DFDS will double starting from the next October 15 the frequency of its ro-ro cargo service between the ports of Damietta, in Egypt, and Trieste, in Italy, by incorporating a second ro-ro ship, the Ark Futura. The shipping company will increase from one to two weekly departures in each direction, while also increasing the capacity available on this connection between North Africa and Europe.
The new schedule includes departures from Damietta on Mondays and Fridays, while from Trieste the ships will depart on Mondays and Thursdays. DFDS notes that the addition of a second unit will provide more boarding options for the traffic using this Mediterranean corridor.
The line was launched by the company in November 2024 as its first direct cargo ferry connection between Egypt and Italy and also represented the incorporation of the Egyptian market into DFDS's maritime network. At the time of its opening, the company explained that this was the first service of its kind between both markets in approximately a decade.
From Egypt, the route primarily channels products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, textiles, and other goods destined for the European market via Trieste. In the opposite direction, the traffic coming from Europe includes dairy, agricultural, and industrial products. DFDS positioned ro-ro transport from its launch as an alternative for time-sensitive goods, especially perishable products.
