# DFDS completes acquisition of ferry operations on Algeciras–Tangier Med route

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/dfds-completes-acquisition-of-ferry-operations-on-algeciras-tangier-med-route/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom
- **Published:** 2026-10-10T18:24:55+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-10T18:25:42+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Mergers & Acquisitions
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** DFDS

DFDS has completed the acquisition of Naviera Armas’ ferry operations on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route, following approval from competition authorities in Spain and Morocco.

The transaction, valued at DKK 165 million, includes a combined passenger and freight ferry, route operating permits and the transfer of approximately 200 employees to DFDS.

The acquired operations will be integrated into DFDS’ existing ferry service between Algeciras in Spain and Tangier Med in Morocco, expanding the company’s presence on the Strait of Gibraltar crossing.

The company also confirmed that it will not proceed with a separate planned acquisition involving the Algeciras–Ceuta route.

## Acquisition includes RoPax vessel and additional freight capacity

The transaction includes Volcan de Tamasite, a RoPax ferry built in 2004 and deployed on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route.

The vessel provides combined freight and passenger transport capacity on the crossing.

Alongside the ferry acquisition, DFDS has increased its capacity share in a jointly operated RoRo freight ferry serving the same route.

The company’s share of capacity on the joint vessel has risen from 33% to 50%.

The acquisition also includes permits associated with operating the Algeciras–Tangier Med service.

Approximately 200 employees from the acquired operations will transfer to DFDS as part of the completed transaction.

## DFDS integrates acquired operations into existing service

DFDS plans to merge the acquired operations with its existing Algeciras–Tangier Med ferry route.

According to the company, the integration is intended to expand its transport offering for both freight customers and passengers.

The acquisition adds a RoPax vessel to DFDS’ operations on the crossing while increasing its allocated capacity on the jointly operated RoRo ferry.

DFDS described the transaction as part of its expansion in the Strait of Gibraltar market.

The integration will bring the acquired route assets and operating activities together with the company’s existing service between southern Spain and northern Morocco.

## Algeciras–Ceuta acquisition cancelled

Although the Algeciras–Tangier Med transaction has been completed, DFDS has decided not to proceed with its previously agreed acquisition of Naviera Armas’ ferry operations on the Algeciras–Ceuta route.

The proposed transaction was conditional on the extent of restrictions imposed by competition authorities.

According to DFDS, the requirements established by the Spanish competition authority exceeded the conditions agreed between the parties.

As a result, the company decided to withdraw from the Algeciras–Ceuta acquisition.

The decision concerns the separate Ceuta transaction and does not affect the completed acquisition of the Algeciras–Tangier Med operations.

## DFDS maintains 2026 capital expenditure outlook

Following completion of the acquisition, DFDS has maintained its full-year 2026 capital expenditure outlook at DKK 1.7 billion.

The company expects the additional DKK 165 million in acquisition-related capital expenditure to be offset by lower-than-anticipated operating capital expenditure.

DFDS also confirmed that its adjusted free cash flow outlook remains unchanged.

According to the company, acquisition-related capital expenditure is excluded from its adjusted free cash flow calculation.

The completed transaction adds ferry assets, operating permits and employees to DFDS’ Strait of Gibraltar business, while the company maintains its previously announced capital expenditure guidance for 2026.

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Cite as: "DFDS completes acquisition of ferry operations on Algeciras–Tangier Med route", pelavox., 10 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/dfds-completes-acquisition-of-ferry-operations-on-algeciras-tangier-med-route/