Established in 2000 by Förde Reederei Seetouristik, FRS Iberia/Maroc comprises three independent companies – one in Morocco and two in Spain – operating a fleet of eight ferries in the Strait of Gibraltar. It has a team of 850 employees and is expected to generate revenues of DKK 1.0 billion in 2023.
DFDS aims to build on this foundation to optimise services and capitalise on the expected 8% annual growth in trade between Morocco and Europe over the next five years.
“We are delighted to welcome FRS Iberia/Maroc to the DFDS family,” said Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS. “This acquisition allows us to use our combined capabilities to grow the business and provide reliable and efficient ferry services for both passengers and freight customers on this important route.”
DFDS’ freight activities are expected to be strengthened by becoming part of a pan-European freight ferry network with expertise in operations, product development and customer service.
The integration of the freight activities is also expected to benefit from customer overlap and cross-selling opportunities.
The DFDS-owned ro-pax ferry Patria Seaways has been chartered by FRS Iberia/Maroc for interim use on the Algeciras-Tanger Med route until November 2023.
The integration process is expected to be completed within three years, with FRS Iberia/Maroc joining the Ferry Division under the leadership of Ronny Moriana Glindemann and Tim Gädecken.