Working Conditions Aboard the Ark-Germania

The burgeoning trade between Sweden and Belgium is witnessing a notable enhancement as DFDS announces plans to increase its service frequency. To accommodate the rising cargo demand, the Danish shipping company intends to deploy a fourth vessel on the popular route connecting Gothenburg to the Belgian port of Ghent. According to the Port of Gothenburg Authority, this strategic move will elevate the total number of weekly departures to eight in each direction. Morgan Olausson, the vice president and route director at DFDS, emphasized the necessity of this expansion, stating, "Despite having three of our largest vessels currently operational, we find all decks fully utilized. This situation has driven our decision to broaden our capacity and explore further growth opportunities." The new addition, Ark Germania, is set to commence operations in August from the Gothenburg Ro-Ro Terminal. This vessel is capable of transporting 190 trailers and 150 cars, marking a significant step in improving service efficiency on this vital trade route.

On Thursday, April 24, the new ro-ro vessel 'Ark Germania' was successfully towed away from the outfitting quay of the now-defunct P + S Werft shipyard in Stralsund, marking a significant milestone as she heads into sea trials. The 'Ark Germania' is the first of two cargo ships commissioned by the Danish shipping giant DFDS. Each of these ships boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 185 trucks and 342 containers, making them well-suited for DFDS's freight services. Additionally, these vessels are poised for military use, supporting both the Danish and German Armed Forces in transporting goods to crisis regions as required.