DFDS to take over A.P. Moller subsidiary Norfolk Line Containers
Norfolkline, a North European short-sea carrier subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk group, has agreed to sell its lo-lo (lift-on/lift-off) container unit between the European continent and Ireland, Norfolk Line Containers B.V., to Danish short-sea operator DFDS Tor Line for an undisclosed amount.
Norfolk Line Containers operates six chartered lo-lo container ships serving two routes between Rotterdam and ports in Ireland. The company provides approximately 2,400 containers — of which the main part is owned 45-feet containers — including some 500 reefer containers. Most of the cargo is transported door-to-door.
“The acquisition is made to strengthen the DFDS Tor line market position within the lo-lo container shipping segment, thereby obtaining synergies between the existing DFDS Tor Line container activities in DFDS Lys Line and DFDS Suardiaz Line,” said DFDS in a statement.
“These companies have services plying the North Sea, the Irish Sea and Spain. The acquisition thus complements existing network of services, thereby improving DFDS Tor Line’s geographical market coverage, and it offers growth and increased operational flexibility,” added DFDS.
“This transaction is consistent with Norfolkline’s strategy to realign and strengthen its core businesses and to divest activities with no clear synergy with the rest of the Norfolkline group,” Norfolkline said.
“This divestment is a confirmation of our commitment to execute our strategy. It is also a strong signal to our employees, customers and shareholders as this move gives us the opportunity to be more focused and grow Norfolkline’s core businesses; the ferry and logistics pillars,” said Thomas Woldbye, Norfolkline’s managing director.
The deal is subject to approval from the relevant competition authorities.