Finance
DSV eyes lower freight rates, but port pressures as Red Sea routes resume
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 4, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Summary
DSV predicts lower freight rates as Red Sea routes resume, impacting port pressures. Maersk resumes transit, with DSV's Schenker integration by 2026.
DSV Anticipates Lower Freight Rates Amid Red Sea Route Resumption
Impact of Red Sea Route Resumption on Freight Rates
By Louise Rasmussen
Shipping Companies' Strategies
COPENHAGEN, Feb 4 (Reuters) - DSV, the world's largest freight forwarder, said on Wednesday that a resumption of transit through the Red Sea should push freight rates down but could also add pressure on ports.
DSV's Financial Performance
Shipping companies are weighing a return to the critical Asia-Europe trade corridor after vessels were rerouted around Africa in late 2023 following attacks from Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea.
Future Projections and Integration Plans
"That will free up some capacity obviously if you get the transit time reduced quite a bit," Chief Financial Officer Michael Ebbe told an investor call. He added that this would put pressure on freight rates.
"Though it remains to be seen if everybody of the carriers will start to reroute again, I think that will put some temporary pressure on some of the ports in Europe," Ebbe added.
Shipping group Maersk said on Tuesday it would resume some transit routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal this month under its shared services network with Hapag-Lloyd.
SCHENKER INTEGRATION SEEN FINALISED BY END 2026
DSV expects global air and sea freight volumes to increase around 2% to 3% this year, in line with or slightly lower than global GDP forecasts.
The company posted fourth-quarter operating profit before special items of 5.59 billion Danish crowns ($884.38 million), just below analysts' average estimate of 5.64 billion crowns in a company-provided poll.
It forecast a full-year operating profit before special items of 23 billion to 25.5 billion crowns and proposed a dividend for 2025 of 7 crowns per share.
DSV said it now expected to complete the integration of German rival DB Schenker by the end of this year. It had previously expected the integration to run until the end of 2028.
Shares in DSV were up 1.8% at 1133 GMT, reversing course after falling as much as 3.3% earlier.
($1 = 6.3208 Danish crowns)
(Reporting by Louise Rasmussen. Editing by Anna Ringstrom and Mark Potter)
Key Takeaways
- •DSV expects lower freight rates with Red Sea route resumption.
- •Port pressures anticipated due to route changes.
- •Maersk resumes transit through Red Sea and Suez Canal.
- •DSV's integration with DB Schenker to complete by 2026.
- •DSV forecasts modest growth in global freight volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions about DSV eyes lower freight rates, but port pressures as Red Sea routes resume
1What is freight rate?
Freight rate is the charge levied by a carrier for the transportation of goods. It can vary based on distance, weight, and type of service.
2What is the Red Sea route?
The Red Sea route is a maritime passage that connects Europe and Asia, historically significant for trade and shipping.
3What is DSV?
DSV is a global transport and logistics company, recognized as one of the largest freight forwarders in the world.
4What is a shipping company?
A shipping company is a business that provides transportation services for goods via sea, air, or land.
