DFDS has gained access to the short sea cross channel market as part of a $504 million takeover of Norfolkline.
The completion of the deal adds Norfolkline’s Dover-Dunkirk, Rosyth-Zeebrugge and Liverpool to Belfast and Dublin routes to the existing DFDS UK network of routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich-Esbjerb.
The combined group includes 18 passenger ships carrying almost four million passengers a year and with 6,000 staff.
Both networks now feature on the two company’s websites with the main part of the integration of the two companies due to be completed by the end of 2011.
Dutch company Norfolkline runs up to 24 crossings a week on the Dover-Dunkirk route, carrying 2.5 million passengers and almost 800,000 cars in 2009 using three ferries.
DFDS said it was moving swiftly through the integration process with final organisation details due to be completed by mid-September.
“The focus during the integration process is on a smooth customer transition and positive customer experience, offering people an enhanced travel choice and experience along with an easier choice of booking options,” the company said.
“The two organisations have a natural fit which has revealed little overlap and the process has therefore been simplified.
“The transaction will strengthen the presence of DFDS as a sea-based transport network in northern Europe,” the company said.
“The acquisition of Norfolkline, with a route network covering the North Sea, the English Channel and the Itrish Sea, will allow DFDS to expand its network in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to include two markets – the channel and the Irish Sea.”
John Crummie, UK managing director of DFDS Seaways, said: “This is an exciting time for DFDS Seaways as we work towards taking sea transport and travel to a new level by offering a far greater choice of travel options to passengers and an enhanced customer service experience.”