DFDS is understood to be among a number of European shipowners linked to the sale of Poland’s state-owned Polferries.

DFDS spokesperson Gert Jakobsen said the company would not comment on speculation about its interest in the Polferries, but said earlier comments made by the company about being a major contributor to the consolidation of the North European ro-ro sector were still true.

The Danish operator has also had a long-standing relationship with Polferries, co-operating on one of the Polferries’ Sweden-Poland routes. DFDS acquired Norfolklines from AP Moller-Maersk for $496m at the end of last year.

AP Moller-Maersk and Scandlines have also been reported as showing interest in the Polferries sale.

Polferries operates four vessels, all built between 1978 and 1991, on routes between Poland and either Denmark or Sweden. As well as passenger and ferry services, the company also manages the Gdansk ferry terminals and operates a number of tourism companies.

Source: Lloyds List, February 2010