By
Alex Smith |
DFDS has completed the acquisition of FRS Iberia/Maroc, a leading operator in the short-sea ferry market connecting Spain and Morocco.
FRS Iberia/Maroc has three routes operated by 850 staff, 450 of which are employed by the company. The operator’s preliminary revenue figure for 2023 was DKK 1 billion ($147 million). FRS Iberia/Maroc will become part of DFDS’ Ferry Division, and its management team of Ronny Moriana Glindermann and Tim Gädecken have joined DFDS to continue managing the business.
DFDS plans to deploy its passenger and freight capabilities to grow operations, with trade between Morocco predicted to grow annually by eight per cent for the next five years. Operating and yield management capabilities from DFDS will be shared to help in the integration of the passenger business, and the company plans to optimise digital distribution channels to increase the share of online bookings.
DFDS’ ro-pax ferry, Patria Seaways, was chartered by FRS Iberia/Maroc in November 2023 for interim deployment on the Algeciras-Tanger Med route.
“We are excited to start the integration of FRS Iberia/Maroc and look forward to applying our joint capabilities to grow the business while continuing to provide reliable, efficient ferry services to both passengers and freight customers”, says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.