DFDS History
DFDS - Det Forenede Dampskibs Selskab
Our story began in 1866, when Danish financier Carl Frederik Tietgen brought together three shipping companies to form DFDS. Since then, the world has changed dramatically, but one thing has remained constant: our ability to adapt, embrace innovation, and find better ways of doing things.
Our success has always been driven by people. By building strong partnerships, supporting one another, and working together, we've continued to connect businesses, communities, and opportunities for more than 150 years.
Navigating a turbulent, industrious Europe
DFDS continued to expand in line with the growth it helped to create. During both World Wars, DFDS supported allied war efforts, maintained vital supplies of food and coal to the displaced and needy. At the same time, it kept industries, jobs and people alive and well – despite the loss of 31 of its ships.
In the beginning…
In creating DFDS in 1866 by merging three Danish shipping companies, C.F. Tietgen could support the exponential growth of international trade in the wake of frantic Western industrialisation.
Within just 15 years, at the close of the 1880s, DFDS was among the world’s largest ship-owning companies, supporting the export of products and coal from the UK to the textile industry, and to other energy-demanding markets in Scandinavia and beyond. By the turn of the century, a further acquisition established a trans-Atlantic line.
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Peace and progress
As Europe rebuilt after the war, DFDS expanded its network and helped connect people, businesses, and markets. During this period, we pioneered new transport solutions that improved the movement of goods and passengers across Northern Europe.
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Journey and destination as one
From the 1970s onwards, DFDS grew beyond shipping to become a leading transport and logistics provider. At the same time, we continued to enhance the travel experience, putting customers at the centre of every journey.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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Looking to the future
Today, we continue to live our purpose: We move for all to grow. As we look ahead, our focus is on building a more sustainable business while creating value for our customers, colleagues, and communities.
