DFDS and C PORTS, a subsidiary of Cobelfret, have signed a 25-year agreement with Port of Gothenburg to operate its ro-ro terminal through a joint-venture company.

The deal is part of a programme to part-privatise the port through the establishment of three separate terminal operating companies.

When the concession agreement comes into effect, in January next year, the DFDS and C Ports JV will take over 320 employees and all customer contracts at the port's ro-ro terminal.

Quays and infrastructure will remain under municipal ownership, while private operators will take over cargo handling operations.

CEO of Port of Gothenburg, Magnus Kårestedt, said: "We had interest from several large international companies in the port and shipping sector during a competitive bidding process, but the clear winner was DFDS and C PORTS."