Ferry operator DFDS transported 3.5 million lane metres of freight in September 2026, level with the same month a year earlier, according to figures published on Tuesday, October 13.
The precise total of 3.488 million lane metres was 0.3 per cent below the 3.498 million recorded in September 2025.
North Sea volumes were higher than a year earlier. DFDS said growth in continental Europe–UK volumes made up for the slowdown in Scandinavian automotive volumes. Mediterranean volumes also increased, with growth reported across most of the network.
English Channel volumes fell, which DFDS attributed to an overall contraction in ferry market volumes. Volumes in the Baltic Sea and Strait of Gibraltar were also lower, amid slower freight activity in both regions. The company did not publish separate regional totals.
Passenger numbers declined 4.7 per cent to 403,000 from 423,000. DFDS said the fall was mainly due to lower volumes on the Strait of Gibraltar.
Over the last 12 months, freight lane metres rose 0.3 per cent to 41.8 million. After adjustment for route changes, they fell 0.5 per cent.
Passenger numbers over the same period fell 10.5 per cent to 4.9 million, or 6.4 per cent on an adjusted basis.
DFDS also reported flat freight volumes in August, when it carried 3.1 million lane metres. That month, Mediterranean volumes were lower and Strait of Gibraltar volumes higher, the reverse of September's pattern.