Baleària takes over Armas Trasmediterránea – DFDS takes over Ferries in the Strait of Gibraltar

A historic upheaval in the Spanish ferry market

The Spanish ferry market is facing one of the biggest changes in its history: shipping company Baleària is taking over a large part of Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea’s business. The agreement covers ferry services, ships, ports and employees in the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Algeria and the Alboran Sea. In addition, operations through the Strait of Gibraltar will be reallocated – DFDS will secure access to parts of the route network and will also take over ships and terminal rights.

Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea, a shipping company that has been sailing in difficult economic waters, has continued to consolidate its activities in recent years. With the division now agreed between Baleària and DFDS, the long-established shipping company is withdrawing from many core areas. The sale will take place via the holding company Bahía de las Isletas SL.

What does the deal mean for Baleària?

The takeover is a huge growth step for Baleària. With access to the former Armas routes in the Canary Islands, between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa and in the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean), the shipping company is significantly expanding its network. The overland transportation business is also being taken over, making Baleària an even more comprehensive mobility provider. At the same time, the company gains access to several modern Ferries, existing terminal infrastructure and port rights.

For passengers and freight customers, this means more stability, modernized processes and, in the long term, an expansion of services on routes in high demand – especially around the Canary Islands.

What is DFDS taking over?

While Baleària takes over the majority of Armas’ activities, DFDS concentrates on the strategically important traffic through the Strait of Gibraltar. The Danish shipping company takes over two Ferries, including the fast ferry Villa de Agaete and the Volcán de Tamasite, and secures terminals and concessions in the ports of Algeciras, Ceuta and Tangier Med. The existing cargo ship capacity on the Algeciras – Tangier Med route is also strengthened by an increased stake in the RoRo ship EOS.

DFDS has only been active in this market since 2024 – according to the company, its entry was extremely successful. The assets now acquired will be used to significantly improve the offering for passengers and freight customers.

Voices on the takeover

The companies involved are satisfied. Sergio Vélez, CEO of Armas Trasmediterránea, spoke of an important step towards securing the future and the successful completion of a restructuring process. Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària, sees the deal as a historic opportunity to create a strong, locally anchored ferry company that can also compete with large international groups.

DFDS also emphasized the strategic importance: The company was positively surprised by the growth of the market in the Strait of Gibraltar – the two acquired Ferries and terminals offered an ideal complement to its own service.

Future prospects: A consolidated market – less competition?

This takeover will probably make Baleària the largest ferry operator in Spain. At the same time, the market is continuing to consolidate: the Armas Group, once the second largest provider, is giving up large parts of its business. The hope for travelers is that this concentration will not lead to higher prices – but will actually bring improvements thanks to more efficient structures and sustainable fleets.

Summary of the acquisition at a glance

Go to Baleària:

• Routes: Canary Islands, Spanish mainland routes, Algeria, Alboran Sea
• Including: ships, concessions, terminals, employees, land transportation
• Ferries: Volcán de Teno, Volcán de Tamadaba, Villa Tazacorte, Juan J Sister, Volcán de Tinamar, Volcán de Timanfaya, Almariya, Volcán de Tindaya, etc.
• Ports: e.g. Tenerife, Arrecife, Cádiz, Melilla, Motril, Almería, La Gomera, Nador
• Turnover for these routes in 2024: around EUR 420 million

Go to DFDS:

• Routes in the Strait of Gibraltar
• Ferries: Volcán de Tamasite, Villa de Agaete
• Terminals: Algeciras, Ceuta, Tangier Med
• Participation in RoRo ship EOS for freight
• Revenue 2024 on these routes: around EUR 66 million

Still outstanding:

• Approval of the Spanish competition authority (CNMC)
• Completion expected in the course of 2025

Frequently asked questions about the takeover of Armas Trasmediterránea by Baleària and DFDS

🛳️ What does the takeover mean for travelers?

Travelers can look forward to more stability, modernized processes and a larger route network – especially in the Canary Islands and between Spain and North Africa.

🔁 What happens to existing bookings with Armas?

As soon as the deal is finalized, there will be transitional arrangements. According to current information, existing bookings will either be taken over or rebooked flexibly. Official information will follow after approval by the competition authority.

🇪🇸 Will Baleària now become Spain’s largest provider?

Yes, with the integration of the Armas routes and ships, Baleària has become the largest ferry operator in Spain – both in terms of the fleet and the regions served.

🗺️ Which routes does DFDS take on exactly?

DFDS concentrates on the connections through the Strait of Gibraltar – i.e. Algeciras – Ceuta and Algeciras – Tangier Med.

🚢 Will ships be decommissioned?

It is currently not known whether any ships will be decommissioned. The ships that have been taken over are to remain in service for the time being – either under a new flag or with adjustments to the range.

📆 When will the deal be finalized?

The deal is expected to be completed in the course of 2025, subject to approval by the Spanish competition authority (CNMC).