News / Aluminium deal prompts DFDS ro-ro service

Danish ferry and road freight logistics operator DFDS is set to launch a ro-ro freight service between Rotterdam and the northern Spanish port of Vilagarcia, after signing a transport deal with aluminum producer Hydro.

The weekly service will launch in May, operated by the 2000-built Belgia Seaways, which has a capacity of 2,660 lane metres and an on-deck container capacity of 300 teu. It will allow the shipper to significantly reduce road miles on its intra-European shipments.

“We are always looking for ways to optimise operations,” said Gerd Aalborg Aas, VP and head of logistics in Hydro’s aluminium metal business. “Logistics play a key part in keeping our business running 24/7.

“The cooperation with DFDS will contribute to further implementation of our roll on-roll off solution, which is safer and more efficient than traditional methods. Smarter shipping saves both money and emissions, and ensures our customers get their products on time,” he added.

The ro-ro solution rolls aluminum products bound for customers onto DFDS’s freight ferry, eliminating the need for cranes and reducing safety risks from hanging loads. It also increases efficiency by halving loading and unloading times, which allows ships to reduce speed, resulting in less fuel consumption and lower emissions.

“This new route offers significant potential, which we believe will benefit the broader market, and aligns perfectly with our focus on organic growth,” said Mathieu Girardin, head of DFDS’s Ferry Division.

“We are excited to establish a strong partnership with Hydro, enhancing its supply chain with improved connections to and from Northern Europe and Iberia, further demonstrating that we are a relevant strategic partner for larger companies,” he added.