Shipping Arabia, October 5, 2026 – The DFDS Damietta-Trieste service is set to double its sailing frequency as the Danish shipping and logistics group deploys a second vessel, Ark Futura, on the RoRo freight route linking Egypt and Italy from October 15, 2026.
The revised schedule will provide two weekly sailings in each direction. DFDS said the additional vessel will offer customers greater flexibility, more departure options and increased capacity to support supply chain continuity.
Second Vessel Expands Damietta-Trieste Capacity
DFDS launched the route in November 2024 as the first direct ferry freight connection between Egypt and Italy. The service has recorded notable growth since its introduction, prompting the company to increase both capacity and frequency.
Lars Hoffmann, Vice President and Head of the Mediterranean at DFDS, described the deployment of a second vessel as an important milestone for the route. He said Egypt represents a growing market and a trade hub connecting North Africa with Europe.
By increasing capacity and frequency, DFDS aims to strengthen what it considers a strategic trade corridor within its Mediterranean network. The expansion is also intended to provide additional opportunities for customers seeking efficient and reliable transport solutions.
Growing Trade Drives RoRo Demand
According to DFDS, increasing trade volumes between North Africa and Europe continue to generate demand for reliable transport solutions capable of handling fast and large freight flows.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are among the principal commodities transported on the service, alongside textiles and industrial goods. The introduction of the second vessel will increase DFDS’s ability to support these supply chains between Egypt and Europe.
Arif Akoz, Manager of the Damietta-Trieste route, said operating two vessels and providing two weekly departures in each direction will give customers greater flexibility, capacity and reliability. The expanded operation will also enable DFDS to respond more effectively to changing supply chain requirements and support growing trade flows between Egypt and Europe.
Two Weekly Departures From Each Port
Under the expanded DFDS Damietta-Trieste service schedule, vessels will depart Damietta twice each week, on Mondays and Fridays.
Trieste will also have two weekly departures, scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. The new timetable therefore doubles the frequency of the connection while increasing the available freight capacity on the route.
The deployment of Ark Futura from October 15 will mark the next stage in the development of the service, which has operated between the two Mediterranean ports since late 2024.
Source: Al Mal