The new DFDS route will run between the port of Damietta in Egypt and the port of Trieste in Italy, providing the first dedicated freight ferry service between the two countries in almost ten years. It aims to improve trade flows between North Africa and Europe, particularly for sectors that rely on efficient logistics for perishable goods.
The service will primarily transport fresh fruits and vegetables, textiles, and other goods from Egypt to Europe. European exports to Egypt are set to include dairy products, agricultural items, and various industrial goods. DFDS highlights the route as a faster, cost-effective alternative to container shipping, particularly advantageous for sensitive, time-bound cargo.
Mathieu Girardin, DFDS’s Head of Ferry Division, remarked that the route supports the company’s growth ambitions and reinforces DFDS’s position in the Mediterranean.
“The service not only expands our network, but also enhances our ability to connect communities and support local economies,” said Girardin, underlining the expected boost in trade and economic relations between Egypt and Europe.
The first sailing is scheduled to depart Damietta on November 29, 2024, with a weekly schedule of departures from Damietta each Friday and from Trieste each Monday. The 68-hour transit time between ports is anticipated to improve delivery speeds for Egyptian exports reaching European markets.
DFDS has formed a strategic partnership with Pan Marine Shipping Services for this new route. Pan Marine, a major player in Egypt’s shipping sector, has dedicated a terminal at Damietta port to the service, ensuring efficient loading and unloading of cargo. Marwan El Shazly, Vice President of Pan Marine called the collaboration a “major milestone for Egypt’s trade relations with Europe”.
The new ferry route was officially launched on November 5, 2024.