other financial hedges were deemed inefficient hence no further gain or loss was recognised in the income statement for hedges qualifying for hedge accounting.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying amount per category of financial instruments | ||
| Financial assets measured at fair value: | ||
| Derivatives, related to operating activities | 88 | 56 |
| Derivatives, related to interest-bearing activities | 77 | 119 |
| Financial assets measured at amortised cost: | ||
| Trade receivables, receivables from associates and joint ventures, other receivables and cash |
6,084 | 5,039 |
| Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss: | ||
| Securities | 2 | 2 |
| Total financial assets | 6,251 | 5,215 |
| Financial liabilities measured at fair value: | ||
| Derivatives, related to operating activities | 4 | 18 |
| Derivatives, related to interest-bearing activities | 139 | 77 |
| Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: | ||
| Interest-bearing liabilities, trade payables, payables to associates | ||
| and joint ventures, and other payables | 23,013 | 18,974 |
| Total financial liabilities | 23,156 | 19,069 |
| DKK million | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Derivatives, financial assets | - | 165 | - |
| Securities, financial assets | - | - | 2 |
| Derivatives, financial liabilities | - | 143 | - |
| Net asset/(liability) | 0 | 22 | 2 |
| 2023 | |||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Derivatives, financial assets | - | 175 | - |
| Securities, financial assets | - | - | 2 |
| Derivatives, financial liabilities | - | 95 | - |
| Net asset/(liability) | 0 | 80 | 2 |
The table below ranks financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are considered to have occurred at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers between the levels in the fair value hierarchy in 2024 (2023: No transfers).
Derivative financial instruments are measured in the balance sheet at fair value as from the date where the derivative financial instrument is concluded. The fair values of derivatives financial instruments are presented as derivative financial instruments under assets if positive or under liabilities if negative. Netting of positive and negative derivative financial instruments is only performed if the Group is entitled to and has the intention to settle the derivative financial instruments as a net. Fair values of derivative financial instruments are computed on the basis of current market data and generally accepted valuation methods.
Changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as and qualifying for recognition as a fair value hedge of recognised assets and liabilities are recognised in the income statement together with changes in the value of the hedged asset or liability based on the hedged proportion. Hedging of future cash flows according to agreements (firm commitments), except for foreign currency hedges, is treated as a fair value hedge of a recognised asset and liability.
Changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as and qualifying for cash flow hedging and which effectively hedge changes in future cash flows, are recognised in other comprehensive income. The change in fair value that relates to the effective portion of the cash flow hedge is recognised as a separate equity reserve until the hedged cash flow impacts the income statement. At this point in time the related gains or losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income are transferred to the income statement into the same line item as the hedged item is recognised. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset, the gains or losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset. For derivative financial instruments that no longer qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge is dissolved prospectively. The accumulated fair value in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement into the same line item as the hedged item is recognised.
For financial instruments that do not fulfil the requirements of being treated as hedge instruments, the changes in fair value are recognised in the Income statement as financial income and cost.
The table below discloses the cash as well as non-cash changes in interest-bearing liabilities and derivative financial instruments related to issued corporate bonds.
The changes arising from cash flows form part of the cash flows from financing activities in the statement of cash flows.
| Non-cash changes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | 1 Jan. 2024 |
Cash flows |
Additions from acqui sitions |
Foreign exchange move ments |
New/ disposed/ Remea sured leases |
Fair value changes |
Other changes |
31 Dec. 2024 |
|
| Changes in 2024 | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: |
|||||||||
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries |
8,140 | 1,796 | 492 | 12 | 4 | 10,445 | |||
| Issued corporate bonds | 1,257 | 943 | - | -88 | -2 | 2,110 | |||
| Lease liabilities | 5,832 | -1,024 | 251 | 82 | 848 | -1171 | 5,872 | ||
| Other liabilities | - | - | 306 | 0 | - | 306 | |||
| 15,229 | 1,716 | 1,049 | 6 | 848 | 0 | -115 | 18,733 | ||
| Derivatives financial instruments: |
|||||||||
| Derivatives related to issued corporate bonds |
28 | -46 | - | 98 | - | 81 | |||
| Total liabilities from financing activities |
15,257 | 1,670 | 1,049 | 6 | 848 | 98 | -115 | 18,814 |
1
Includes a lease liability of DKK 117m which has been settled and offset against a trade receivable.
| 1 Jan. 2023 |
Cash flows |
Non-cash changes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Additions from acqui sitions |
Foreign exchange move ments |
New/ disposed/ Remea sured leases |
Fair value changes |
Other changes |
31 Dec. 2023 |
||
| Changes in 2023 | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: |
||||||||
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries |
10,548 | -2,584 | 160 | 14 | 2 | 8,140 | ||
| Issued corporate bonds | 283 | 981 | - | -8 | 1 | 1,257 | ||
| Lease liabilities¹ | 4,497 | -799 | 327 | 11 | 1,795 | 0 | 5,832 | |
| 15,328 | -2,402 | 488 | 17 | 1,795 | 3 | 15,229 | ||
| Derivatives financial instruments: |
||||||||
| Derivatives related to issued corporate bonds |
8 | - | - | 20 | - | 28 | ||
| Total liabilities from financing activities |
15,336 | -2,402 | 488 | 17 | 1,795 | 20 | 3 | 15,257 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Financial income | ||
| Interest income from banks, etc.2 | 20 | 47 |
| Foreign exchange gain, net3 | 25 | - |
| Other financial income | 1 | 33 |
| Total financial income | 47 | 80 |
| Financial costs | ||
| Interest expense to banks, credit institutions, corporate bonds, etc.2 | 536 | 478 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities, reference is made to note 3.1.3 | 286 | 208 |
| Foreign exchange loss, net3 | - | 18 |
| Defined benefit pension plans, reference is made to note 3.2.4 | 1 | 2 |
| Other financial costs | 47 | 33 |
| Total financial costs | 870 | 739 |
| Financial income and costs, net | -823 | -659 |
Financial income and costs comprise interest income and costs; realised and unrealised gains and losses on receivables, payables and transactions denominated in foreign currencies; realised gains and losses on securities; amortisation of financial assets and liabilities; interests on leasing agreements; bank charges and fees etc. Also included are realised and unrealised gains and losses on derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedges.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
Primarily relates to financial assets/ liabilities measured at amortised cost. Income (net) from interest swaps is DKK 20m (2023: DKK 0m) and is included under Interest expense to banks, credit institutions, corporate bonds, etc
Foreign exchange gains in 2024 amounts to DKK 560m (2023: DKK 440m) and foreign exchange losses amounts to DKK 535m (2023: DKK 463m)
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries | 9,894 | 7,724 |
| Issued corporate bonds | 2,110 | 992 |
| Lease liability | 4,846 | 4,886 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 263 | - |
| Total interest-bearing non-current liabilities | 17,113 | 13,602 |
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries | 551 | 416 |
| Issued corporate bonds | - | 265 |
| Lease liability | 1,027 | 946 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 44 | - |
| Total interest-bearing current liabilities | 1,621 | 1,627 |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 18,733 | 15,229 |
In 2024 DFDS obtained two new term loans in relation to the acquisition of FRS Iberia/Maroc and Ekol International Transport, both with a maturity of 3 years and based on CIBOR 3M. In addition, DFDS refinanced a part of the U.N. Ro-Ro acquisition facility. The new facility has maturity of 3 years and is based on CIBOR 3M.
In 2024, DFDS also issued two corporate bonds; a 3 year bond with a nominal amount of NOK 750m, maturing 15 March 2027 with a floating rate based on NIBOR 3M + 1.85%, and a 5 year bond with a nominal amount of NOK 1,000m, maturing 15 March 2029 with a floating rate based on NIBOR 3M + 2.15%. Both bonds are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and have been swapped to DKK.
Bank loans contains customary covenants.
The fair value of the interest-bearing liabilities amounts to DKK 18,750m (2023: DKK 15,226m). The fair value measurement is categorised within level 2 in the fair value hierarchy also for issued corporate bonds for which the fair value measurement is categorised within level 2 due to limited active market.
The fair value of the financial liabilities is determined as the present value of expected future repayments and interest rates. The Group's actual borrowing rate for equivalent terms is used as the discount rate.
DKK 2,340m of the interest-bearing liabilities fall due after five years (2023: DKK 2,760m). No unusual conditions in connection with the borrowings are made. The loan agreements can be settled at fair value plus a small surcharge, whereas premature settlement of the corporate bonds requires a repurchase of the bonds.
Reference is made to note 4.1 for financial risks, etc.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Allocation of currency, principal nominal amount: | ||
| DKK | 7,069 | 3,566 |
| EUR | 7,262 | 8,195 |
| NOK | 2,136 | 1,294 |
| GBP | 1,149 | 1,194 |
| USD | 634 | 668 |
| SEK | 411 | 284 |
| Other | 71 | 28 |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 18,733 | 15,229 |
Interest-bearing liabilities comprise amounts owed to mortgage/credit institutions and banks as well as amounts owed to owners of issued corporate bonds including liabilities arising from derivatives relating to issued corporate bonds. The amounts are initially recognised at fair value net of transaction expenses. Subsequently, the financial liability is measured at amortised cost, corresponding to the capitalised value using the effective interest method, so that the difference between the proceeds and the nominal value is recognised in the income statement under financial costs over the term of the loan.
Interest-bearing liabilities also include capitalised residual lease obligations on leases. Other liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, which corresponds to the net realisable value in all material respects.
1
to note 1.2.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer
Proposed dividends are recognised as liabilities at the date on which they are adopted at the Annual General Meeting (time of declaration).
The reserve comprises the nominal value of treasury shares. The difference between the market price paid and the nominal value as well as dividends on treasury shares are recognised directly in equity under retained earnings. The reserve is a distributable reserve.
The reserve comprises DFDS A/S shareholders' share of currency translation adjustments arising on the translation of net investments in enterprises with a functional currency other than DKK. The reserve is dissolved upon disposal of the entity.
The hedging reserve comprises the fair value of hedging transactions that qualify for recognition as cash flow hedges and where the hedged transactions have not been realised. Hedge accounting ceases when the hedging instrument matures or if a hedge is no longer effective.
In accordance with the Annual General Meeting in March 2024 the Board of Directors is authorised – until 14 March 2028 – to acquire treasury shares up to 5,860,000 shares corresponding to a nominal share value of DKK 117,200,000. However, DFDS' total number of treasury shares cannot at any time exceed 10% of DFDS A/S' share capital. Furthermore, the price cannot deviate by more than 10% from the listed acquisition price on NASDAQ Copenhagen at the time of acquisition.
DFDS A/S has during 2024 acquired treasury shares for a total payment of DKK 431m in connection with a share buyback (2023: DKK 300m). Furthermore, during 2024 DFDS A/S has disposed treasury shares for a total consideration of DKK 0m (2023: DKK 0m) in connection with employees' exercise of share options/ restricted stock units.
On the Annual General Meeting in March 2024 it was decided to cancel 661,981 of the treasury shares. This resulted in a reduction of the Company's share capital by nominally 13,239,620. The cancellation had legal effect from 16 April 2024.
The Parent company's holding of treasury shares at 31 December 2024 is 3,973,770 shares of DKK 20 each (2023: 2,415,910 shares), corresponding to 6.85% (2023: 4.12%) of the Parent company's share capital. Treasury shares are used to cover the share option scheme and restricted stock unit plan for employees.
| Number of shares | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Treasury shares at 1 January | 2,415,910 | 1,381,528 |
| Acquisition of treasury shares | 2,312,185 | 1,071,428 |
| Disposal of treasury shares due to exercise of share options and restricted stock units |
-92,344 | -37,046 |
| Cancellation of treasury shares | -661,981 | - |
| Treasury shares at 31 December | 3,973,770 | 2,415,910 |
| Market value of treasury shares based on quoted share price at 31 December, DKK million |
530 | 539 |
| 2024 | 2023¹ | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year (DKK million) | 541 | 1,519 |
| Attributable to non-controlling interests (DKK million) | -6 | -3 |
| Attributable to DFDS Group | 534 | 1,516 |
| Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares | 58,161,318 | 58,631,578 |
| Weighted average number of treasury shares | -2,971,710 | -2,280,841 |
| Weighted average number of circulating ordinary shares | 55,189,609 | 56,350,737 |
| Effects of dilution from issued share options and restricted stock unit plans | 100,119 | 126,726 |
| Weighted average number of circulating ordinary shares (diluted) | 56,477,463 | |
| Basic earnings per share (EPS) of DKK 20 in DKK | 9.68 | 26.89 |
| Diluted earnings per share (EPS-D) of DKK 20 in DKK | 9.67 | 26.83 |
When calculating diluted earnings per share for 2024, 1,314,242 share options (2023: 1,138,905 share options) have been omitted as they are out-of-the-money. The share options might dilute earnings per share in the future. 1
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
| 5.1 | Remuneration to the Executive Board and Board of Directors | 186 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.2 | Fee to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting | 186 |
| 5.3 | Share based payments | 187 |
| 5.4 | Cash flow | 190 |
| 5.5 | Acquisitions and non-controlling interests | 191 |
| 5.6 | Guarantees, collateral and contingent liabilities | 193 |
| 5.7 | Contractual commitments | 193 |
| 5.8 | Related party transactions | 193 |
| 5.9 | Events after the balance sheet date | 193 |
| 5.10 | Company overview | 194 |
| DKK'000 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Remuneration to the Executive Board | ||
| Wages and salaries | 13,358 | 13,700 |
| Exit cost | - | 2,355 |
| Bonus | 2,465 | 8,117 |
| Defined contribution pension plans | 1,336 | 1,370 |
| Share based payment | 5,771 | 5,950 |
| Other employee costs | 537 | 459 |
| Total remuneration to the Executive Board¹ | 23,467 | 31,951 |
| Total remuneration to the Board | 4,500 | 4,500 |
| Total remuneration to the Audit Committee | 500 | 500 |
| Total remuneration to the Nomination Committee | 150 | 150 |
| Total remuneration to the Remuneration Committee | 150 | 150 |
| Total remuneration to the Board of Directors | 5,300 | 5,300 |
The termination period for the Executive Board is 12 months. Further, the CEO has additional 12 months redundancy payment. In connection with a change of control of the Group, the members of the Executive Board can – within the first 3 months of the event - terminate their employment with the same effect as if the Company had given notice of termination of employment to the Executive Board. Key management personnel is defined as the Executive Board consisting of CEO Torben Carlsen and CFO Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen (Karina Deacon until 30 June 2024).
Remuneration to the chair of the Audit Committee is DKK 250k per year (2023: DKK 250k) and remuneration to other members of the Audit Committee is DKK 125k per year (2023: DKK 125k) each. Remuneration to each of the three members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee is DKK 100k per year (2023: DKK 100k).
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit fees | 15 | 15 |
| Other assurance engagements | 3 | 0 |
| Tax and VAT advice | 2 | 3 |
| Non-audit services | 1 | 5 |
| Total fees | 21 | 23 |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, Denmark has performed other services than the statutory audit relating to assurance work for CSRD, other assurance opinions and agreed-upon procedures, tax assistance relating to restructurings, general tax advisory and other tax compliance as well as other general accounting advice.
1
Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen joined the Group as CFO and member of the Executive Board on 1 July 2024. Karina Deacon's employment ended 31 August 2024.
The decision to grant long-term incentives is made by the Board of Directors with consideration to DFDS' remuneration policy approved by the Annual General Meeting. With effect from 2021 the long-term incentives for the Executive Board and key employees consist of two components, Share options and Restricted Share Units (RSUs) where the award is split 50/50 based on value as per grant date. In 2023 a further group of key employees were granted long-term incentives in the form of RSUs. All components vest on a straight-line basis over three years from the date of grant. Special conditions apply regarding illness and death and if the capital structure of the Parent company is changed. Share options and RSUs granted can only be settled with shares. A part of the treasury shares is reserved for settling the outstanding share options, RSUs and phantom shares.
Share options have been granted to the Executive Board and key employees. Each share option gives the holder of the option the right to acquire one existing share in the Parent company of nominal DKK 20. The share option schemes equal a right to acquire 2.3% of the share capital (2023: 1.9%) if all remaining share options are exercised.
Share options were granted in 2016-2020 at an exercise price equal to the average share price of the Parent company's shares 20 days before the grant with an addition of 10%. Share options are granted in 2021 and later at an exercise price equal to the average share price of the Parent company's shares five days after the release of the Q4 report with an addition of 10%.
The share options can be exercised when a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years have elapsed since the grant dates.
| Executive Board Number |
Key employees Number |
Resigned Executive Board mem bers and employees Number |
Total | Average exercise price per option DKK |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at 1 January | 417,534 | 552,807 | 153,263 | 1,123,604 | 315.93 |
| Transferred between categories | -128,040 | -20,442 | 148,482 | 0 | 306.61 |
| Granted during the year | 113,932 | 292,783 | - | 406,715 | 238.00 |
| Expired during the year | -63,650 | -69,669 | -69,898 | -203,217 | 330.72 |
| Forfeited during the year | - | - | -12,860 | -12,860 | 261.25 |
| Outstanding at 31 December | 339,776 | 775,479 | 218,987 | 1,314,242 | 290.07 |
| Of this exercisable at the end of the year | 138,715 | 266,839 | 167,595 | 573,149 | 310.80 |
| 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Board Number |
Key employees Number |
Resigned Executive Board mem bers and employees Number |
Total | Average exercise price per option DKK |
|
| Outstanding at 1 January | 412,341 | 555,590 | 187,466 | 1,155,397 | 331.76 |
| Transferred between categories | - | -71,010 | 71,010 | 0 | 332.84 |
| Granted during the year | 69,707 | 128,532 | - | 198,239 | 292.00 |
| Expired during the year | -49,213 | -57,630 | -98,245 | -205,088 | 383.00 |
| Forfeited during the year | -15,301 | -2,675 | -6,968 | -24,944 | 374.80 |
| Outstanding at 31 December | 417,534 | 552,807 | 153,263 | 1,123,604 | 315.93 |
| Of this exercisable at the end of the year | 241,586 | 263,939 | 135,528 | 641,053 | 319.30 |
The share options granted in 2024 had a fair value of DKK 13.4m (2023: DKK 11.0m), equal to an average fair value per option of DKK 33.03 (2023: DKK 55.59).
No share options have been exercised during 2024 (2023: nil).
Vesting of share options is expensed in the income statement for 2024 with DKK 10m (2023: DKK 8m). The calculated fair values are based on the Black-Scholes formula for measuring share options. The outstanding options on 31 December 2024 have an average weighted remaining contractual time of 2.2 years (2023: 1.9 years).
| Year of grant | Exercise price |
Market price at grant date |
Expected volatility |
Risk-free interest rate |
Expected annual dividends per share (DKK) at grant date |
Expected term |
Fair value per option at time of granting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 238 | 217.60 | 33.06% | 2.55% | 9.33 | 3 years | 33.03 |
| 2023 | 292 | 269.40 | 38.66% | 2.79% | 9.00 | 3 years | 55.59 |
| 2022 | 344 | 307.20 | 34.60% | -0.19% | 12.00 | 3 years | 41.38 |
| 2021 | 301 | 271.00 | 34.81% | -0.55% | 6.33 | 3 years | 42.66 |
| 2020 | 314 | 262.40 | 27.27% | -0.72% | 9.00 | 3 years | 19.67 |
The expected volatility for 2020 to 2024 is based on the historical volatility for the past three years. The riskfree interest rate is based on three-year Danish government bonds.
RSUs have been granted to the Executive Board and key employees. Each RSU gives the holder a right to receive one existing share in the Parent company of nominal DKK 20 when the three-year vesting period has elapsed. The RSUs equal a right to receive 0.28% (2023: 0.17%) of the share capital if all remaining RSUs are transferred. Vesting of RSUs is expensed in the income statement for 2024 with DKK 13m (2023: DKK 9m).
The number of RSUs granted in 2021 and later is based on the average share price of the Parent company's shares five days after the release of the Q4 report.
| Executive Board Number |
Key employees Number |
Other managerial staff Number |
Executive Board mem bers and employees Number |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at 1 January | 29,124 | 49,622 | 20,207 | 2,647 | 101,600 |
| Transferred between categories | -5,112 | -3,361 | -5,707 | 14,180 | 0 |
| Granted during the year | 17,364 | 44,622 | 28,307 | - | 90,293 |
| Vested in period | -8,844 | -11,312 | - | -2,009 | -22,165 |
| Forfeited during the year | - | - | - | -7,535 | -7,535 |
| Outstanding at 31 December | 32,532 | 79,571 | 42,807 | 7,283 | 162,193 |
| Of this exercisable at the end of the year | - | - | - | - | 0 |
2023
| Executive Board Number |
Key employees Number |
Other managerial staff Number |
Resigned Executive Board mem bers and employees Number |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at 1 January | 17,409 | 24,626 | - | 1,924 | 43,959 |
| Transferred between categories | - | -1,364 | - | 1,364 | 0 |
| Granted during the year | 14,600 | 26,920 | 20,623 | - | 62,143 |
| Forfeited during the year | -2,885 | -560 | -416 | -641 | -4,502 |
| Outstanding at 31 December | 29,124 | 49,622 | 20,207 | 2,647 | 101,600 |
| Of this exercisable at the end of the year | - | - | - | - | 0 |
| Year of grant |
Expected term |
Fair value per share at time of granting |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 years | 216.72 |
| 2023 | 3 years | 265.42 |
| 2022 | 3 years | 313.15 |
In December 2020 up to 50 shares free of charge were awarded to each employee. The shares have vested over a three-year period from January 2021 to December 2023 on a straight-line basis. Only employees working through the full vesting period were entitled to the shares.
69,490 shares have been transferred during 2024 (2023: 37,067 shares). Vesting of shares for 2024 is an expense of DKK 3m (2023: DKK 13m).
The Group has set up equity-settled share option plans and RSUs. Treasury shares are used for the share option plans and the RSUs. The value of services received in exchange for granted share based payment is measured at the fair value of the share based payment granted.
The equity-settled share options and RSUs are measured at the fair value at grant date and recognised in the income statement under staff costs over the vesting period. The counter posting is recognised directly in equity as a shareholder transaction.
At initial recognition of the share options, an estimate is made over the number of share based payment that the employees will vest, cf. the service conditions described above in this note. Subsequent to initial recognition, the estimate of share based payments to be vested is adjusted whereby the total recognition is based on the actual number of vested share based payments.
The fair value of the granted share options is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Terms and conditions for each grant are taken into account when calculating the fair value.
The share based payment programmes are recognised at fair value over the vesting period and expensed as staff cost. The accrual is recorded under other payables or on equity depending on whether settlement is done in cash or shares, respectively.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Non-cash operating items | ||
| Change in provisions | 5 | 26 |
| Change in write-down of inventories for the year | -8 | -14 |
| Change in provision for defined benefit plans and jubilee obligations | 14 | 12 |
| Vesting of share option plans and employee shares expensed in the | ||
| Income statement | 26 | 29 |
| Non-cash operating items | 37 | 53 |
| Change in working capital | ||
| Change in inventories | 13 | 5 |
| Change in receivables, such as trade receivables, prepaid costs, etc. | -304 | 14 |
| Change in current liabilities, such as trade payables, deferred income, | ||
| ETS emission provision, current account with joint ventures, etc. | 227 | -358 |
| Change in working capital | -64 | -338 |
The statement of cash flows has been prepared using the indirect method, and shows the consolidated cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the year, and the consolidated cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the year.
The cash flow effect of acquisition and disposal of enterprises is shown separately in cash flows to/ from investing activities. Cash flows from acquisitions of enterprises are recognised in the Cash flow statement from the date of acquisition. Cash flows from divestment of enterprises are recognised up until the date of disposal. Cash flows from operating activities is calculated on the basis of the profit/ loss before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) adjusted for the cash flow effect of non-cash operating items, changes in working capital (such as trade payables, deferred income, ETS emission provision, current account payables to joint ventures, trade receivables, prepaid costs, etc.), payments related to pensions and other provisions, payments relating to financial items and corporation tax paid.
Cash flows from investing activities includes payments in connection with the acquisition and divestment of enterprises and activities and of non-current intangible assets, tangible assets and investments. Cash flows from financing activities includes changes in the size or composition of the Group's share capital, payment of dividends to shareholders, purchase of treasury shares, cash received from exercise of share options and the obtaining and repayment of bank loans and mortgage loans and other long-term and short-term debt. Payment of lease liabilities is included under financing activities and the related interest is included as a financial item under operating activities. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks and on hand.
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 1.2.
On 15 November 2024 the acquisition of 100% of Ekol International Logistics based in Istanbul, Türkiye was completed and the DFDS Group obtained control as from this date. The acquisition is included in the Logistics Division.
The addition of the international transport network of Ekol Logistics, enables DFDS to offer end-to-end transport solutions between Türkiye and Europe directly to end customers including distribution services and warehousing in Türkiye.
DFDS paid DKK 1,678m for the acquired company. Cash in the acquired company amounted to DKK 241m, consequently, the liquidity effect was DKK 1,438m. Trade receivables have been recognised at the acquisition date at a fair value of DKK 566m which is DKK 4m lower than their gross value.
Ekol Logistics revenue included in the Annual Reporting for 2024 is DKK 379m and an EBITDA of DKK -45m. If the transaction had been completed as of 1 January 2024 revenue from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 would have been DKK 3.2bn and an EBITDA of DKK -78m. Transaction and acquisition costs amounts to DKK 7m which are included under administration costs.
Due to the acquisition date being 15 November 2024 the purchase price allocation is preliminary and will be subject to adjustments on several items. The major categories of net assets for which acquisition accounting is still ongoing mainly relate to fair value assessment of equipment and other current liabilities as well as noncurrent intangible assets and goodwill including allocation hereof to cash generating units.
Following recognition of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities at their fair value, the goodwill related to the acquisition is measured at DKK 1,761m. The goodwill represents the know how taken over and the value of combining this with the existing DFDS network. Moreover, DFDS' logistics network will be expanded across Europe and connected to Türkiye. This provides DFDS access to offer end-to-end transport and logistics solutions directly to end customers trading between Türkiye and Europe. Goodwill has preliminary been allocated fully to the Logistics Division. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The preliminary purchase price allocation is shown.
On 17 September 2023 it was announced that the DFDS Group had entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of FRS Iberia/Maroc, a division of the German shortsea ferry company FRS GmbH & Co. KG. Closing of the transaction was completed 10 January 2024. The acquisition is included in the Ferry Division.
FRS Iberia/Maroc operates three short-sea ferry routes across the Strait of Gibraltar connecting Spain and Morocco. The acquisition is aligned with DFDS' strategy to develop and expand the transport network focused on moving goods in trailers by ferry, road & rail as well as moving passengers.
The acquisition expands DFDS' Mediterranean route network that today connects Europe with Türkiye and Tunisia, respectively. The region's market growth is expected to continue to exceed growth levels in northern Europe underpinned by nearshoring of manufacturing supply chains closer to end markets in Europe.
DFDS paid DKK 1,519m for the acquired company. Cash in the acquired company amounted to DKK 421m. Accordingly, the cash flow effect was DKK 1,098m. Trade receivables have been recognised at the acquisition date at a fair value of DKK 85m which is DKK 3m lower than their gross value.
In connection with the acquisition DFDS has not identified any intangible assets to be recognised other than goodwill.
Following recognition of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities at their fair value, the goodwill related to the acquisition is measured at DKK 757m. Goodwill relates to the Ferry division. The goodwill represents primarily the value of purchasing the unique and integrated network of sea-based transport of cargo and passengers between Morocco and Europe as well as the value of the staff taken over, and the expected synergies from combining the acquired activities with the existing DFDS activities and network. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The purchase price allocation for FRS Iberia disclosed in the table below has been finalised.
| DKK million | FRS Iberia |
Ekol* | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current intangible assets | 0 | 13 | - | 13 |
| Land and buildings | 18 | 202 | - | 220 |
| Ships | 631 | 0 | - | 631 |
| Terminals | 15 | 10 | - | 25 |
| Equipment etc. | 4 | 597 | - | 601 |
| Inventories | 10 | 15 | - | 25 |
| Trade receivables | 85 | 566 | - | 651 |
| Other receivables | 37 | 215 | - | 252 |
| Cash at hand and in bank | 421 | 241 | - | 662 |
| Deferred tax liability | -38 | -4 | - | -42 |
| Interest bearing debt | -240 | -809 | - | -1,049 |
| Trade payables | -121 | -805 | - | -926 |
| Other current liabilities | -61 | -325 | - | -386 |
| Net assets acquired | 762 | -83 | 0 | 679 |
| Goodwill at acquisition | 757 | 1,761 | - | 2,518 |
| Total purchase price | 1,519 | 1,678 | 0 | 3,198 |
| Cash and bank balances acquired | -421 | -241 | - | -662 |
| Fair value of the purchase price | 1,098 | 1,438 | 0 | 2,535 |
| Paid contingent consideration regarding | ||||
| prior years acquisitions | - | - | 38 | 38 |
| Cash flow impact from acquisitions | 1,098 | 1,438 | 38 | 2,574 |
* Preliminary fair value at acquisition date.
The purchase price allocations for McBurney Transport Group, Estron Group, D.R. MacLeod, and Lundby Åkeri AB are unchanged compared to December 2023 and are considered final. For further details of these acquisitions, refer to the annual report 2023.
Acquisition of shares by DFDS A/S in AB DFDS Seaways during 2024 amounts to DKK 7m (2023: DKK 8m), equivalent to an ownership of 0.43% (2023: 1.74%) after which the company is owned 99.27% (2023: 98.84%). Badwill of DKK 13m (2023: Badwill of DKK 17m) is recognised directly in equity.
In applying the acquisition method of accounting, estimates are an integrated part of assessing fair values of several identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as observable market prices are typically not available.
Valuation techniques where estimates are applied typically relate to determining the present value of future uncertain cash flows or assessing other events in which the outcome is uncertain at the date of acquisition. Significant estimates are typically applied in accounting for property, plant and equipment and customer relationships. As a result of the uncertainties in fair value estimation, measurement period adjustments may be applied.
Enterprises acquired or formed during the year are recognised in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition or formation. Enterprises disposed are recognised in the consolidated financial statements until the date of disposal. The comparative figures are not adjusted for acquisitions or disposals.
Business combinations where control is obtained by the Group are recognised using the acquisition method. The identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities of newly acquired enterprises are assessed at their fair value on the acquisition date. Identifiable intangible assets are recognised if they are separable or arise from a contractual right. Deferred tax related to the revaluations is recognised.
The acquisition date is the date on which the Group obtains actual control over the acquired enterprise. Positive differences (goodwill) between, on the one hand, the purchase price, the value of minority interests in the acquired enterprise and the fair value of any previously acquired shareholdings, and, on the other hand, the fair value of the acquired identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are recognised as goodwill under non-current intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised but is tested annually for impairment. The first impairment test is performed before the end of the acquisition year. Upon acquisition, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units, which subsequently form the basis for the impairment test. Allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units is described in notes 3.1.1 and 3.1.4.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments in connection with the acquisition of a foreign enterprise with a different functional currency than the Group's presentation currency are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign enterprise and are translated and converted at first recognition to the functional currency of the foreign enterprise at the exchange rate on the transaction date.
The purchase consideration of an enterprise is the fair value of the agreed payment in the form of assets transferred, liabilities assumed, and equity instruments issued to seller. If part of the consideration is contingent on future events or fulfilment of agreed conditions, this part of the consideration is recognised at fair value at the date of acquisition. Costs attributable to business combinations are recognised directly in the income statement when incurred. If, at acquisition date, uncertainty exist regarding the identification and measurement of acquired assets, liabilities or contingent liabilities, or determination of the purchase price, initial recognition and measurement is done based on preliminary values. The preliminary values may be adjusted until 12 months from the acquisition date, provided the initial recognition was preliminary or incorrect. Changes in estimates regarding contingent considerations are recognised in the income statement as financial items.
Incremental acquisitions after control have been obtained, i.e., purchase of minority interests, are recognised directly in equity. Disposal of minority interests not resulting in loss of control is likewise recognised directly in equity. Gains or losses on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are calculated as the difference between the disposal consideration and the book value of net assets at the date of disposal, including the book value of goodwill, accumulated exchange gains and losses previously recognised in the equity as well as anticipated disposal costs. Exchange rate adjustments attributable to the Group's ownership interest, and which previously were recognised directly in equity, are included in the calculation of the gain/ loss. Any retained participating interests are measured at their fair value at the time at which the controlling influence was lost.
Guarantees issued by banks on behalf of the Group amount to DKK 359m (2023: DKK 224m). In addition, the Group has issued two guarantees in relation to defined benefit pension schemes in the UK of an amount up to DKK 28m (2023: DKK 125m).
The Group is in 2024 as well as in 2023 part in various legal disputes. The outcome of these disputes is not considered likely to influence DFDS' financial position significantly, besides what is already recognised in the balance sheet.
Certain ferries with a total carrying amount of DKK 5,785m (2023: DKK 5,752m) have been pledged as security for mortgage on ferries and bank loans with a total carrying amount of DKK 3,681m (2023: DKK 4,002m).
At year end 2024 DKK 11m (2023: DKK 14m) of the cash was deposited on restricted bank accounts.
Lauritzen Fonden, Copenhagen with a nominal shareholding of 40.4%, through Lauritzen Fonden Holding Aps, exercises de facto control over DFDS A/S. Accordingly, the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board at Lauritzen Fonden as well as all companies owned by Lauritzen Fonden are related parties. Furthermore, related parties comprise DFDS' Executive Board and Board of Directors, leading employees, and close members of the family of those, DFDS' subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, reference is made to note 5.10.
In 2024 DFDS purchased 960,702 shares for an amount of DKK 179m (2023: DKK 126m) from Lauritzen Fonden as part of the share buyback programme announced on 9 February 2024. The shares were purchased at a price equal to the volume-weighted average weekly share price of the DFDS shares repurchased by DFDS under the share buyback programme. Furthermore, in 2024 Lauritzen Fonden received a dividend of DKK 3.00 (2023: DKK 5.00) per share from DFDS, the same as other shareholders. The dividend received in 2024 amounted to DKK 73m (2023: DKK 122m).
In addition to intra-group balances and transactions (primarily charter hire, financing and commissions etc.), which are eliminated on consolidation, usual Executive Board and Board of Directors remuneration (reference is made to note 2.4 and 5.1), share options and restricted share units to the Executive Board and leading employees (reference is made to note 5.3) and the below transactions, a distribution of dividends of DKK 3.00 (2023: DKK 5.00) per share has been carried out during the year. The table below depicts material transactions with related parties.
| DKK million | Sale of services |
Purchase of services |
Receiv ables |
Liabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||
| Associates and joint ventures | 64 | 233 | 45 | 16 |
| 2023 | ||||
| Associates and joint ventures | 33 | 211 | 38 | 3 |
No material events have occurred after 31 December 2024 that have consequences for the 2024 annual report.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Contractual commitments property, plant and equipment, term 0-1 year | 95 | 15 |
| Contractual commitments financial instrument, term 0-1 year Contractual commitments property, plant and equipment, term 1-5 years |
387 1 |
49 - |
| Contractual commitments financial instrument term 1-5 years | 28 | 27 |
| Contractual commitments (undiscounted) | 511 | 91 |
The Group's contractual commitments in 2024 include the purchase of EU Allowances related to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) regulations. The purchase of ETS allowances has been done via forward instruments with physical delivery. These instruments are treated as off-balance sheet items as the own-use exemption under IFRS 9 is applied.
| Ownership | Ownership | 1 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | share 2024¹ | Country | City | Currency | Share Capital | Company | share 2024¹ | Country | City | Currency | Share Capital | Unless otherwise |
| Parent Company | Ekol Logistics Kft | Hungary | Budapest | HUF | 720,000,000 | indicated, the companies are 100% |
||||||
| DFDS A/S5 | Denmark | Copenhagen | DKK | 1,159,391,940 | Alphatrans-Szállítás | owned by the DFDS | ||||||
| Szolgáltató Kft. | Hungary | Gyula | HUF | 3,000,000 | Group. | |||||||
| Subsidiaries: | Bond Delivery Ireland Ltd.2 | Ireland | Dublin | DKK | 100 | |||||||
| DFDS Belgium N.V.2 | Belgium | Gent | EUR | 2,355,976 | DFDS Logistics Contracts | 2 | ||||||
| N&K Cold Chain Logistics | (Ireland) Ltd.2 | Ireland | Dublin | EUR | 200 | The Company is directly | ||||||
| (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. | China | Shanghai | CNY | 2,901,420 | DFDS Seaways Ireland Ltd.² | Ireland | Dublin | EUR | 100 | owned by the Parent | ||
| Nifesos shipping | Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd.2 | Ireland | Dublin | EUR | 3,000 | Company DFDS A/S | ||||||
| company Ltd² | Cyprus | Limassol | EUR | 1,000 | McBurney Refrigeration | 3 | ||||||
| Paschamo shipping | (Ireland) Ltd.2 | Ireland | Dublin | EUR | 100 | Relief in accordance | ||||||
| company Ltd² | Cyprus | Limassol | EUR | 1,000 | Ekol Logistics SRL | Italy | Novara | EUR | 400,001 | with Sec. 264b German | ||
| DFDS Logistics s.r.o.2 | Czech Republic Prague | CZK | 1,100,000 | Samer Seaports & | Commercial Code (HGB). | |||||||
| DFDS Logistics A/S | Denmark | Esbjerg | DKK | 600,000 | Terminals SRL | 60.00 | Italy | Trieste | EUR | 2,800,000 | ||
| DFDS Logistics Denmark A/S2 | Denmark | Herning | DKK | 500,000 | DFDS SIA | Latvia | Liepaja | EUR | 113,886 | 4 | ||
| DFDS Køletransport A/S2 | Denmark | Hobro | DKK | 500,000 | AB DFDS Seaways2 | 99.30 | Lithuania | Klaipeda | EUR | 95,251,735 | Due to minority | |
| Dronningens Kvarter 1 ApS2 | Denmark | Copenhagen | DKK | 500,000 | UAB DFDS Trucking | Lithuania | Klaipeda | EUR | 89,782 | protection in the | ||
| Lundvej 15 ApS2 | Denmark | Copenhagen | DKK | 100.000 | DFDS Maroc S.A.R.L.A.U. | Morocco | Tangier | MAD | 24,162,000 | shareholders' | ||
| DFDS Logistics OÜ2 | Estonia | Tallinn | EUR | 3,000 | Red fish Speedlines SARL2 | Morocco | Tangier | MAD | 6,600,000 | agreements the DFDS | ||
| DFDS Logistics OY2 | Finland | Turku | EUR | 2,520 | Alphatrans International | Group does not have a controlling interest. |
||||||
| DFDS Seaways S.A.S.2 | France | Dieppe | EUR | 37,000 | Trucking B.V. | Netherlands | Brielle | EUR | 18,000 | |||
| Ekol Logistiques SARL | France | Sète | EUR | 2,045,000 | EU Trucking Service B.V.7 | Netherlands | Eindhoven | EUR | 270,000 | 5 | ||
| DFDS Germany ApS & Co. KG 2, 3 | Germany | Hamburg | EUR | 25,000 | DFDS Logistics Nijmegen B.V. | Netherlands | Nijmegen | EUR | 40,840 | Includes Belgian | ||
| Ekol Logistik GmbH | Germany | Gernsheim | EUR | 435,621 | DFDS Warehousing | branch, Dutch branch, | ||||||
| EU Trucking Service GmbH | Germany | Lingenfeld | EUR | 50,000 | Rotterdam B.V. | Netherlands | Rotterdam | EUR | 18,000 | Estonian branch, French | ||
| DFDS Grundstücksverwal | DFDS Holding B.V.² | Netherlands | Vlaardingen | EUR | 40,000,000 | branch, Lithuanian | ||||||
| tungs GmbH & Co KG. | Germany | Neuenkirchen-Vörden | EUR | 20,000 | DFDS Logistics B.V. | Netherlands | Vlaardingen | EUR | 455,000 | branch, Norwegian | ||
| DFDS Logistics GmbH | Germany | Neuenkirchen-Vörden | EUR | 25,000 | DFDS NewCo B.V. | Netherlands | Vlaardingen | EUR | 1 | branch, Swedish branch | ||
| DFDS Logistics | DFDS Seaways B.V. | Netherlands | Vlaardingen | EUR | 18,400 | and UK branch of DFDS A/S |
||||||
| Deutschland GmbH | Germany | Neuenkirchen-Vörden | EUR | 25,000 | DFDS Logistics Wijchen B.V. | Netherlands | Wijchen | EUR | 20,000 | |||
| DFDS Rail GmbH2, 6 | Germany | Troisdorf | EUR | 98,000 | DFDS Trucking Wijchen B.V. | Netherlands | Wijchen | EUR | 18,152 | 6 | ||
| Ekol Logistics LTD | Greece | Thessaloniki | EUR | 1,900,500 | DFDS Warehousing Wijchen B.V. | Netherlands | Wijchen | EUR | 18,152 | Relief in accordance | ||
| DFDS Distri Holding B.V. | Netherlands | Winterswijk | EUR | 18,000 | with Sec.264 para. 3 |
7 Includes Belgian branch
German Commercial Code (HGB)
| Company | Ownership share 2024¹ |
Country | City | Currency | Share Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFDS Logistics Winterswijk B.V. | Netherlands | Winterswijk | EUR | 18,151 | |
| DFDS Property and | |||||
| Equipment B.V. | Netherlands | Winterswijk | EUR | 20,000 | |
| DFDS Property Nijmegen B.V. | Netherlands | Winterswijk | EUR | 18,000 | |
| NorthSea Terminal AS | Norway | Brevik | NOK | 1,000,000 | |
| DFDS Logistics AS2 | Norway | Lysaker | NOK | 20,538,000 | |
| DFDS Seaways AS2 | Norway | Oslo | NOK | 12,000,000 | |
| Ekol Logistics Sp. z o.o. | Poland | Koninko | PLN | 500,000 | |
| DFDS Polska Sp. z o.o.2 | Poland | Poznan | PLN | 10,005,000 | |
| DFDS Investments Sp. z o.o. | 80.00 | Poland | Szubin | PLN | 5,000 |
| DFDS Logistics Polska Sp. z o.o. | 80.00 | Poland | Szubin | PLN | 50,000 |
| Ekol International Logistics SRL | Romania | Bucharest | RON | 64,060 | |
| EU Trucking Service SRL | Romania | Bucharest | RON | 230,630 | |
| DFDS Logistics Solutions | |||||
| Romania SRL | Romania | Bucharest | RON | 147,050 | |
| Romania Transport Group SRL | Romania | Tibod | RON | 1,000 | |
| Ekol Logistika D.O.O | Slovenia | Ljubljana | EUR | 40,000 | |
| Ekol Spain Logistics S.L.U. | Spain | Barcelona | EUR | 1,603,100 | |
| DFDS Destination Morocco | |||||
| S.L.U. | Spain | Tarifa | EUR | 60,102 | |
| DFDS Iberia S.L.U.² | Spain | Tarifa | EUR | 8,700,000 | |
| N&K Spedition Spain S.L. | Spain | Tarragona | EUR | 60,000 | |
| DFDS Seaways Hispania S.L. | Spain | Valencia | EUR | 3,000 | |
| DFDS AB | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 500,000 | |
| DFDS Logistics Contracts AB | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 50,000 | |
| DFDS Logistics Partners AB | 85.00 | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 1,000,000 |
| DFDS Logistics Services AB | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 1,100,000 | |
| DFDS Professionals AB2 | 87.50 | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 25,000 |
| DFDS Denizcilik ve | |||||
| Tasimacilik A.Ş. | 98.80 | Türkiye | Istanbul | EUR | 369,967,159 |
| DFDS Turkey Denizcilik ve | |||||
| Tasi Yati A.Ş. | Türkiye | Istanbul | EUR | 342,000,000 |
| Ownership | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | share 2024¹ | Country | City | Currency | Share Capital |
| Ekol Lojistik Ltd. | Türkiye | Istanbul | EUR | 2,872,747 | |
| Ekol Transport A.Ş. | Türkiye | Istanbul | EUR | 47,210,796 | |
| LLC DFDS | Ukraine | Kiev | UAH | 357,644 | |
| Bondelivery NI Ltd.2 | United Kingdom | Ballymena | GBP | 260,110 | |
| McBurney Transport Group Ltd.2 | United Kingdom | Ballymena | GBP | 947,934 | |
| DFDS Warehousing Corby Ltd. | United Kingdom | Corby | GBP | 100 | |
| DFDS Logistics Contracts Ltd. | United Kingdom | Immingham | GBP | 2,571,495 | |
| DFDS Logistics Ltd.2 | United Kingdom | Immingham | GBP | 15,150,000 | |
| DFDS Logistics Services Ltd.2 | United Kingdom | Immingham | GBP | 100 | |
| DFDS Seaways Holding Ltd.2 | United Kingdom | Immingham | GBP | 250,000 | |
| DFDS Seaways Plc.2 | United Kingdom | Immingham | GBP | 40,250,000 | |
| Associates and joint ventures: |
|||||
| Euro Asia cold Chain Logistic | 52.04 | China | Shanghai | CNY | 22,100,000 |
| DeaL Energy A/S2 | 50.00 | Denmark | Hellerup | DKK | 500,000 |
| Bohus Terminal Holding AB4 | 65.00 | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 50,000 |
| Gothenburg RO/RO Terminal AB | 65.00 | Sweden | Gothenburg | SEK | 5,000,000 |
| Income statement | 197 |
|---|---|
| Statement of comprehensive income | 197 |
| Balance sheet | 198 |
| Statement of changes in equity | 199 |
| Statement of cash flows | 201 |
| Notes | 202 |
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1 | 11,538 | 11,292 |
| Costs: | |||
| Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 2 | 3,662 | 3,556 |
| Port terminal operations | 2,626 | 2,424 | |
| Transport solutions and warehouse solutions | 484 | 428 | |
| Employee costs | 3 | 1,741 | 1,656 |
| Cost of sales and administration | 4 | 1,250 | 1,122 |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 1,775 | 2,106 | |
| Profit on disposal of non-current assets, net | 0 | 101 | |
| Depreciation on tangibles and right-of-use assets | 5 | 1,248 | 1,215 |
| Reversal of impairment losses | 5 | 33 | - |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 560 | 993 | |
| Amortisation on intangibles | 5 | 91 | 55 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 469 | 938 | |
| Financial income | 6 | 129 | 1,331 |
| Financial costs | 6 | 694 | 748 |
| Profit before tax | -96 | 1,521 | |
| Tax on profit | 7 | 28 | 0 |
| Profit for the year | -68 | 1,521 |
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | -68 | 1,521 | |
| Other comprehensive income | |||
| Items that are or may subsequently be reclassified to the Income statement: |
|||
| Value adjustment of hedging instruments for the year | -163 | -75 | |
| Value adjustment transferred to operating costs | -26 | -110 | |
| Value adjustment transferred to financial costs | 127 | 43 | |
| Foreign exchange adjustments, foreign branches | -3 | 4 | |
| Items that are or may subsequently be reclassified to the Income statement | -65 | -138 | |
| Total other comprehensive income after tax | -65 | -138 | |
| Total comprehensive income | -132 | 1,384 |
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
| DKK million | Note | 31 December 2024 |
31 December 20231 |
1 January 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | 116 | 116 | 116 | |
| Software | 365 | 342 | 320 | |
| Port concession rights | 229 | - | - | |
| Development projects in progress | 13 | 17 | 12 | |
| Non-current intangible assets | 8 | 724 | 476 | 448 |
| Land and buildings | 9 | 17 | 20 | 22 |
| Terminals | 9 | 27 | 29 | 27 |
| Ferries and other ships | 9 | 4,682 | 5,036 | 6,397 |
| Equipment, etc. | 9 | 145 | 189 | 199 |
| Assets under construction and prepayments | 9 | 220 | 218 | 172 |
| Right-of-use assets | 10 | 1,747 | 1,902 | 1,293 |
| Non-current tangible assets | 6,839 | 7,395 | 8,110 | |
| Investments in subsidiaries | 11 | 14,459 | 11,465 | 9,289 |
| Investments in associates, joint ventures and securities | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Receivables | 12 | 1,362 | 28 | 75 |
| Prepaid costs | - | 0 | 3 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 23,24 | 108 | 132 | 263 |
| Other non-current assets | 15,930 | 11,627 | 9,631 | |
| Non-current assets | 23,494 | 19,497 | 18,190 | |
| Inventories | 13 | 151 | 198 | 183 |
| Receivables | 12 | 1,878 | 2,185 | 2,210 |
| Prepaid costs | 107 | 89 | 77 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 23,24 | 32 | 20 | 29 |
| Cash | 661 | 381 | 489 | |
| Current assets | 2,829 | 2,872 | 2,988 | |
| Assets | 26,323 | 22,370 | 21,178 |
| DKK million | Note | 31 December | 31 December 20231 |
1 January 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||
| Share capital | 1,159 | 1,173 | 1,173 | |
| Reserves | 294 | 371 | 501 | |
| Retained earnings | 9,319 | 9,938 | 8,982 | |
| Equity | 10,773 | 11,481 | 10,656 | |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 20 | 9,893 | 5,223 | 3,701 |
| Deferred tax | 16 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Pension and jubilee liabilities | 18 | 15 | 9 | 9 |
| Other provisions | 19 | - | 7 | 31 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 23,24 | 110 | 59 | 71 |
| Non-current liabilities | 10,021 | 5,304 | 3,818 | |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 20 | 2,863 | 2,902 | 4,344 |
| Trade payables | 14 | 1,256 | 1,398 | 1,650 |
| Other provisions | 19 | 176 | 49 | 16 |
| Corporation tax | - | 4 | 36 | |
| Other payables | 22 | 1,023 | 977 | 428 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 23,24 | 69 | 52 | 49 |
| Prepayments from customers | 143 | 202 | 182 | |
| Current liabilities | 5,529 | 5,584 | 6,704 | |
| Liabilities | 15,550 | 10,888 | 10,522 | |
| Equity and liabilities | 26,323 | 22,370 | 21,178 |
1
to note 33.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer
| DKK million | Share capital | Translation reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Reserve for development costs |
Treasury shares |
Retained earnings |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity at 1 January 20241 | 1,173 | -31 | 90 | 360 | -48 | 9,938 | 11,481 |
| Comprehensive income for the year | |||||||
| Profit for the year | -68 | -68 | |||||
| Other comprehensive income after tax | -3 | -62 | 0 | -65 | |||
| Total comprehensive income | -3 | -62 | -68 | -132 | |||
| Transactions with owners | |||||||
| Dividends paid | -176 | -176 | |||||
| Dividends on treasury shares | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Share-based payments | 23 | 23 | |||||
| Share buyback | -46 | -385 | -431 | ||||
| Cash from sale of treasury shares related to exercise of share options | 2 | -2 | 0 | ||||
| Reduction of share capital by cancellation of treasury shares | -13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Capitalised development costs, additions | 19 | -19 | 0 | ||||
| Total transactions with owners 2024 | -13 | 0 | 0 | 19 | -31 | -551 | -576 |
| Equity at 31 December 2024 | 1,159 | -34 | 28 | 379 | -79 | 9,319 | 10,773 |
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
The Parent company's share capital is divided into 57,969,597 shares of DKK 20 each. All shares have equal rights. There are no restrictions on voting rights. The shares are fully paid up. The Board of Directors proposes to the 2025 Annual General Meeting that a dividend of DKK 0.00 per share is paid in 2025.
| DKK million | Share capital | Translation reserve |
Hedging reserve |
Reserve for development costs |
Treasury shares |
Retained earnings |
Total | 1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity at 1 January 2023 1 | 1,173 | -36 | 232 | 333 | -28 | 8,982 | 10,656 | to note 33. |
| Comprehensive income for the year | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 1,521 | 1,521 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income after tax | 5 | -142 | 0 | -138 | ||||
| Total comprehensive income | 5 | -142 | 1,521 | 1,384 | ||||
| Transactions with owners | ||||||||
| Dividends paid | -293 | -293 | ||||||
| Dividends on treasury shares | 12 | 12 | ||||||
| Share-based payments | 23 | 23 | ||||||
| Share buyback | -21 | -279 | -300 | |||||
| Cash from sale of treasury shares related to exercise of share options | 1 | -1 | 0 | |||||
| Capitalised development costs, additions | 27 | -27 | 0 | |||||
| Total transactions with owners 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | -21 | -565 | -559 | |
| Equity at 31 December 20231 | 1,173 | -31 | 90 | 360 | -48 | 9,938 | 11,481 |
The Parent company's share capital is divided into 58,631,578 shares of DKK 20 each. All shares have equal rights. There are no restrictions on voting rights. The shares are fully paid up.
| DKK million | Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 1,775 | 2,106 | |
| Adjustments for non-cash operating items, etc. | 25 | 16 | 12 |
| Change in working capital | 26 | -81 | -114 |
| Payment of pension liabilities and other provisions | -1 | -1 | |
| Interest etc., received | 91 | 109 | |
| Interest etc., paid | -525 | -392 | |
| Taxes received/paid | 13 | -32 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | 1,286 | 1,687 | |
| Investments in ferries including dockings, etc. | -547 | -494 | |
| Sale of ferries | - | 1,466 | |
| Investments in other non-current tangible assets | -11 | -51 | |
| Sale of other non-current tangible assets | 7 | - | |
| Investments in non-current intangible assets | -93 | -82 | |
| Acquisition of enterprises, including earn-outs | 11 | -1,557 | -1,185 |
| Divestment of activities | 378 | - | |
| Group internal acquisition of enterprises | 11 | -45 | -1 |
| Group internal divestment of enterprises | 0 | 38 | |
| Capital contributions to subsidiaries, purchase of minority shares, etc. | 11 | -1,566 | -139 |
| Dividends received from subsidiaries | 35 | 3 | |
| Other investing cash flows | -4 | -3 | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | -3,402 | -447 | |
| Free cash flows | -2,116 | 1,240 |
| Note | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8,433 | 1,500 |
| 21 | -4,711 | -3,233 |
| 21 | 1,203 | 981 |
| 21 | -305 | - |
| 21 | -652 | -580 |
| 21 | -971 | 564 |
| -431 | -300 | |
| -168 | -281 | |
| 2,397 | -1,349 | |
| 281 | -109 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 489 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December | 381 | |
| 381 661 |
Restated for changes in
1
accounting policy, refer to note 33.
| Note 2. | Costs203 | |
|---|---|---|
| Note 3. | Employee costs204 | |
| Note 4. | Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting 204 |
|
| Note 5. | Amortisation and depreciation for the year204 | |
| Note 6. | Financial income and costs205 | |
| Note 7. | Tax 205 |
|
| Note 8. | Non-current intangible asset206 | |
| Note 9. | Non-current tangible assets207 | |
| Note 10. | Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities208 | |
| Note 11. | Investments in subsidiaries209 | |
| Note 12. | Receivables |
210 |
| Note 13. | Inventories |
210 |
| Note 14. | Supplier finance arrangements |
211 |
| Note 15. | Distribution to shareholders and treasury shares | 211 |
| Note 16. | Deferred tax | 211 |
| Note 17. | Share based payment |
212 |
| Note 18. | Pension and jubilee liabilities | 212 |
| Note 19. | Other provisions |
212 |
| Note 20. | Interest-bearing liabilities | 213 |
| Note 21. | Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities | 213 |
| Note 22. | Other payables |
214 |
| Note 23. | Information on financial instruments | 214 |
| Note 24. | Financial and operational risks | 215 |
| Note 25. | Non-cash operating items 217 |
|
| Note 26. | Change in working capital217 | |
| Note 27. | Acquisition and divestments of enterprises, activities and non-controlling interests | 217 |
| Note 28. | Guarantees, collateral and contingent liabilities 217 |
|
| Note 29. | Contractual commitments 217 |
|
| Note 30. | Related party transactions | 218 |
| Note 31. | Impairment testing |
218 |
| Note 32. | Events after the balance sheet date | 218 |
| Note 33. | Accounting policies |
219 |
| Ferry | Logistics | Non | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Division | Division | allocated | Total |
| Geographical markets | ||||
| North Sea | 6,083 | - | - | 6,083 |
| Baltic Sea | 1,293 | - | - | 1,293 |
| Channel | 3,261 | - | - | 3,261 |
| Continent | - | 413 | - | 413 |
| Nordic | - | 455 | - | 455 |
| UK/Ireland | - | 17 | - | 17 |
| Other | - | - | 16 | 16 |
| Total | 10,637 | 886 | 16 | 11,538 |
| Product and services | ||||
| Seafreight and shipping logistics solutions | 6,321 | 0 | - | 6,321 |
| Transport solutions | 23 | 585 | - | 608 |
| Passenger seafare and onboard sales | 3,494 | 0 | - | 3,494 |
| Terminal services | 100 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Charters including related income | 437 | - | - | 437 |
| Agency and other revenue | 263 | 300 | 16 | 579 |
| Total | 10,637 | 886 | 16 | 11,538 |
Revenue includes revenue recognised from contracts with customers in accordance with IFRS 15 and other revenue (leasing activities). Revenue from leasing activities amounts to DKK 437m (2023: DKK 388m). Onboard sales amounts to DKK 1,741m (2023: DKK 1,607m).
| 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Ferry Division |
Logistics Division |
Non allocated |
Total |
| Geographical markets | ||||
| North Sea | 6,114 | - | - | 6,114 |
| Baltic Sea | 1,299 | - | - | 1,299 |
| Channel | 3,036 | - | - | 3,036 |
| Continent | - | 374 | - | 374 |
| Nordic | - | 422 | - | 422 |
| UK/Ireland | - | 18 | - | 18 |
| Other | - | - | 31 | 31 |
| Total | 10,448 | 813 | 31 | 11,292 |
| Product and services | ||||
| Seafreight and shipping logistics solutions | 6,395 | - | - | 6,395 |
| Transport solutions | 23 | 544 | - | 567 |
| Passenger seafare and onboard sales | 3,352 | - | - | 3,352 |
| Terminal services | 93 | - | 0 | 93 |
| Charters including related income | 388 | - | - | 388 |
| Agency and other revenue | 197 | 269 | 31 | 497 |
| Total | 10,448 | 813 | 31 | 11,292 |
Note 2 Costs
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry and other ship cost including charter related cost | 2,031 | 1,678 |
| Bunker | 1,631 | 1,878 |
| Total ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 3,662 | 3,556 |
1
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Wages, salaries and remuneration | 1,428 | 1,388 |
| Hereof capitalised employee costs | 42 | 44 |
| Defined contribution pension plans | 105 | 94 |
| Other social security costs | 86 | 70 |
| Share based payment, reference is made to note 17 | 23 | 17 |
| Employee shares | 1 | 5 |
| Other employee costs | 142 | 127 |
| Government grants (Covid-19) | - | 2 |
| Total employee costs | 1,741 | 1,656 |
| Full time equivalents (FTE) | 3,135 | 3,116 |
Reference is made to note 5.1 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of the Parent company's remuneration to the Executive Board and remuneration to the Board of Directors as these are the same for the Parent company and the Group.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit fees | 4 | 3 |
| Other assurance engagements | 3 | 0 |
| Tax and VAT advice | 2 | 3 |
| Non-audit services | 1 | 5 |
| Total fees | 10 | 11 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Amortisation and depreciation for the year: | ||
| Software | 74 | 55 |
| Port concession rights etc. | 17 | - |
| Total amortisation for the year | 91 | 55 |
| Land & Buildings | 2 | 2 |
| Terminals | 7 | 7 |
| Ferries and other ships | 522 | 537 |
| Equipment etc. | 44 | 48 |
| Right-of-use assets | 673 | 620 |
| Total depreciation for the year | 1,248 | 1,215 |
| Total amortisation and depreciation for the year | 1,339 | 1,269 |
| Reversal of impairment losses for the year: | ||
| Ferries and other ships | 33 | – |
| Total reversal of impairment losses for the year | 33 | 0 |
| Total amortisation, depreciation and impairment losses for the year | 1,306 | 1,269 |
1 Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial income | ||
| Interest income from banks, etc. | 11 | 27 |
| Interest income from subsidiaries | 62 | 47 |
| Foreign exchange gains, net1 | 18 | 0 |
| Reversal of impairment of investments in subsidiaries2 | - | 1 |
| Dividends received from subsidiaries | 38 | 1,224 |
| Other financial income | 0 | 33 |
| Total financial income | 129 | 1,331 |
| Financial costs | ||
| Interest expense to banks, credit institutions, corporate bonds, etc. | 326 | 229 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities3 | 105 | 67 |
| Interest expense to subsidiaries | 103 | 76 |
| Foreign exchange losses, net1 | - | 3 |
| Impairment of investments in subsidiaries2 | 138 | 358 |
| Other financial costs | 22 | 14 |
| Total financial costs | 694 | 748 |
| Financial income and costs, net | -565 | 583 |
DFDS A/S makes forward exchange transactions, etc., on behalf of all subsidiaries, and therefore foreign exchange gains and losses in DFDS A/S also consist of the Group's gross transactions. Transactions entered into on behalf of subsidiaries are transferred to the subsidiaries on back-to-back terms.
Except for interest income (net) relating to interest swap agreements of DKK 20m (2023: DKK 0m) interest income and interest expenses relate to financial instruments measured at amortised cost.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement in deferred tax for the year | 3 | - |
| Adjustment to deferred tax in respect of prior years | 25 | - |
| Tax for the year | 28 | 0 |
| Tax for the year is recognised as follows: | ||
| Tax in the income statement | 28 | - |
| Tax for the year | 28 | 0 |
| Tax in the income statement can be specified as follows: | ||
| Profit before tax | -96 | 1,521 |
| Income subject to tonnage tax | 374 | 876 |
| Profit before tax subject to corporate income tax | -470 | 645 |
| 22% tax of profit before tax | -103 | 142 |
| Tax effect of: | ||
| Non-taxable/non-deductible items4 | -97 | 145 |
| Adjustments of tax in respect of prior years | 25 | - |
| Corporate income tax | 31 | 3 |
| Tonnage tax | 3 | 3 |
| Tax in the income statement | 28 | 0 |
| Effective tax rate (%) | 30.0 | - |
| Effective tax rate before adjustment of prior years' tax (%) | 3.6 | - |
The ferry activities are included in the Danish tonnage tax scheme where the taxable income related to transportation of passengers and freight is calculated based on the tonnage deployed during the year. Taxable income related to other activities is taxed according to the normal corporate income tax rules at the standard corporate tax rate of 22%.
DFDS A/S and its Danish subsidiaries are subject to compulsory joint taxation with Lauritzen Fonden Holding ApS and its Danish controlled enterprises. Lauritzen Fonden Holding ApS is the administration company in the joint taxation and settles all payments of corporation tax due by the joint taxed enterprises with the tax authorities. In accordance with the Danish rules on joint taxation, DFDS A/S and its Danish subsidiaries are liable for their own corporate tax due and are only subsidiary and pro rata liable for the corporation tax liabilities towards the Danish tax authorities for all other enterprises that are part of the Danish joint taxation.
Foreign exchange gains in 2024 amounts to DKK 462m (2023: DKK 303m) and foreign exchange losses amounts to DKK 444m (2023: DKK 333m).
Reference is made to note 31.
3 Reference is made to note 10.
Primarily relates to tax exempt dividends from subsidiaries, write down of investment in subsidiaries and interest restriction.
| DKK million | Goodwill | Software | Port concession rights |
Development projects in progress |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 116 | 724 | - | 17 | 857 |
| Additions | - | - | 2461 | 93 | 339 |
| Transfers | - | 97 | - | -97 | 0 |
| Cost at 31 December 2024 | 116 | 821 | 246 | 13 | 1,196 |
| Amortisation and impairment | |||||
| losses at 1 January 2024 | - | 381 | - | - | 381 |
| Amortisation charge | 74 | 17 | 91 | ||
| Amortisation and impairment losses at |
|||||
| 31 December 2024 | 0 | 456 | 17 | 0 | 472 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2024 |
116 | 365 | 229 | 13 | 724 |
| Development projects in |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | Goodwill | Software | progress | Total |
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 116 | 698 | 12 | 826 |
| Additions | - | - | 82 | 82 |
| Disposals | - | 51 | - | 51 |
| Transfers | - | 77 | -77 | - |
| Cost at 31 December 2023 | 116 | 724 | 17 | 857 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses at 1 January 2023 | - | 377 | - | 377 |
| Amortisation charge | 55 | 55 | ||
| Disposals | - | 50 | - | 50 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses at | ||||
| 31 December 2023 | 0 | 381 | 0 | 381 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2023 | 116 | 342 | 17 | 476 |
The Parent company's carrying amount of goodwill DKK 116m (2023: DKK 116m) relates to the acquisition of two freight- and passenger routes in 2016 and 2011, respectively, and one freight route in 2005.
The carrying amount of software and development projects in progress primarily relates to a passenger booking system, a transport management system to the Logistics Division, an onboard sales system, an ERP system, and digital initiatives in general.
For information regarding impairment tests reference is made to note 3.1.4 in the consolidated financial statements.
Relates to an agreement for a 10 year concession right for a terminal. The amount was prepaid in previous years and has subsequent to the finalisation of the agreement been moved to non-current intangible assets.
| DKK million | Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equipment etc. |
Assets under construction and pre payments |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 25 | 90 | 10,646 | 526 | 218 | 11,506 |
| Foreign exchange | ||||||
| adjustments | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Additions | - | 5 | - | - | 556 | 561 |
| Disposals | 1 | - | 339 | 16 | 3 | 358 |
| Transfers | - | - | 545 | 7 | -552 | 0 |
| Divestment of activities1 | - | 43 | 2,517 | 4 | - | 2,564 |
| Cost at | ||||||
| 31 December 2024 | 24 | 53 | 8,337 | 514 | 220 | 9,147 |
| Depreciation and impairment losses at 1 January 2024 |
5 | 61 | 5,611 | 337 | - | 6,014 |
| Foreign exchange | ||||||
| adjustments | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 1 |
| Depreciation charge | 2 | 7 | 522 | 44 | 575 | |
| Disposals | - | - | 338 | 11 | - | 350 |
| Reversal of impairment | ||||||
| charges | - | - | 33 | - | - | 33 |
| Divestment of activities1 | - | 43 | 2,108 | 1 | 2,152 | |
| Depreciation and impairment losses at 31 |
||||||
| December 2024 | 7 | 25 | 3,654 | 368 | 0 | 4,055 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2024 |
17 | 27 | 4,682 | 145 | 220 | 5,092 |
| DKK million | Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equipment etc. |
Assets under construction and pre payments |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 25 | 81 | 11,681 | 524 | 172 | 12,483 |
| Foreign exchange | ||||||
| adjustments | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Additions | - | 1 | 11 | - | 530 | 543 |
| Disposals | - | - | 1,4812 | 43 | - | 1,524 |
| Transfers | - | 8 | 431 | 45 | -484 | 0 |
| Cost at | ||||||
| 31 December 2023 | 25 | 90 | 10,646 | 526 | 218 | 11,506 |
| Depreciation and | ||||||
| impairment losses at | ||||||
| 1 January 2023 | 3 | 54 | 5,284 | 325 | - | 5,666 |
| Foreign exchange | ||||||
| adjustments | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 2 |
| Depreciation charge | 2 | 7 | 537 | 48 | 594 | |
| Disposals | - | - | 2122 | 38 | - | 250 |
| Transfers | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | |
| Depreciation and impairment losses at 31 |
||||||
| December 2023 | 5 | 61 | 5,611 | 337 | 0 | 6,014 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2023 |
20 | 29 | 5,036 | 189 | 218 | 5,492 |
1
Relates to divestment of ships, terminal and equipment as part of Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen route
2 Primarily relates to sale and leaseback of three ferries during 2023.
The Parent company has lease contracts for various items of land & buildings, terminals and ferries in its operations. The Parent company's obligations under the leases are secured by the lessors' title to the leased assets. There are several lease contracts that include extension and termination options, these options are negotiated by management to provide flexibility in managing the asset portfolio. Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets recognised and the movements during the period.
| DKK million | Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January 2024 | 181 | 223 | 3,735 | 4,139 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | - | - | 1 | 1 |
| Remeasurement | 4 | 36 | 591 | 631 |
| Divestment of activities2 | - | 175 | - | 175 |
| Cost at 31 December 2024 | 185 | 85 | 4,327 | 4,596 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||
| losses at 1 January 2024 | 35 | 70 | 2,132 | 2,237 |
| Depreciation charge | 18 | 12 | 642 | 673 |
| Divestment of activities2 | - | 61 | - | 61 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||
| losses 31 December 2024 | 53 | 22 | 2,775 | 2,849 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2024 | 132 | 63 | 1,552 | 1,747 |
| DKK million | Land and buildings |
Terminals | Ferries and other ships |
Equipment etc. |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January 2023 | 157 | 134 | 3,012 | 37 | 3,340 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | 1 | - | 3 | - | 4 |
| Additions | 2 | 1 | 1,1493 | - | 1,152 |
| Remeasurement | 20 | 89 | -3 | 0 | 106 |
| Disposals | - | - | 425 | 37 | 462 |
| Cost at 31 December 2023 | 181 | 223 | 3,735 | 0 | 4,139 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| losses at 1 January 2023 | 16 | 59 | 1,942 | 29 | 2,047 |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | - | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Depreciation charge | 18 | 11 | 586 | 6 | 620 |
| Disposals | - | - | 397 | 34 | 432 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| losses 31 December 2023 | 35 | 70 | 2,132 | 0 | 2,237 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December 20231 | 146 | 153 | 1,603 | 0 | 1,902 |
Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities (included under interest-bearing liabilities) and the movements during the period.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| As at 1 January | 2,103 | 1,347 |
| Additions | - | 1,257 |
| Remeasurement | 631 | 106 |
| Instalments | 652 | 580 |
| Disposal | - | 31 |
| Divestment of activities2 | 116 | - |
| Foreign exchange adjustments | -6 | 4 |
| Total lease liabilities at 31 December | 1,960 | 2,103 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1 year | 789 | 761 |
| 1-3 years | 826 | 711 |
| 3-5 years | 377 | 575 |
| After 5 years | 236 | 400 |
| Total lease liability, non-discounted | 2,228 | 2,447 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | 1,269 | 1,440 |
| Current liabilities | 691 | 663 |
| Total lease liabilities | 1,960 | 2,103 |
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
1
Relates to divestment of terminals and offices as part of Oslo - Frederikshavn - Copenhagen route
Primarily relates to sale and leaseback operation of three ferries during 2023
The following amounts are recognised in the income statement:
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses relating to low-value assets (included in cost of sales and administration) | 6 | 4 |
| Interest expenses on lease liabilities | 105 | 67 |
| Depreciation, ships | 642 | 586 |
| Depreciation, other non-current assets | 31 | 34 |
| Gain arising from sale and leaseback transactions | - | 95 |
| Total amount recognised in the income statement | 783 | 597 |
The following amounts from leases are recognised in the statement of cash flows:
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Net cash flows from operating activities, gross | -6 | -4 |
| Interest etc. paid | -105 | -67 |
| Net cash flows from operating activities, net | -110 | -72 |
| Net cash flows from financing activities | -652 | -580 |
| Total cash outflow from leases | -763 | -652 |
In 2024 the Parent company paid DKK 763m (2023: DKK 652m) regarding lease agreements whereof interest expenses related to lease liabilities amount to DKK 105m (2023: DKK 67m), instalments of lease liability amount to DKK 652m (2023: DKK 580m), and DKK 6m (2023: DKK 4m) relates to low-value leases.
There is no material impact on other comprehensive income. At 31 December 2024 the Parent company was committed to low-value leases where the total commitment was DKK 16m (2023: DKK 13m). The Parent company has no lease contracts including fixed and variable payments.
The Parent company has entered into several operating leases of its ferries. Future minimum receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 31 December are as follows:
| Total ferries | 442 | 754 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | 177 | 442 |
| Within 1 year | 264 | 312 |
| Ferries | ||
| Minimum lease payments (income) | ||
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
The specified minimum payments are not discounted. Operating lease- and rental income recognised in the income statement amounts to DKK 437m in 2024 (2023: DKK 388m). The contracts are entered into on usual conditions.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at 1 January | 11,901 | 9,368 |
| Additions2 | 3,134 | 2,556 |
| Disposals | 16 | 23 |
| Cost at 31 December | 15,019 | 11,901 |
| Accumulated impairment losses at 1 January | 436 | 79 |
| Disposals | 14 | 0 |
| Impairment losses3 | 138 | 358 |
| Reversal of prior year impairment losses3 | - | 1 |
| Accumulated impairment losses at 31 December | 560 | 436 |
| Carrying amount at 31 December | 14,459 | 11,465 |
Reference is made to the company overview in the consolidated financial statements note 5.10. The carrying amount of investments in subsidiaries is tested for impairment at least at year-end.
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
1
2024: Primarily relating to the acquisition of FRS Iberia and capital increase in DFDS Logistics AS.
2023: Primarily regarding to addition of McBurney Group and in kind dividend from a subsidiary.
3 Reference is made to note 31.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest-bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 1,362 | 28 |
| Total non-current receivables | 1,362 | 28 |
| Trade receivables | 693 | 721 |
| Interest-bearing receivables from subsidiaries1 | 643 | 736 |
| Non-interest-bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 428 | 416 |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 29 | 25 |
| Receivable corporation tax | 9 | - |
| Other receivables and current assets | 77 | 287 |
| Total current receivables | 1,878 | 2,185 |
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| 12 | 15 |
| 12 | 15 |
Write-downs and realised losses are recognised in ferry and other ship operation and maintenance costs in the Income statement. Reference is made to note 4.1 in the consolidated financial statements for a description of credit risk.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker | 91 | 117 |
| Goods for sale | 65 | 89 |
| Write-down of inventories end of year | 5 | 7 |
| Total inventories | 151 | 198 |
Write-down of inventories during the year is an income of DKK 8m (2023: income of DKK 14m) due to reversal of previous years' write-downs
The carrying amount of receivables is in all material respects equal to the fair value.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables that are past due, but not impaired: | ||
| Days past due: | ||
| Up to 30 days | 63 | 72 |
| 31-60 days | 12 | 7 |
| 61-90 days | 3 | 4 |
| 91-120 days | 1 | 4 |
| More than 120 days | 0 | - |
| Past due, but not impaired | 79 | 87 |
| Movements in write-downs, which are included in the trade receivables: | ||
| Write-downs at 1 January | 15 | 17 |
| Write-downs | 6 | 9 |
| Realised losses | 5 | 2 |
| Reversed write-downs | 5 | 9 |
| Write-downs at 31 December | 12 | 15 |
1
The carrying amount of Interest-bearing receivables from subsidiaries relates to current credit facilities that are made available to subsidiaries.
DFDS A/S participates in supplier arrangements under which certain financial institutions acquire invoices issued by bunker suppliers and logistics suppliers. When a financial institution acquires the invoices, the suppliers will receive payment from the financial institution while DFDS A/S will settle the invoice towards the financial institution at a later stage.
DFDS A/S has entered into arrangements with the following terms: Bunker linked payables extended to current month + 93 days. Multiple logistics suppliers payables extending payment to current month + 93 days.
The carrying amount presented within trade payables is DKK 287m (2023: 351m) of which suppliers received payment from financial institution amounting to DKK 287m.
Payment terms for liabilities that are part of supplier financing arrangements are between 30 days and current month + 63 days (2023: between 30 days and current month).
Payment terms for comparable trade payables outside financing arrangements are typically current month + 63 days after invoice date (2023: current month + 63 days).
There were no material business combinations or foreign exchange differences in either period. There were no significant non-cash transfers from trade payables to finance payables in 2024 (2023: none).
A dividend of DKK 3.00 per share was paid in March 2024 (corresponding to DKK 168m excluding dividend on treasury shares) and further, a share buyback of 2,312,185 shares was made during 2024 for a total purchase sum of DKK 431m – i.e., a total distribution to the shareholders in 2024 of DKK 599m. The Board of Directors proposes to the 2025 Annual General Meeting in March 2025 that no dividend is paid in 2025.
Information regarding the Parent company's and the Group's holding of treasury shares is identical. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 4.7.
| DKK million | Land and buildings, terminals and other equipment |
Provisions | Tax loss carried forward |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax at 1 January | 7 | -1 | - | 6 |
| Recognised in the income statement | -1 | - | -3 | -4 |
| Deferred tax at 31 December, net | 6 | -1 | -3 | 3 |
| DKK million | Land and buildings, terminals and other equipment |
Provisions | Tax loss carried forward |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax at 1 January | 6 | - | - | 6 |
| Recognised in the income statement | 1 | -1 | - | 0 |
| Deferred tax at 31 December, net | 7 | -1 | 0 | 6 |
By joining the tonnage taxation scheme, DFDS A/S is subject to the requirements of the scheme until end of 2031. DFDS A/S is liable to a contingent tax that may realise at the withdrawal from the tonnage taxation scheme. DFDS A/S controls the withdrawal and has no plans to withdraw from the scheme and consequently no deferred tax has been recognised.
Information regarding long-term incentives for the Parent company and the Group is identical. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 5.3.
In December 2020 up to 50 shares free of charge were awarded to each employee. The shares have vested over a three-year period from January 2021 to December 2023 on a straight-line basis. Only employees working through the full vesting period were entitled to the shares.
16,590 shares related to the special reward program have been transferred during 2024 (2023: 34,680). Vesting of shares for 2024 is an expense of DKK 1m (2023: DKK 5m).
The Parent company contributes to defined contribution plans as well as defined benefit plans. The majority of the pension plans are funded through payments to independent insurance companies responsible for the pension obligation towards the employees (defined contribution plans). In these plans the Parent company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions irrespective of the financial situation of these insurance companies or the return of the underlying investments. Pension costs from such plans are expensed in the income statement when incurred. The Parent company has minor defined benefit plans. The defined benefit plans are pension plans that yearly pay out a certain percentage of the final salary the employee has when the employee retires. The pensions are paid out as from retirement and during the remaining life of the employee. The percentage of the salary is dependent of the seniority of the employees. The defined benefit plans typically include a spouse pension.
Based on actuarial calculations the defined benefit plans show the following liabilities:
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations | 6 | 0 |
| Recognised liabilities for defined benefit obligations | 0 | |
| Provision for jubilee liabilities | 9 | 9 |
| Total actuarial liabilities | 15 | 9 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Other provisions at 1 January | 56 | 46 |
| Addition from acquisition of enterprises | - | 17 |
| Provisions made during the year | 1661 | 7 |
| Used during the year | 38 | 7 |
| Reversal of unused provisions | - | 7 |
| Transfers | -7 | - |
| Other provisions at 31 December | 176 | 56 |
| Other provisions are expected to be payable in: | ||
| 0-1 year | 176 | 49 |
| After 5 years | - | 7 |
| Other provisions at 31 December | 176 | 56 |
Of the Parent company's provision of DKK 176m (2023: DKK 56m), DKK 166m (2023: DKK 0m) is ETS emission provision, DKK 7m (2023: DKK 7m) is restructuring provisions, DKK 3m (2023: DKK 3m) is redelivery provisions, DKK 0m (2023: DKK 38m) is net present value of earn-out agreements regarding acquisitions, and DKK 0m (2023: 7m) is other provisions.
Relates to provision for emitted greenhouse gases following the Maritime EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) that came into effect 1 January 2024.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Issued corporate bonds2 | 2,110 | 992 |
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries and other ships | 6,514 | 2,791 |
| Lease liability | 1,269 | 1,440 |
| Total interest-bearing non-current liabilities | 9,893 | 5,223 |
| Issued corporate bonds2 | - | 265 |
| Bank loans and mortgage on ferries and other ships | 210 | 206 |
| Lease liability | 691 | 663 |
| Payables to subsidiaries3 | 1,962 | 1,767 |
| Total interest-bearing current liabilities | 2,863 | 2,902 |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 12,756 | 8,125 |
The fair value of the interest-bearing liabilities amounts to DKK 12,772m (2023: DKK 8,126m). The fair value measurement is categorised within level 3 in the fair value hierarchy except for the part that relates to issued corporate bonds of nominal NOK 3,345m for which the fair value measurement is categorised within level 2 due to a limited active market. The fair value of the financial liabilities is determined as the present value of expected future repayments and interest rates. The Group's actual borrowing rate for equivalent terms is used as the discount rate. The fair value of the issued corporate bonds nominal NOK 3,345m has been calculated based on the quoted bond price in December 2024 which is the latest quoted price (2023: quoted bond price in March and August 2023). DKK 1,034m of the Interest-bearing liabilities in the Parent company fall due after five years (2023: DKK 1,303m). No unusual conditions in connection with borrowings are made. The loan agreements can be settled at fair value plus a small surcharge, whereas premature settlement of the corporate bonds requires a repurchase of the bonds. Reference is made to note 23 for financial risks, etc.
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| DKK | 6,873 | 3,285 |
| EUR | 3,088 | 2,791 |
| SEK | 463 | 477 |
| NOK | 2,177 | 1,363 |
| GBP | 137 | 193 |
| USD | 10 | 9 |
| Other | 9 | 7 |
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 12,756 | 8,125 |
The table below discloses the cash as well as non-cash changes in Interest-bearing liabilities, Derivative financial instruments related to issued corporate bonds and payables to subsidiaries, non-interest-bearing. The changes arising from cash flows form part of the cash flows from financing activities in the statement of cash flows.
| Non-cash changes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | 1 Jan. 20241 |
Cash flows |
Foreign exchange move ments |
New/ disposed/ remea sured leases |
Fair value changes |
Other changes |
31 Dec. 2024 |
| Changes in 2024 | |||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||
| Bank loans and mortgage | |||||||
| on ferries | 2,998 | 3,722 | 1 | 4 | 6,724 | ||
| Issued corporate bonds | 1,257 | 943 | -88 | -2 | 2,110 | ||
| Lease liabilities | 2,103 | -652 | -6 | 515 | - | 1,960 | |
| Payables to subsidiaries, | |||||||
| interest-bearing | 1,767 | 1954 | - | - | 1,962 | ||
| 8,125 | 4,208 | -93 | 515 | 0 | 2 | 12,756 | |
| Derivative financial instruments: Derivatives related to issued corporate bonds |
28 | -46 | 98 | - | 81 | ||
| Other: | |||||||
| Payables to subsidiaries, non-interest-bearing |
711 | 874 | - | - | 798 | ||
| Total liabilities from financing activities |
8,864 | 4,249 | -93 | 515 | 98 | 2 | 13,635 |
| Receivables from subsidiaries | -1,2534 | ||||||
| Total cash flows | 2,996 |
1
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
The Parent company has issued two corporate bonds in 2023 of NOK 1,000m and NOK 500m, respectively. During 2024 the Parent company has completed a tap issue of NOK 95m and issued two corporate bonds of NOK 1,000m and NOK 750m, respectively. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 4.5.
The carrying amount of Interest-bearing payables to subsidiaries relates to deposit facilities that are made available to subsidiaries.
4
Cash flows related to payables/receivables from subsidiaries are presented net in the statement of cash flows under financing activities in the line "Change in Group internal financing, net" by DKK -971m.
| Non-cash changes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | 1 Jan. 2023 |
Cash flows |
Foreign exchange move ments |
New/ disposed/ remea sured leases |
Fair value changes |
Other changes |
31 Dec. 2023 |
| Changes in 2023 | |||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||
| Bank loans and mortgage | |||||||
| on ferries | 4,729 | -1,733 | 3 | -2 | 2,998 | ||
| Issued corporate bonds | 283 | 981 | -8 | 1 | 1,257 | ||
| Lease liabilities1 | 1,347 | -580 | 4 | 1,332 | - | 2,103 | |
| Payables to subsidiaries, | |||||||
| interest-bearing | 1,687 | 812 | - | - | 1,767 | ||
| 8,045 | -1,251 | 0 | 1,332 | 0 | -1 | 8,125 | |
| Derivative financial instruments: Derivatives related to issued corporate bonds |
8 | - | 20 | - | 28 | ||
| Other: | |||||||
| Payables to subsidiaries, non-interest-bearing |
172 | 5392 | - | - | 711 | ||
| Total liabilities from financing activities |
8,226 | -713 | 0 | 1,332 | 20 | -1 | 8,864 |
| Receivables from subsidiaries | -552 | ||||||
| Total cash flows | -768 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday pay obligations, etc. | 116 | 183 |
| Payables to subsidiaries | 798 | 711 |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 16 | 3 |
| Public authorities (VAT, duty, etc.) | 22 | 23 |
| Other payables | 32 | 46 |
| Accrued interests | 39 | 10 |
| Total other payables | 1,023 | 977 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 20231 |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying amount per category of financial instruments | ||
| Financial assets measured at fair value: | ||
| Derivatives, related to operating activities | 75 | 56 |
| Derivatives, related to interest-bearing activities | 65 | 96 |
| Financial assets measured at amortised cost: | ||
| Trade receivables, receivables from subsidiaries, receivables from associates and joint ventures, other receivables and cash |
3,869 | 2,581 |
| Financial assets measured at fair value through the income statement: | ||
| Securities | 1 | 1 |
| Total financial assets | 4,011 | 2,734 |
| Financial liabilities measured at fair value: | ||
| Derivatives, related to operating activities | 65 | 59 |
| Derivatives, related to interest-bearing activities | 113 | 52 |
| Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: | ||
| Interest-bearing liabilities, leases, trade payables, payables to subsidiaries, | ||
| payables to associates and joint ventures and other payables | 14,897 | 10,295 |
| Total financial liabilities | 15,075 | 10,405 |
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
Cash flows related to payables to/receivables from subsidiaries are presented net in the statement of cash flows under financing activities in the line "Change in Group internal financing, net" by DKK 971m.
The table below ranks financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:
| 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||
| Derivatives, financial assets | - | 140 | - | |
| Securities, financial assets | - | - | 1 | |
| Derivatives, financial liabilities | - | 178 | - | |
| Total | 0 | -38 | 1 |
| 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Derivatives, financial assets | - | 152 | - |
| Securities, financial assets | - | - | 1 |
| Derivatives, financial liabilities | - | 111 | - |
| Total | 0 | 41 | 1 |
Derivative financial assets and liabilities are all measured at level 2. Reference is made to note 4.1 in the consolidated financial statements for description of the valuation method.
Securities, financial assets measured at fair value through the income statement comprise other shares and equity investments as well as other investments of DKK 1m (2023: DKK 1m). These consist of minor unlisted shares and investments.
The description of DFDS' risk management policy, financial risks and capital management is identical for the Group and the Parent company. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 4.1. The following specifications for the Parent company are different to the similar specifications for the Group.
An increase in the interest rate of 1%-point compared to the actual interest rates in 2024 would, other things being equal, have increased net interest payments by DKK 35m for the Parent company in 2024 (2023: DKK 24m). A decrease in the interest rate of 1%-point compared to the actual interest rates in 2024 would, other things being equal, have had a positive effect of DKK 35m (2023: DKK 24m).
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the impact of netting agreements:
| DKK million | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After 5 | ||||
| 0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | years | |
| Non-derivative financial assets | ||||
| Cash | 661 | - | - | - |
| Trade receivables | 693 | - | - | - |
| Non-interest bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 428 | - | - | - |
| Interest bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 643 | - | - | - |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 29 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables and current assets | 77 | 1,362 | - | - |
| Derivative financial assets | ||||
| Interest swaps & caps | 8 | 15 | 14 | 27 |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 24 | 19 | 19 | 13 |
| Total financial assets | 2,563 | 1,396 | 33 | 40 |
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Bank loans and mortgages on ferries and other ships | 424 | 5,814 | 307 | 896 |
| Issued corporate bonds | 141 | 1,280 | 1,060 | - |
| Lease liabilities (non-discounted) | 789 | 826 | 377 | 236 |
| Trade payables | 1,256 | - | - | - |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 16 | - | - | - |
| Payables to subsidiaries | 798 | - | - | - |
| Other payables | 71 | - | - | - |
| Derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Interest rate swaps and caps | 15 | 15 | 2 | - |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | 40 | 35 | 7 | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 13 | 19 | 19 | 13 |
| Total financial liabilities | 3,563 | 7,989 | 1,772 | 1,145 |
Besides the contractual maturities the Parent company has issued guarantees for DKK 4,424m (2023: DKK 6,304m). These are not presented in the above table as the contractual maturity is not possible to predict. Reference is made to note 28.
The maturity analysis is based on undiscounted cash flows including estimated interest payments. Interest payments are estimated based on existing market conditions. The non-discounted cash flows related to derivative financial liabilities are presented at gross amounts unless the parties according to the contract have a right or obligation to settle at net amount.
| DKK million | 20231 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years |
|
| Non-derivative financial assets | ||||
| Cash | 381 | - | - | - |
| Trade receivables | 721 | - | - | - |
| Non-interest bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 416 | - | - | - |
| Interest bearing receivables from subsidiaries | 736 | - | - | - |
| Receivables from associates and joint ventures | 25 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables and current assets | 287 | 28 | - | - |
| Derivative financial assets | ||||
| Commodity swaps | 13 | - | - | - |
| Interest swaps & caps | - | - | 11 | 78 |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | - | 7 | - | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 7 | 11 | 11 | 14 |
| Total financial assets | 2,585 | 46 | 22 | 92 |
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Bank loans and mortgages on ferries and other ships 1 | 359 | 1,817 | 312 | 1,055 |
| Issued corporate bonds | 341 | 748 | 355 | - |
| Lease liabilities (non-discounted)1 | 761 | 711 | 575 | 400 |
| Trade payables | 1,398 | - | - | - |
| Payables to associates and joint ventures | 3 | - | - | - |
| Payables to subsidiaries | 711 | - | - | - |
| Other payables | 56 | - | - | - |
| Derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Interest rate swaps and caps | - | 5 | 12 | - |
| Cross currency interest rate swaps | 34 | - | 1 | - |
| Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps | 18 | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| Total financial liabilities | 3,682 | 3,292 | 1,268 | 1,471 |
1
Restated for changes in accounting policy, refer to note 33.
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Change in provisions | 0 | 2 |
| Change in write-down of inventories for the year | -8 | -14 |
| Change in provision for defined benefit plans and jubilee obligations | 0 | 2 |
| Vesting of share option plans and employee shares expensed in the income | ||
| statement | 23 | 22 |
| Non-cash operating items | 16 | 12 |
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Change in inventories | 19 | -1 |
| Change in receivables, such as trade receivables, prepaid costs, etc. | -55 | 114 |
| Change in current liabilities, such as trade payables, deferred income, ETS | ||
| emission provision, current account with joint ventures, etc. | -45 | -226 |
| Change in working capital | -81 | -114 |
Guarantees issued by banks on behalf of the Parent company amount to DKK 33m. The Parent company has issued guarantees of DKK 4,424m (2023: DKK 6,304m) of which the Parent company issued guarantees on behalf of subsidiaries of 4,396m (2023: DKK 6,179m). In addition, the Parent company has issued guarantees up to DKK 28m (2023: DKK 125m) to defined benefit pension schemes in the UK.
Certain ferries with a total carrying amount of DKK 2,943m (2023: DKK 2,984m) have been pledged as security for mortgage on ferries with a total carrying amount of DKK 1,597m (2023: DKK 1,803m).
| DKK million | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Contractual commitments, term 0-1 year | 182 | 49 |
| Contractual commitments, term 1-5 years | 21 | 27 |
| Total contractual commitments (undiscounted) | 203 | 76 |
The Parent company's contractual commitments in 2024 include the purchase of EU Allowances related to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) regulations. The purchase of ETS allowances has been done via forward instruments with physical delivery. These instruments are treated as off-balance sheet items as the own-use exemption under IFRS 9 is applied.
During 2024 the Parent company has purchased FRS Iberia Group. For further details reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 5.5.
In June 2024, an agreement was entered into to divest the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen (OFC) cruise ferry route to Gotlandsbolaget. The divestment resulted in a disposal of certain assets and liabilities linked to the route. A reversal of previous impairment losses of DKK 33m has been recognised as part of the sale. The transaction was completed on 31 October 2024.
Description of the Parent company's related parties is equal to the description for the Group. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 5.8.
| DKK million | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sale of service |
Purchase of service |
Receivables | Liabilities | Capital contribution |
|
| Associates and joint ventures | 11 | 233 | 29 | 16 | - |
| Subsidiaries | 1,372 | 1,957 | 2,433 | 2,821 | 1,561 |
| DKK million | 2023 | ||||
| Sale of service |
Purchase of service |
Receivables | Liabilities | Capital contribution |
|
| Associates and joint ventures | 13 | 211 | 25 | 3 | - |
| Subsidiaries | 1,329 | 1,465 | 1,179 | 2,520 | 131 |
DFDS impairment tests all non-current assets at least once every year and in case of indication of impairment.
For a description of the definition of cash-generating units, basis for impairment testing and calculation of recoverable amount reference is made to the consolidated financial statements note 3.1.4.
Impairment tests are carried out for each subsidiary, associate, and joint venture in the Parent company if there is indication of impairment. The individual companies are regarded as the lowest cash-generating units.
The expected net cash flows are assessed on entity level based of approved forecasts for 2025 and business plans beyond 2025. The projections include the estimated impact of long-term strategic decisions and assessment of opportunities for future growth and required investments. A Gordon growth cash flow model has been applied for calculating the NPV and a long-term growth rate of 2.0% has been applied.
The Parent company uses a discount rate determined for each subsidiary, associate or joint venture, according to the business area to which it belongs. The applied discount rate for 2024 is based on the WACC assumptions for the Group with reference to note 3.1.4. The WACC applied is 6.8% (2023: 7.4%).
In 2024 investments in subsidiaries have been impaired by DKK 138m in total as the calculated value-in-use of the individual investments is lower than the carrying amount. No reversals of write-downs related to previous years has been made.
In 2023 investments in subsidiaries have been impaired by DKK 358m in total as the calculated value-in-use of the individual investments is lower than the carrying amount. Write-downs in previous years have been reversed by DKK 1m. The reversals are recognised under financial items.
No material events have occurred after 31 December 2024 that have consequences for the 2024 annual report.
The 2024 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and additional Danish disclosure requirements for annual reports of listed companies.
In the process of preparing the Parent company financial statements, a number of accounting estimates and judgements have been made that affect assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and income and expenses for the reporting period. Management regularly reassesses these estimates and judgements, partly on the basis of historical experience and a number of other factors in the given circumstances.
In the opinion of Management, the accounting estimates and judgements mentioned in note 1.3 Significant estimates and judgements of the consolidated financial statement are also significant in the preparation of the Parent company financial statements. Furthermore, impairment test of investments in subsidiaries requires critical accounting estimates and assessments.
Impairment testing of investments in subsidiaries is carried out if there is indication of impairment. The impairment tests are based on the expected future cash flows for the tested subsidiaries. For further details of estimates and assessments relating to investments in subsidiaries reference is made to note 31.
Management is of the opinion that, except for impairment testing of investments in subsidiaries, no accounting estimates or judgements are made in connection with the presentation of the Parent company financial statements that are material to the financial reporting, other than those disclosed in note 1.3 to the consolidated financial statements.
The Parent company accounting policies are consistent with the accounting policies described in the consolidated financial statements with the following exceptions:
In the Parent company common control acquisitions (and disposals) of enterprises and activities are measured and recognised in accordance with the 'book value method' by which differences, if any, between purchase price and book value of the acquired/sold enterprise/activity are recognised directly in equity.
Foreign exchange adjustments of balances accounted for as part of the total net investment in enterprises that have a functional currency other than DKK are recognised in the income statement for the year as financial income and costs in the Parent company financial statements. Likewise, foreign exchange gains and losses on the portion of loans and derivative financial instruments that has been entered into to hedge the net investment in these enterprises are recognised directly in the income statement for the year as financial income and costs.
Dividends from investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are recognised in the Parent company's Income statement for the year in which the dividends are declared. If distributions exceed the subsidiary's, the associate's or the joint venture's comprehensive income for the period, an impairment test is carried out.
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are measured at cost in the Parent company's balance sheet. Impairment testing is carried out if there is any indication of impairment. The carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount whenever the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. The impairment loss is recognised as financial cost in the income statement for the year. If the Parent company has a legal or constructive obligation to cover a deficit in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, a provision for this is recognised.
The reserve for development costs comprises of DFDS' development costs corresponding to the capitalised development cost in the balance sheet. The reserve is non distributable and cannot be used to cover deficit. The reserve is dissolved upon disposal of the development cost either by sale or if the development cost is no longer part of the entity's operation. The reserve will then be transferred to the distributable reserves. The reserve will be reduced, and the distributable reserves increased concurrently with either depreciations or write-downs.
For a description of the hedging reserve, translation reserve and treasury shares, reference is made to the Group consolidated financial statements, note 4.6.
From 1 January 2024, DFDS no longer applies the practical expedient not to account for each lease component within lease contracts separately. DFDS now separates the non-lease components from the lease components. In addition, DFDS has elected to no longer capitalise short-term leases of ferries, but only those expected to be extended resulting in a total lease term exceeding 12 months from commencement date. For additional information refer to the Group consolidated financial statements.
Had the change not been implemented, the 31 December 2024 right-of-use assets would have been DKK 506m higher and lease liabilities DKK 525m higher. Operating cost in 2024 would have been lower by DKK 571m. Depreciation would be DKK 251m higher. Minor impact of the change affects profit after tax, interest cost, profit on disposal of non-current assets, exchange rate gain/loss, prepaid cost and other payables.
The following tables summarise the impacts of the change in accounting policy on the Parent company's financial statement.
| Balance sheet (extract) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ------------------------- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | As reported | Adjustment IFRS 16 |
Restated | |
| Ferry and other ship operation and maintenance | 3,239 | 316 | 3,556 | |
| Port terminal operations | 2,424 | 0 | 2,424 | |
| Transport and warehouse solutions | 428 | 0 | 428 | |
| Cost of sales, general and administration | 1,122 | 0 | 1,122 | |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) | 2,422 | -316 | 2,106 | |
| Profit/loss on disposal of non-current assets, net | 102 | -1 | 101 | |
| Depreciation on tangibles and right-of-use assets | 1,505 | -291 | 1,215 | |
| Operating profit before amortisation (EBITA) | 1,019 | -26 | 993 | |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 964 | -26 | 938 | |
| Financial costs | 795 | -47 | 748 | |
| Profit before tax | 1,500 | 21 | 1,521 | |
| Profit for the year | 1,500 | 21 | 1,521 |
| 31 December 2023 Restated |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKK million | As reported | Adjustment IFRS 16 |
IAS 1 | ||
| Assets | |||||
| Right-of-use assets | 2,338 | -436 | 1,902 | ||
| Non-current tangible assets | 7,831 | -436 | 7,395 | ||
| Non-current assets | 19,933 | -436 | 19,497 | ||
| Current assets | 2,872 | 0 | 2,872 | ||
| Assets | 22,806 | -436 | 22,370 | ||
| Equity and liabilities | |||||
| Retained earnings | 9,910 | 28 | 9,938 | ||
| Equity | 11,453 | 27 | 11,481 | ||
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 4,811 | -188 | 600 | 5,223 | |
| Non-current liabilities | 4,893 | -188 | 600 | 5,304 | |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 3,778 | -276 | -600 | 2,902 | |
| Current liabilities | 6,460 | -276 | -600 | 5,584 | |
| Liabilities | 11,353 | -464 | 0 | 10,888 | |
| Equity and liabilities | 22,806 | -436 | 0 | 22,370 |
Balance sheet (extract)
1 January
| 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | |||
| DKK million | As reported | IFRS 16 | Restated |
| Assets | |||
| Right-of-use assets | 1,818 | -525 | 1,293 |
| Non-current tangible assets | 8,635 | -525 | 8,110 |
| Non-current assets | 18,714 | -525 | 18,190 |
| Current assets | 2,988 | 0 | 2,988 |
| Assets | 21,702 | -525 | 21,178 |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Retained earnings | 8,975 | 7 | 8,982 |
| Equity | 10,649 | 7 | 10,656 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 3,955 | -254 | 3,701 |
| Non-current liabilities | 4,071 | -254 | 3,818 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 4,622 | -278 | 4,344 |
| Current liabilities | 6,982 | -278 | 6,704 |
| Liabilities | 11,053 | - 531 | 10,522 |
| Equity and liabilities | 21,702 | -525 | 21,178 |
| Full year 2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| As reported | Adjustment IFRS 16 |
Restated | |
| 2,422 | -316 | 2,106 | |
| -114 | 0 | -114 | |
| -414 | 21 | -392 | |
| 1,982 | -295 | 1,687 | |
| 1,535 | -295 | 1,240 | |
| -875 | 295 | -580 | |
| -1,644 | 295 | -1,349 | |
| -109 | 0 | -109 | |
| Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) |
| Statement by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors | 223 |
|---|---|
| Independent Auditors' Reports | 224 |
The Board of Directors and Executive Board have today considered and adopted the Annual Report of DFDS A/S for the financial year 1 January – 31 December 2024.
The Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU and further requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act. Management's Report has been prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the financial position at 31 December 2024 of the Group and the Parent Company and of the results of the Group and Parent Company operations and cash flows for 2024.
In our opinion, Management's Report includes a fair review of the development in the operations and financial circumstances of the Group and the Parent Company, of the results for the year and of the financial position of the Group and the Parent Company as well as a description of the most significant risks and elements of uncertainty, which the Group and the Parent Company are facing.
Additionally, the Sustainability Statement, which is part of Management's Report, has been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with paragraph 99 a of the Danish Financial Statements Act. This includes compliance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) including that the process undertaken by Management to identify the reported information (the "Process") is in accordance with the description set out in the section "Double Materiality Assessment". Furthermore, disclosures in the subsection "EU Taxonomy" in the environmental section of the sustainability statement are, in all material respects, in accordance with Article 8 of EU Regulation 2020/852 (the "Taxonomy Regulation").
The year 2024 marks the initial implementation of paragraph 99 a of the Danish Financial Statements Act concerning compliance with ESRS. As such, more clear guidance and practice are anticipated in various areas, which are expected to be issued in the coming years. Furthermore, the Sustainability Statement includes forward-looking statements based on disclosed assumptions about events that may occur in the future and possible future actions by the Group. Actual outcomes are likely to be different since anticipated events frequently do not occur as expected.
In our opinion, the annual report of DFDS A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2024 with the file name DFDS-2024-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation.
We recommend that the Annual Report be adopted at the Annual General Meeting.
Copenhagen, 21 February 2025
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the Group's and the Parent Company's financial position at 31 December 2024 and of the results of the Group's and the Parent Company's operations and cash flows for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2024 in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU and further requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Our opinion is consistent with our Auditor's Long-form Report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Parent Company Financial Statements of DFDS A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2024 comprise income statement and statement of comprehensive income, balance sheet, statement of change in equity, statement of cash flows and notes, including material accounting policy information for the Group as well as for the Parent Company. Collectively referred to as the ("Financial Statements").
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark. Our responsibilities under those standards and requirements are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) and the additional ethical requirements applicable in Denmark. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, prohibited non-audit services referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 were not provided.
We were first appointed auditors of DFDS A/S on 23 March 2021 for the financial year 2021. We have been reappointed annually by shareholder resolution for a total period of uninterrupted engagement of 4 years including the financial year 2024.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the Financial Statements for 2024. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the Financial Statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
The Group acquired FRS Iberia/Maroc ('FRS') on 10 January 2024 and Ekol Transport Anonim Sirketi ('Ekol') on 15 November 2024.
The Group prepared a purchase price allocation ('PPA') for the FRS acquisition as well as a preliminary PPA for the Ekol acquisition, resulting in various assets and liabilities being separately valued.
In order to determine the fair value of the separately identified assets and liabilities as part of the acquisitions, the valuation methodologies require input based on assumptions about the future and use of discounted cash flow forecasts.
The significant judgements and estimates involved in the PPA mainly related to assessing the fair value of customer relationships and property, plant and equipment including right-of-use assets. The preliminary PPA for Ekol is based on the information currently available and hence includes higher estimation uncertainty due to the recent acquisition.
We focused on the PPAs because it involves the identification of the acquired assets and liabilities and determination of their respective fair values, which requires complex and subjective judgements and estimates by Management, which are material for the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reference is made to note 5.5 in the Consolidated Financial Statements
How our audit addressed the Key Audit Matter As part of our audit, we assessed whether the acquisitions made during 2024 met the criteria of a business combination.
We reconciled the purchase prices paid to the Share Purchase Agreements and verified the cash paid to documentation for bank transfers.
We audited the acquisition balance before purchase price adjustments.
We tested the PPA adjustments made by Management by assessing the main judgements and estimates made as well as the methodologies and models applied in determining assets and liabilities assumed at fair value.
We tested the main data and challenged significant assumptions made by Management. We also tested the mathematical accuracy of the models used.
We involved our internal valuation experts in assessing the valuation methodologies and the significant assumptions used by management.
Finally, we assessed the disclosures relating to business combinations.
The carrying amount of non-current tangible assets (including right of use assets) as well as intangible assets is significant to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management monitors the carrying value of the above-mentioned assets based on defined cash generating units (CGUs) and performs impairment tests, if any indication of impairment or reversal of previous impairments exist. Furthermore, goodwill is tested once a year for impairment.
Management's assessment of the recoverability of the carrying amount of the above-mentioned assets is based on value-in-use calculations. Furthermore, Management obtains independent broker valuations to assess the fair value less cost to sell of ferries and other ships.
Bearing in mind the generally long-lived nature of the above-mentioned assets, the significant assumptions in estimating the value-in-use calculations are the scenarios applied, revenue, costs, EBIT-margins, future investments, and growth expectations. The impairment tests performed did not lead to impairments or reversals of impairments being recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We focused on this area as the amounts involved are significant and because Management is required to perform estimates and exercise judgements and because of the inherent complexity in estimating the value-in-use.
Reference is made to note 3.1.4 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As part of our audit, we challenged the impairment indicator assessment performed by Management. We considered the appropriateness and challenged the CGUs defined by Management as well as the methodology used by Management to assess the carrying amount of non-current assets assigned to CGUs.
We carried out risk assessment procedures in order to obtain an understanding of IT systems, business processes and relevant controls regarding data and assumptions used in the impairment models. For the controls, we assessed whether they were designed and implemented to effectively address the risk of material misstatement. For selected controls that we planned to rely on, we tested whether they were performed on a consistent basis.
We performed detailed testing of Management's impairment tests for goodwill and for the individual CGUs where indicators of impairment were identified. We tested the mathematical accuracy of impairment models prepared by Management, and challenged the significant assumptions affecting the future cash flows, including assumptions related to scenarios applied, revenue, costs, EBIT-margins, future investments and growth expectations, etc.
In assessing the discount rates and the overall methodology applied, we involved our valuation specialists.
Further, we tested the mathematical accuracy of the impairment models prepared by Management.
We also assessed the disclosures of these matters in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management is responsible for Management's Report (pages 1 - 61 and pages 233 - 234).
Our opinion on the Financial Statements does not cover Management's Report, and we do not as part of the audit express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the Financial Statements, our responsibility is to read Management's Report and, in doing so, consider whether Management's Report is materially inconsistent with the Financial Statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
Moreover, we considered whether Management's Report includes the disclosures required by the Danish Financial Statements Act. This does not include the requirements in paragraph 99 a related to the Sustainability Statement covered by the separate auditor's limited assurance report hereon.
Based on the work we have performed, in our view, Management's Report is in accordance with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements and has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Danish Financial Statements Act, except for the requirements in paragraph 99 a related to the Sustainability Statement, cf. above. We did not identify any material misstatement in Management's Report.
Management is responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial statements and parent company financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU and further requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act, and for such internal control as Management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the Financial Statements, Management is responsible for assessing the Group's and the Parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless Management either intends to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these Financial Statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence and, where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the Financial Statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter.
As part of our audit of the Financial Statements we performed procedures to express an opinion on whether the annual report of DFDS A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2024 with the filename DFDS-2024-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 on the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF Regulation) which includes requirements related to the preparation of the annual report in XHTML format and iXBRL tagging of the Consolidated Financial Statements including notes.
Management is responsible for preparing an annual report that complies with the ESEF Regulation. This responsibility includes:
Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance on whether the annual report is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation based on the evidence we have obtained, and to issue a report that includes our opinion. The nature, timing and extent of procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material departures from the requirements set out in the ESEF Regulation, whether due to fraud or error. The procedures include:
In our opinion, the annual report of DFDS A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2024 with the filename DFDS-2024-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation.
Hellerup, 21 February 2025
PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab CVR no 3377 1231
| Rasmus Friis Jørgensen | |
|---|---|
| State Authorised | |
| Public Accountant | |
| mne28705 |
Thomas Wraae Holm State Authorised Public Accountant mne30141
We have conducted a limited assurance engagement on the sustainability statement of DFDS A/S (the "Group") included in the Management's Report (the "Sustainability Statement"), page 62 – 135, for the financial year 1 January – 31 December 2024.
Based on the procedures we have performed and the evidence we have obtained, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the Sustainability Statement is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act paragraph 99 a, including:
We conducted our limited assurance engagement in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised), Assurance engagements other than audits or reviews of historical financial information ("ISAE 3000 (Revised)") and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark.
The procedures in a limited assurance engagement vary in nature and timing from, and are less in extent than for, a reasonable assurance engagement. Consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been obtained had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed.
We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our conclusion. Our responsibilities under this standard are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the assurance engagement section of our report.
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) and the additional ethical requirements applicable in Denmark. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code.
Our firm applies International Standard on Quality Management 1, which requires the firm to design, implement and operate a system of quality management including policies or procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Management is responsible for designing and implementing a process to identify the information reported in the Sustainability Statement in accordance with the ESRS and for disclosing this Process as included in the section "Double Materiality Assessment" of the Sustainability Statement.
This responsibility includes:
Management is further responsible for the preparation of the Sustainability Statement, which includes the information identified by the Process, in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act paragraph 99 a, including:
In reporting forward-looking information in accordance with ESRS, management is required to prepare the forward-looking information on the basis of disclosed assumptions about events that may occur in the future and possible future actions by the Group. Actual outcomes are likely to be different since anticipated events frequently do not occur as expected.
Our responsibility is to plan and perform the assurance engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the Sustainability Statement is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a limited assurance report that includes our conclusion. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence decisions of users taken on the basis of the Sustainability Statement as a whole.
As part of a limited assurance engagement in accordance with ISAE 3000 (Revised) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the engagement.
Our responsibilities in respect of the Process include:
Our other responsibilities in respect of the Sustainability Statement include:
A limited assurance engagement involves performing procedures to obtain evidence about the Sustainability Statement. The nature, timing and extent of procedures selected depend on professional judgement, including the identification of disclosures where material misstatements are likely to arise, whether due to fraud or error, in the Sustainability Statement.
In conducting our limited assurance engagement, with respect to the Process, we:
In conducting our limited assurance engagement, with respect to the Sustainability Statement, we:
Hellerup, 21 February 2025
PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab CVR no 33 77 12 31
| Rasmus Friis Jørgensen | Thomas Wraae Holm |
|---|---|
| State Authorised | State Authorised |
| Public Accountant | Public Accountant |
| mne28705 | mne30141 |
| Freight ferries (RoRo) | Year built | GT | Lane metres | Passengers | TEU³ | Deployment | Freight ferries (RoRo) | Year built | GT | Lane metres | Passengers | TEU³ | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sea | Dardanelles Seaways | 2006/19 | 29,060 | 3,726 | Mersin-Trieste | ||||||||
| Ficaria Seaways | 2006/09/11 | 37,939 | 4,731 | Gothenburg-Immingham | Paqize1 | 2010 | 29,429 | 3,663 | Istanbul-Sete | ||||
| Begonia Seaways | 2004/09/14 | 37,939 | 4,731 | Gothenburg-Ghent | Cappadocia Seaways | 2002/20 | 26,525 | 3,214 | Istanbul-Trieste | ||||
| Ark Germania | 2014 | 33,313 | 3,000 | 342 | Esbjerg-Immingham | Aspendos Seaways | 2005/19 | 29,060 | 3,726 | Istanbul-Sete | |||
| Freesia Seaways | 2005/09/14 | 37,939 | 4,731 | Gothenburg-Immingham | Olympos Seaways | 2002/20 | 26,525 | 3,214 | Trieste-Damietta | ||||
| Humbria Seaways1 | 2020 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Gothenburg-Ghent | Pergamon Seaways | 2013/20 | 31,595 | 4,094 | Mersin-Trieste | ||||
| Primula Seaways | 2004/14/16 | 37,985 | 4,650 | Gothenburg-Ghent | Galata Seaways | 2010/19 | 34,215 | 4,350 | Istanbul-Sete | ||||
| Flandria Seaways1 | 2020 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Gothenburg-Zeebrugge | Myra Seaways | 2009/17/19 | 34,236 | 4,350 | Istanbul-Trieste | ||||
| Petunia Seaways | 2004/13 | 32,523 | 3,831 | Gothenburg-Immingham | Sumela Seaways | 2008/18/19 | 34,236 | 4,350 | Istanbul-Sete | ||||
| Magnolia Seaways | 2003/13 | 32,523 | 3,831 | Cuxhaven-Immingham | Gallipoli Seaways | 2001/20 | 26,525 | 3,214 | Istanbul-Sete | ||||
| Selandia Seaways | 1998/13 | 24,803 | 2,772 | Cuxhaven-Immingham | Pol Maris2 | 2010 | 29,004 | 3,663 | Istanbul-Sete | ||||
| Hollandia Seaways | 2019 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Vlaardingen-Immingham | Pol Stella2 | 2009 | 29,004 | 3,663 | Istanbul-Trieste | ||||
| Scandia Seaways1 | 2021 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Vlaardingen-Immingham | Lismore (ex Alf Pollak)2 | 2018 | 32,936 | 4,076 | Istanbul-Trieste | ||||
| Suecia Seaways | 1999/11/14 | 24,613 | 2,772 | 180 | Vlaardingen-Felixstowe | Mont Ventoux5 | 1996 | 18,469 | 2,025 | Marseille-Tunis | |||
| Britannia Seaways | 2000/11/14 | 24,613 | 2,772 | 180 | Not allocated | Ark Futura | 1996/00 | 18,725 | 2,308 | 246 | Marseille-Tunis | ||
| Transporter2 | 1991 | 6,620 | 1,250 | 296 | Oslo-Immingham | ||||||||
| Tulipa Seaways | 2017 | 32,391 | 4,076 | Vlaardingen-Felixstowe | Baltic Sea | 300 | |||||||
| Acacia Seaways | 2017 | 32,835 | 4,076 | Vlaardingen-Felixstowe | Botnia Seaways | 2000 | 11,530 | 1,899 | Klaipeda-Køge-Fredericia | ||||
| Ark Dania6 | 2014 | 33,313 | 3,000 | 342 | Esbjerg-Immingham | Strait of Gibraltar | |||||||
| Mediterranean | EOS2 | 1998 | 12,433 | 1,775 | Algeciras-Tanger Med | ||||||||
| Fadiq1 | 2017 | 32,770 | 4,076 | Istanbul-Sete | Chartered out/not allocated | ||||||||
| Ephesus Seaways | 2019 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Istanbul-Trieste | Finlandia Seaways | 2000 | 11,530 | 1,899 | 300 | Chartered out | |||
| Troy Seaways | 2019 | 60,465 | 6,690 | Istanbul-Trieste | Belgia Seaways | 2000 | 21,005 | 2,475 | Not allocated | ||||
| Zeugma Seaways | 2008/17/19 | 34,236 | 4,350 | Istanbul-Trieste | Mistral2 | 1999 | 10,471 | 1,625 | Not allocated | ||||
| Assos Seaways | 2005/19 | 29,060 | 3,726 | Mersin-Trieste | |||||||||
| Artemis Seaways | 2005/20 | 29,060 | 3,726 | Istanbul-Sete | Freight and passenger ferries (RoPax) | ||||||||
| Channel | |||||||||||||
| 1 Chartered (bareboat charter) |
Dunkerque Seaways4 | 2005 | 35,923 | 2,900 | 780 | Dover-Dunkirk | |||||||
| 2 Chartered (time charter) |
Delft Seaways4 | 2006 | 35,923 | 2,900 | 780 | Dover-Dunkirk |
Dover Seaways4 2006 35,923 2,900 780 Dover-Dunkirk Côte Des Flandres4 2005 33,940 1,900 2,000 Dover-Calais Côte Des Dunes4 2001 33,796 1,900 2,473 Dover-Calais
3 TEU: 20 foot container unit
4 Short-sea day ferry
5 VSA: Vessel sharing agreement with owner/charterer
6 SCA: Slot charter agreement with DFDS
| Freight and passenger ferries (RoPax) | Year built | GT | Lane metres | Passengers | TEU³ Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Côte d'Opale1 | 2021 | 40,331 | 3,100 | 927 | Dover-Calais |
| Côte d'Albâtre1 | 2006 | 18,940 | 1,270 | 600 | Newhaven-Dieppe |
| Seven Sisters1 | 2006 | 18,940 | 1,270 | 600 | Newhaven-Dieppe |
| Athena Seaways | 2007/15 | 26,141 | 2,593 | 462 | Rosslare-Dunkirk |
| Optima Seaways | 1999 | 25,263 | 2,300 | 336 | Rosslare-Dunkirk |
| Baltic Sea | |||||
| Victoria Seaways | 2009/14 | 25,675 | 2,500 | 600 | Kiel-Klaipeda |
| Aura Seaways | 2021 | 56,043 | 4,500 | 600 | Kiel-Klaipeda |
| Regina Seaways1 | 2010/15 | 25,666 | 2,500 | 600 | Karlshamn-Klaipeda |
| Luna Seaways | 2022 | 56,043 | 4,500 | 600 | Karlshamn-Klaipeda |
| Sirena Seaways | 2002/03 | 22,382 | 2,056 | 623 | Paldiski-Kappelskär |
| Strait of Gibraltar | |||||
| Kattegat | 1996 | 14,379 | 1,240 | 974 | Algeciras-Tanger Med |
| Tanger Express | 1996 | 14,379 | 1,240 | 974 | Algeciras-Tanger Med |
| Kaunas2 | 1989 | 25,606 | 1,539 | 249 | Algeciras-Tanger Med |
| Chartered out/not allocated | |||||
| Patria Seaways | 1991 | 18,332 | 1,800 | 213 | Not allocated |
| Passenger cruise ferries | |||||
| King Seaways | 1987/93/06 | 31,788 | 1,410 | 1,534 | Newcastle-Ijmuiden |
| Princess Seaways | 1986/93/06 | 31,356 | 1,410 | 1,364 | Newcastle-Ijmuiden |
| High-speed craft (HSC) | |||||
| Strait of Gibraltar | |||||
| Ceuta Jet | 1998 | 2,273 | 428 | Tarifa-Tanger Ville | |
| Levante Jet | 2015 | 5,537 | 330 | 672 | Algeciras-Ceuta |
| Tarifa Jet | 1997 | 4,995 | 777 | Tarifa-Tanger Ville | |
| Sideport ships | |||||
| Lysvik Seaways2 | 1998/04 | 7,409 | 160 Westcoast Norway-Continent/UK |
||
| Lysbris Seaways2 | 1999/04 | 7,409 | 160 Westcoast Norway-Continent/UK |
||

The scope of the SASB reporting is limited to operations of vessels for which DFDS holds the Document of Compliance. This includes all our owned vessels as well as the following vessels that are in our fleet through bareboat charters: Cote D'Opale, Fadiq, Paqize, Regina Seaways, Rlandria Seaways, Humbria Seaways, Scandia Seaways and Seven Sisters.
Please note that since these SASB standards are specific to the Marine Transportation industry, the disclosures differ from other ESG data in this report. The SASB disclosures do not consider DFDS's business areas outside of Marine Transportation, including items such as trucking, warehousing, offices, etc.
| Topic | Accounting metric | 2024 | 2023 | Unit of measure | Code | * | Data unavailable. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse gas | Gross global Scope 1 emissions (vessels only) | 2,589,407 | 2,159,142 | Metric tonnes CO2e | TR-MT-110a.1 | Assessment of | |
| emissions | Discussion of long-term and short-term strategy or plan to manage Scope 1 emissions, | AR 2024 | AR 2023 | TR-MT-110a.2 | feasibility of | ||
| emissions reduction targets, and an analysis of performance against those targets | p. 89-92 | p. 21 - 25 | disclosure is | ||||
| (1) Total energy consumed | 34,244,324 | 28,422,561 | Gigajoules (GJ) | TR-MT-110a.3 | ongoing. | ||
| (2) percentage heavy fuel oil | 90% | 89% | Percentage (%) | TR-MT-110a.3 | ** | As most of DFDS' | |
| (3) percentage renewable | 0.00% | 0.03% | Percentage (%) | TR-MT-110a.3 | vessels fall within | ||
| Average Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships | No new ships | No new ships | gCO2 per ton-nm | TR-MT-110a.4 | the RoRo-category, it is not applicable |
||
| Air quality | Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | 49,020 | 45,929 | Metric tonnes (t) | TR-MT-120a.1 | to track TEU | |
| Sulphur Dioxides (SOx) | 3,346 | 3,609 | Metric tonnes (t) | TR-MT-120a.1 | capacity. | ||
| Particulate matter (PM10) | 2,700 | 2,640 | Metric tonnes (t) | TR-MT-120a.1 | *** Values restated for | ||
| Ecological impacts | Shipping duration in marine protected areas or areas of protected conservation status | * | * | # of days travelled | TR-MT-160a.1 | 2022 and 2023 due | |
| Percentage of fleet implementing ballast water (1) exchange | 0% | 9% | Percentage (%) | TR-MT-160a.2 | to a material shift in | ||
| (2) treatment | 92% | 91% | Percentage (%) | TR-MT-160a.2 | data quality surrounding this |
||
| Number of spills and releases to the environment | 0 | 0 | # of spills | TR-MT-160a.3 | metric. | ||
| Aggregate volume of spills and releases to the environment | 0 | 0 | Cubic meters (m³) | TR-MT-160a.3 | |||
| Employee health | Lost time incident rate/frequency (LTIR/LTIF) | 3.9 | 3.8 | Rate | TR-MT-320a.1 | ||
| & safety | |||||||
| Business ethics | Number of calls at ports in countries that have the 20 lowest rankings in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index |
0 | 0 | # of calls | TR-MT-510a.1 | ||
| Total amount of monetary losses as a result of legal proceedings associated with bribery or corruption |
0 | 0 | DKK | TR-MT-510a.2 | |||
| Accident & safety | Number of marine casualties | 10 | 3 | # of casualties | TR-MT-540a.1 | ||
| management | Percentage of which classified as very serious | 0% | 0 | Percentage (%) | TR-MT-540a.1 | ||
| Number of Conditions of Class or Recommendations | 52 | 44 | # of Class or Recommendations | TR-MT-540a.2 | |||
| Number of port state control | |||||||
| (1) deficiencies | 138 | 65 | # of deficiencies | TR-MT-540a.3 | |||
| (2) detentions | 1 | 0 | # of detentions | TR-MT-540a.3 | |||
| Activity metrics | Number of shipboard employees | 3,871 | 3,931 | # of employees | TR-MT-000.A | ||
| Total distance travelled by vessels | 5,498,864 | 5,097,839 | Nautical miles (nm) | TR-MT-000.B | |||
| Operating days | 21,263 | 19,308*** | # of operating days | TR-MT-000.C | |||
| Deadweight tonnage | 654,364 | 603,993 | Thousand deadweight tonnes | TR-MT-000.D | |||
| Number of vessels in total shipping fleet | 66 | 57 | # of vessels | TR-MT-000.E | |||
| Number of port calls | 42,537 | 29,439 | # of port calls | TR-MT-000.F | |||
| Twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) capacity | ** | ** | TEU | TR-MT-000.G |
Assessment of feasibility of disclosure is ongoing. ** As most of DFDS' vessels fall within the RoRo-category, it is not applicable to track TEU capacity. *** Values restated for 2022 and 2023 due to a material shift in data quality surrounding this
| Theme | Recommendations | Annual report 2024 pages |
|---|---|---|
| Governance Disclose the organisations governance around climate-related risks and opportunities. |
a) Describe the board's oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities. | → ESRS 2, GOV 1 |
| b) Describe management's role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities. |
→ ESRS 2, GOV 1 |
|
| Strategy Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisations businesses. Strategy, and financial planning where such information is material. |
a) Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organisation has identified over the short-, medium-, and long-term. |
→ ESRS E1, SBM-3 |
| b) Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation's businesses, strategy, and financial planning. |
→ ESRS E1, SBM-3 |
|
| c) Describe the resilience of the organisation's strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario. |
→ ESRS E1, SBM-3 |
|
| Risk management Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses and manages climate-related risks. |
a) Describe the organisation's processes for identifying and assessing climate-re lated risks |
→ ESRS E1, IRO-1 |
| b) Describe the organisation's processes for managing climate-related risks. |
→ ESRS E1, E1-3 |
|
| c) Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-relat ed risks are integrated into the organisation's overall risk management. |
→ ESRS E1, SBM-3 |
|
| Metrics and targets Disclose the metrics and targets used to asses and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities where such information is material. |
a) Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process. |
→ ESRS E1, IRO-1 |
| b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the related risks. |
→ ESRS E1-6 |
|
| c) Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and performance against targets. |
→ ESRS E1-4 |
The TCFD – index displays where information regarding our disclosure recommended by the Task Force on Climate-related Disclosure can be found.
BAF: Bunker adjustment factor, surcharge for price changes in bunker fuel oil
Bareboat charter: Lease of a ship without crew for an agreed period
Bunker: Oil-based fuel used by ferries
Charter: Lease of a ship for an agreed period
Charter-out: Leasing of a ship to an external party for an agreed period
Door-door transport solution: Transport of goods in a trailer from customer pick-up point to final destination
Ferry: Vessel with one or more ramps that enables passenger cars and trailers, with or without an accompanying truck, to be rolled on and off. Freight can also be carried by trailer equivalents, i.e. a rolling cassette carrying industrial goods that do not fit in a trailer or containers.
Ferry route: Sailings typically between only two ports, and hence over reasonably short distances, on a fixed sailing schedule, often with one or more daily departures. Route can transport both passengers and freight trailers according to demand and ferry types deployed
Green transport: Transport by ferries, trucks, or rail powered by green electricity or sustainable fuels
Intermodal: Transport solution that combines different transport modes (road, rail, ferry)
Lane metre: An area on a ship deck one lane wide and one metre long. Used to measure freight volumes
Logistics solution: A solution for operating one or more parts of a supply chain besides transport. Typically includes storage, cross docking of consignments, picking and packing, assembly, and distribution. Plus information processing, e.g. booking and tracking
MGO: Marine gas oil, also known as marine diesel with sulphur content at or below 0.1%
Non-allocated items: Corporate costs not allocated to divisions
Northern Europe: The Nordic countries, Benelux, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic nations
Power-to-X: Process that converts electricity to sustainable fuels, for example via electrolysis
Ro-pax: Combined freight and passenger ferry
Ro-ro: Roll on-roll off: Freight ferry on which trailers and trailer equivalents are driven or tugged on and off
Scrubber: Exhaust gas cleaning system that removes suplhur oxides from a vessel's boiler exhaust gases
Short sea: Shipping between destinations with a duration of typically 1-3 days. Converse is deepsea shipping between continents with a duration of weeks
Sideport ship: Ship with ramps for loading/ unloading via ports in the ship's side
Space charter: Third-party lease of space on a ferry deck
Stevedoring: Loading and unloading ferries in a port terminal
Time charter: Lease of a ferry with crew for an agreed period
Tonnage tax: Taxation levied on ships according to ship tonnage, i.e. weight of ships
Trailer: An unpowered vehicle for transport of goods pulled by a truck
Vessel sharing agreement/slot charter: Agreement between two or more parties on the distribution and use of a ship's freight-carrying capacity
Whistleblower scheme: System enabling employees or stakeholders to report anonymously on potential breaches to rules, guidelines or regulations
Intangible assets recognised in connection with acquisition of enterprises and activities (goodwill and other non-current intangible assets)
Free cash flow excluding acquisitions/divestments minus payment of lease liabilities and currency contracts related to leases
Cash pay-out ratio¹ Total distribution to shareholders
Adjusted free cash flow
Paid dividend per share
Share price at beginning of year
Profit for the year excluding non-controlling interests
Weighted average number of circulating shares
Operating profit (EBIT)
Revenue
Equity excluding non-controlling interests at year-end
Number of circulating shares at year-end
Equity
Total assets
NIBD
companies
Adjusted free cash flow
Market value at year-end plus non-controlling interests
EBITDA including pro forma EBITDA for acquired
Cash flow from operating activities minus cash flow from investing activities
Non-current intangible and tangible assets plus net working capital (non-interest bearing current assets minus non-interest bearing current liabilities) minus pension and jubilee liabilities and other provisions
Number of shares, excluding treasury shares, times share price
Interest-bearing liabilities (excluding provision for pensions) minus interest-bearing assets minus cash and securities
x 100
x 100
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) Operating profit (EBIT) minus payable tax for the period adjusted for the tax effect of net finance cost
assets
Profit before interest, tax, and amortisation
Operating profit (EBIT) Profit before interest and tax
P/E ratio Share price at year-end
Earnings per share (EPS)
Price/book value Share price at year-end
Equity per share at year-end
Average equity excluding non-controlling interests
Return on invested capital (ROIC) NOPAT
Average invested capital excluding acquisition intangible assets x 100
Total distribution to shareholders
x 100
x 100
Market value at year-end plus non-controlling interests
Average capital cost for net interest-bearing liabilities and equity, weighted according to the capital structure
Roundings may in general cause variances in sums and percentages in this report.
x 100
x 100
This key figure, ratio or elements thereof are not defined or deviate from the definitions of the Danish Finance Society.
DFDS* has enabled trade and travel since the company was founded in 1866 by C.F. Tietgen's merger of four Danish steamship companies. Goods and coal from the UK, the world's industrial locomotive at the time, were sailed to Scandinavia and other regions where markets for textiles and energy, amongst other things, were developing. The new shipping lines conversely created access for farmers in these regions to supply the UK's rapidly growing demand for food and raw materials.
DFDS developed quickly in line with the growth it helped create. Routes were also launched to the USA bringing back soya cake as feed to European farmers. This supported their transformation from exporters of livestock to producers and exporters of processed products such as butter and bacon. DFDS also opened new routes to connect Danish and Scandinavian cities with each other and the world. All this was based on a fleet of more than 120 ships, among the largest in the world at the time.
For many years DFDS transported emigrants seeking a better future to the USA. During the world wars, DFDS kept up supplies of critical food and coal to people in Europe helping to uphold jobs and industry.
After the second world war, DFDS' fleet, many now powered by diesel engines, kept moving: goods from USA to Europe, people between countries, goods between UK and mainland Europe, between the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, and to and from Iceland. At the end of the 1960'es, DFDS were the among the first to develop a roll-on-rolloff solution, paving the way for more efficient shipping of freight units such as trailers carrying industrial cargo.
The logistics activities were developed from 1972 to complement the ferry routes with door-door road transport solutions and to provide solutions in other markets as well. In 2000, the entire transport division was divested to re-focus the Group on
ferry activities. Since then land transport and logistics activities have been gradually developed to support the ferry network.
The ferry and logistics network has been further expanded and strengthened in and around Europe through organic growth and acquisitions. Key milestones have been the addition of Norfokline in 2010, operating on the North Sea and the Channel, and UN RoRo in 2018. The latter significantly expanded the route network in the Mediterranean and at the beginning of 2024, DFDS also entered the ferry market on the Strait of Gibraltar through an acquisition. In recent years, several larger logistics acquisitions have added further capabilities to the network. Not least with the acquisition of the Turkish transport company Ekol International Transport in late 2024.
Towards the end of 2023, a new strategy was launched focused on unlocking value by leveraging the expanded network to drive organic growth. *Abbreviation in Danish for The United Steamship Company.

24 March Annual general meeting (AGM)
Q1 report 2025
6 May
20 August Q2 report 2025
6 November
Q3 report 2025

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