Three years after Brexit took full effect, the cross-Channel freight business hasn’t collapsed, but it hasn’t returned to normal either. For ferry operator DFDS, it’s about adjusting to what Sanne Thomsen calls “a new normal” — one weighed down by bureaucracy but steady in demand.
Brexit created a mountain of uncertainty, and the early days were anything but smooth sailing. Companies rushed to move goods before the transition, resulting in temporary spikes in freight, followed by steep drops. That volatility has evened out, but the mix of cargo and the rhythm of logistics have permanently shifted.
“We saw a steep rise in freight volumes right up to Brexit, but then they plummeted,” said Sanne Thomsen, Route Director at DFDS Esbjerg. “There was a quiet period, but now we’re back on track. Our vessels are full, just with a slightly different cargo composition.”
The paperwork is where the impact really hits home. Gone are the days of frictionless trade between Denmark and the UK. Today, every shipment comes with a checklist, forms, and increasingly complex customs protocols. The recent rollout of Denmark’s DMS Eksport and upcoming DMS Import systems underscore how navigating compliance is a constantly moving target.
“It just never seems to end,” said Thomsen, noting that system incompatibility and IT delays often slow delivery and service levels. She highlights that companies with early investments in logistics expertise and customs systems are coping best.
Even with these complications, British demand for Danish goods hasn’t vanished. Butter, bacon, and furniture still make the crossing, with some categories like furniture and interiors even bouncing back in recent months.
To meet the growing administrative demand, DFDS has bolstered its Esbjerg operations team from 9 to 14 staff. A newly formed Border Compliance team now handles customs documentation and liaises directly with Danish Customs to prevent delays and manage daily compliance needs.
“We have a great responsibility,” said Thomsen. “We look after an important border for goods between the EU and the UK.”
Still, don’t expect a fleet expansion anytime soon. Despite steady cargo volumes, the company isn’t planning to add capacity on the Esbjerg-Immingham route unless demand jumps significantly. For now, extra sailings during peak seasons like Christmas will suffice.
Larger vessels remain off the table. The cost of keeping idle ships ready is too high unless traffic sees sustained growth. Until then, DFDS continues to refine operations, managing the red tape and moving freight, one customs form at a time.
“We’ve found a new normal, but we’re also aware that new requirements and systems are constantly being introduced. Brexit is not a completed process – we’re continuously adapting,” says Sanne Thomsen.
