The Copenhagen-quoted ferry operator on Fridayused a regulatory filing to combat widespread uncertainty surrounding contractsfor the construction of two ro-ros that were shredded in September of last yearbut glued back together soon after.
“With reference to articles in the press DFDS can confirmthat negotiations with the German shipyard P+S Werften GmbH, Stralsund,concerning the construction of two freight ships are ongoing,” it toldinvestors Friday. “The offered price of the two newbuildings is EUR 84m.
“The newbuilding contracts have yet to be finalised and,if signed, will moreover be subject to a number of conditions. More informationwill be released once all conditions for the contracts have been met.”
DFDS ordered the ro-ro duo in 2010 foraround DKK 1bn ($173m) but pulled the plug on the back of delays when thecounterparty filed for bankruptcy. At the time, it blasted the yard forbreaching what it described as “several contract terms”.
In other news, media outlets in Europeclaim the company is overhauling its UK ferry business. Several high-ranking managersare believed to be stepping down and a spokesman says the group intends tooperate “as a single organisation” in the region when streamlining efforts arecompleted.
