European ferry freight volumes slip 1.8% in Nov

Ferry freight volumes across European routes have softened in November 2025. Total freight traffic reached 3.6 million lane metres during the month, marking a 1.8 per cent decline compared with November 2024. After adjusting for route changes, the year-on-year (YoY) decline widened to 3.8 per cent.

On a year-to-date basis, ferry freight volumes were broadly stable but slightly lower than last year. Cumulative traffic for January–November 2025 was down 0.4 per cent compared with the same period of 2024, while adjusted figures showed a sharper 1.8 per cent contraction, Det Forenede Dampskibs-Selskab (DFDS) said in a release.

Regional performance remained mixed. North Sea volumes fell below 2024 levels. Mediterranean volumes also declined YoY, largely due to capacity reductions. Channel volumes were broadly flat, as new Jersey traffic offset a slowdown in overall Dover Strait movements. In contrast, Baltic Sea and Strait of Gibraltar routes both recorded higher volumes than in 2024.

Looking at a rolling twelve-month basis, total transported freight lane metres edged up 0.1 per cent to 41.5 million in 2025–24, compared with 41.4 million in 2024–23. However, once adjusted for route changes, volumes declined by 2.1 per cent.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)