DFDS has enhanced its short sea services by introducing a new route between Rotterdam and Villagarcía. This route is integrated into the DFDS network, providing efficient transportation solutions not only between the Netherlands and Iberia but also to the UK, Scandinavia, and various destinations across Western, Eastern, and Southern Europe. The new service has been operational since the end of May.
DFDS launched its new short-sea service at the end of May between Rotterdam and Villagarcía in northwest Spain. The service offers the market a unique, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional overland transport between Scandinavia, the UK, and Iberia. After five weeks of operation, the service has already achieved 100% punctuality, demonstrating its reliability and readiness for the market.
When launching the new liner service, it was essential to provide seamless door-to-door solutions for our customers—essentially a “one-stop shop”—to simplify the logistics process. There were limited alternatives for road and container freight between Spain and Norway, so this service presents a unique option compared to traditional road transport in the region
Martina Engen, Managing Director, DFDS Logistics AS
Route benefits
✅ One-stop shop – Booking, customs clearance, tracking, and equipment – all in one place
✅ Flexible cargo – Accommodates any cargo type, including high & heavy
✅ Emissions reduction – With DFDS, simple and certified decarbonised Solutions
✅ Extensive network – Integrated with the DFDS Network
✅ Reliability – Weekly departures and consistent performance
An alternative to Road freight
The new service fills a gap in the market, providing efficient and predictable connections for time-sensitive goods like fruit, vegetables, industrial equipment, and pharmaceutical products.
With weekly departures between Villagarcía and Rotterdam, the new service provides a reliable and efficient alternative to overland transport. With fast door-to-door transit times of just 6–10 days, the route ensures seamless integration with DFDS’ broader network—connecting Spain with Western Norway, the Oslofjord region, the UK, and Poland. DFDS also provides distribution services to both Portugal and Spain from the port of Vilagarcia.
The service also includes certified decarbonised Solutions, making it an innovative and sustainable choice for cargo owners seeking to reduce road mileage and emissions.
Calling two terminals in Rotterdam allows us to link services along the entire Norwegian coast, while also integrating this route into a vast portion of the DFDS network across Europe. By collaborating with trusted partners, we can create reliable and cost-effective solutions for our customers.
Paul Sørensen, Account & Project Manager, Strategic Sales
With DFDS’s advanced logistics portal, customers enjoy full door-to-door traceability, temperature-controlled transport, and real-time cargo monitoring throughout the entire journey.
Ready to ship smarter?
Contact your DFDS representative or book directly through the DFDS Logistics Portal. Whether you’re transporting strawberries, steel beams, or pharmaceuticals, DFDS ensures your route to Spain is simpler and more reliable.