DFDS, the Danish ferry operator, has bought Norfolkline from AP Møller-Maersk in a deal worth €346M.

The deal will enhance DFDS’s network with the Rosyth to Zeebrugge and Dover to Dunkirk, plus Liverpool to Dublin and Liverpool to Belfast routes previously operated by Norfolkline added to DFDS routes from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) and Newcastle to Ijmuiden (Holland). DFDS also operates Copehnagen to Oslo.

DFDS has an excellent reputation for its passenger ferry services, so the news should be good for consumers. It comes at a time when ferry operators are reporting strong results in a turbulent economy. The combined income of DFDS and Norfolkline are expected to be €1.5Bn in 2009 with operating profits of €139M.

We will update AnyFerry.com with any changes required as we find out more from DFDS. You can read the full press release here.

Popularity: 7%

Norfolk Line operate a range of ferries to France, as well as Rosyth to Zeebrugge, and between Liverpool to Belfast and Dublin.

Norfolk Line Irish Sea

The Irish Sea vessels operate regular crossings between Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast. The routes operate year-round on comfortable ships, and provide a relaxing crossing.

Ferries to France on Norfolk Line

Looking for an alternative to the Dover to Calais ferry? Norfolk Line offer Dover to Dunkerque (Dunkirk), a 2 hour crossing with award winning levels of comfort. Dunkirk has excellent road links into the rest of France, and therefore is an ideal choice if you want to avoid the busier Calais port.

Rosyth to Zeebrugge on Norfolk Line

If you want to take a ferry to Belgium from Scotland, there’s no longer any need to travel south. Norfolk Line offer the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route, sailing three times a week. With a crossing time of 20 hours there is plenty to do and time for relaxation on the new Scottish Viking ship operted on this route.

Routes Operated by Norfolk Line

• Dover to Dunkerque
• Liverpool to Belfast
• Liverpool to Dublin
• Rosyth to Zeebrugge

Alternative Ferry Operators and Routes

• Ferries to Belgium
• Ferries to Ireland
• Ferries to N Ireland
• Ferries to France

Norfolk Line’s Fleet

• Scottish Viking

Norfolk Line’s Ports

• Rosyth
• Liverpool
• Liverpool Birkenhead
• Zeebrugge
• Dublin
• Belfast

Popularity: 12%