In June, Gotlandsbolaget and DFDS announced that the Danish shipping company is selling the line between Oslo and Copenhagen to Gotlandsbolaget for approximately DKK 400 million. The deal includes the cruise ferries CROWN SEAWAYS and PEARL SEAWAYS (host ship for the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference) and roughly 800 employees work in the business, which is now changing hands.

"Today is a big day for Gotlandsbolaget. We are proud to take the helm of this line's future journey. The line between Oslo and Copenhagen is an attractive combination of passenger shipping and cruises, and we see great potential in developing it. Gotlandsbolaget has a clear strategy to expand in passenger shipping and last year we stepped into cruises with the purchase of BIRKA GOTLAND, now followed by this transaction," says Håkan Johansson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget.

To ensure a smooth transition for all passengers and in line with the agreement between Gotlandsbolaget and DFDS, the line will gradually release the integrations with DFDS over the coming year.

"We are proud to have served generations of families on this historic line and to have built the legacy that we are now passing on. Selling the line was a difficult decision, but with this we ensure that it will continue to evolve as we strengthens our focus on DFDS' core business in freight, passenger transport and logistics. I want to express our gratitude to our committed colleagues and loyal passengers who have been part of the journey. We look forward to supporting Gotlandsbolaget in ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for the line," says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

Håkan Johansson continues "I want to thank DFDS for the good cooperation during the months that have passed since we signed the agreement. The commitment and professionalism they have shown is reassuring as we will continue to work a lot together in the coming year to step by step take over all systems and functions for the line. In conclusion, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues", concludes Håkan Johansson.

Major investments to strengthen the onboard experience

The line had 700,000 passengers in 2023, and the goal is to increase the number in the coming years. An important part of the investment is extensive investment in upgrading the ships where the main focus is on the cabins, but other spaces on board will also be reviewed.

"We will work to further strengthen the experience on board, and it is very gratifying that we are starting with such an extensive renovation of the ships that has now been decided", says Kim Heiberg, Executive Vice President (EVP) - Head of Copenhagen-Oslo Route.

Kim Heiberg has been Route Director for the line for seven years and is now accompanying the new owner.

"It is a fantastic opportunity and a great responsibility to be involved in and continue to develop such a well-established line as the one between Oslo and Copenhagen," continues Kim Heiberg

A gradual development and a new name

For the passengers, most things will be the same at first, as the development will take place step by step. For example, bookings will take place on the DFDS booking page also in 2025.

The line will initially be marketed under the DFDS brand, but a new name and brand is under development. Another familiar face is seen as responsible for this work; Kevin Helsinghof, who after holding other positions for a few years, now returns in the role of Vice President (VP) – Head of Sales & Marketing.

“It is a unique opportunity to develop such a historic product, and I am very happy that Kevin is coming back and becoming part of that work. We look forward to launching our new name and brand in the next year", concludes Kim Heiberg.

© Shippax