BIG Interview: DFDS driving fresh produce logistics with innovation and green fuels

Behind every crate of fruit that arrives crisp and fresh in Europe stands a chain of trust. For retailers and exporters alike, DFDS has become that trusted link — offering routes, schedules, and logistics that take the uncertainty out of shipping perishables across continents. In this exclusive interview with Fructidor, the company shares how it is strengthening its cold chain network, cutting emissions, and shaping the future of fresh produce transport across Europe and the Mediterranean. 

What makes DFDS stand out in the fresh produce market? 

“We’re proud to be one of the leading shipping partners for the fresh produce market, offering a reliable cold chain network across Europe and the Mediterranean,” says Massimiliano Cappitelli, Managing Director of DFDS Iberia. “With our own vessels and fixed-schedule routes linking Morocco, Spain, France, the UK, Türkiye, Egypt, and more, we give customers one account, one service, and fast, temperature-controlled transport from start to finish.” 

How does DFDS ensure speed, reliability, and freshness across its network? 

"From North Africa to Northern Europe, DFDS provides a comprehensive service designed for the unique demands of fresh produce transport. The network combines high-frequency, short-duration crossings with full support for refrigerated trailers and containers, ensuring goods stay fresh from origin to destination. Customers benefit from transparent pricing through ETS and BAF, along with the convenience of online booking and real-time shipment tracking. Dedicated multilingual teams are present at every terminal, offering clear communication and smooth operations. With each new route and service innovation, DFDS strengthens its position as a trusted partner in Europe’s cold chain and reefer logistics market."

What strategies is DFDS using to reduce CO₂ emissions in cold chain shipping without increasing costs for exporters?

“In the short term, we are focused on improving efficiency — delivering more with less fuel. In the long term, we are investing in new fuels and technologies for the vessels of tomorrow. Our roadmap includes deploying electric ferries on the Channel by 2030 and exploring green fuel solutions such as e-ammonia, e-methanol, and biomethanol. On land, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels by introducing electric heavy-duty trucks and replacing diesel with HVO where electrification is not yet feasible. While these initiatives involve additional costs, we remain committed to balancing decarbonisation with competitiveness for our customers.”

Where does DFDS see its cold chain network in five years, especially with the push toward net-zero-emission shipping?

“DFDS is continuously working to optimise its operations for a more sustainable and energy-efficient cold chain network, fully aligned with our Moving to Green strategy. This is being achieved through projects such as the Every Minute Counts ferry schedule optimisation program, technical upgrades, our dedicated energy management taskforce, and increased electrification of port terminals and warehouses. Looking ahead, we will expand our fleet of battery-powered trucks, continue replacing fossil fuels with biofuels, and advance our zero-emission ferry newbuilding program.”

What’s DFDS’s long-term vision for being the go-to partner in Europe’s cold chain logistics market? 

“Our long-term vision is to be Europe’s trusted, go-to partner for cold chain logistics by delivering end-to-end solutions that combine transport, distribution, storage, and value-added services for manufacturers, food producers, and retailers. With deep expertise in handling temperature-critical products, we ensure goods maintain a constant temperature and arrive in pristine condition — every time. Our network offers Europe-wide scheduled part-load distribution, supported by more than 2,600 reefer trailers, and is strengthened by a market-leading position in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, etc. This scale, combined with advanced cold chain technologies, positions DFDS to provide unmatched reliability, reach, and quality across Europe’s temperature-controlled supply chains.” 

What gives DFDS a competitive edge over other cold chain shipping providers in Europe and the Mediterranean? 

“The power of combining multimodal transportation with integrated logistics in one extensive network. Our ferry, road, and rail services are seamlessly connected with complementary logistics solutions, enabling efficient and flexible cold chain transport. The ferry network includes our own port terminals at key hubs and rail connections from select ports. By integrating road and ferry transport, we can provide reliable door-to-door (FTL/LTL) deliveries across Europe. Our logistics offering also includes dry and cold warehousing, customs services, freight forwarding, packaging, and control tower solutions. Together, these capabilities form one of the strongest and most versatile logistics networks in Europe, giving DFDS a unique advantage in serving temperature-sensitive supply chains.” 

What are the priority routes for transporting fresh produce? 

Morocco–Spain (Tangermed–Algeciras)

-Crossing time: 1h30, with over 22 daily departures

-Benefit: Reliable off-season supply from Morocco to Europe

-Cold chain: Fully supports refrigerated trucks and containers

-Value: Short distance and high service frequency keep costs down and consistency high

France–UK & Ireland

-Over 550 sailings weekly

-Calais–Dover: ~90 mins, ideal for central/northern Europe

-Dunkerque–Dover: ~2 hrs, less congestion, competitive rates

-Dieppe–Newhaven: ~4 hrs, up to 4 daily sailings, closest to London and aligned with driver rest schedules 

Egypt–Italy (Damietta–Trieste)

-Sea transit time: 72 hours

-Schedule: Fixed weekly departures

-Stop in Patras, Greece: Adds flexibility and allows Eastern Mediterranean cargo consolidation

-Extra benefit: Direct rail connections from Trieste to major European markets

-This service is ideal for refrigerated trailers, containers, and other sensitive goods, backed by DFDS teams at both ports for smooth operations. 

New route: Rotterdam–Vilagarcía de Arousa

-Weekly freight ferry service linking Northwest Europe with Galicia, Spain

-Supports trailers, containers, fresh goods, and project cargo

-Offers a reliable alternative to long road journeys, with set schedules for better planning.

Looking for a trusted partner to move your fresh produce across Europe and the Mediterranean? Send your inquiry for a free consultation.