Graduate Programme – Shipping

DFDS Denmark; København; On-site; DKK 239,000 - 314,000; Full time

Job summary

DFDS is seeking highly motivated graduates to join the two-year DFDS Graduate Programme, commencing September 2027. You will rotate through Ferry Operations and Commercial streams, start at the Copenhagen headquarters, then undertake a mandatory international rotation at another European hub, followed by a tailored final rotation.

You will gain exposure to both the operational and commercial sides of our Ferry Division, contribute to sustainability and digitalisation efforts, and participate in

Qualifications

• Requires a relevant master’s degree completed by Sept 2027.
• Relevant experience from student jobs, internships, or exchange programmes is valued.
• Max two years of full-time work experience after master’s completion.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative team player with curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Complete three rotations across Ferry Division, starting in Copenhagen.
• Participate in an international rotation at an European hub.
• Engage with both operational and commercial sides of the Ferry Division.
• Benefit from mentorship and dedicated management during rotations.
• Join the Danish Shipping Education Programme with webinars and seminars.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Collaborative

Curious & proactive

International mindset

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for an opportunity where you can make an impact, shape decisions, and accelerate your career?

If so, we are looking for dedicated, curious, and highly motivated graduates to join the DFDS Graduate Programme starting in September 2027.

Be part of the movement - and play your part

About the role

The DFDS Graduate Programme is a two-year fast-track programme for recent graduates with an interest in and passion for the maritime industry.

During the programme, you will complete three rotations across different areas of our Ferry Division. You will begin at our headquarters in Copenhagen, followed by a mandatory international rotation at one of our European hubs. Your final rotation at our headquarters will be tailored to your skills, interests, and our business needs.

Throughout the programme, you will gain broad exposure to both the operational and commercial sides of our Ferry Division while building valuable industry knowledge and professional experience.

Ferry Operations offers broad end-to-end exposure with sustainability, standardisation, and digitalisation at the heart of everything we do.

Examples of interesting tasks could be to:

• Help design and develop the vessels of tomorrow, supporting our green transition through electrification, ammonia, and green methanol initiatives.

• Support the operation and maintenance of our fleet of more than 70 RoRo, RoPax, and passenger vessels, covering everything from dry dock planning to crisis management and contingency handling.

• Contribute to our standardisation and digitalisation journey across eight owned terminals and more than 20 third-party terminals, where safety remains our highest priority.

• Support fleet planning, equipment optimisation, and our intercontinental rail setup, connecting ferry and logistics operations across our network.

In the commercial part of our Ferry Division, you will work alongside colleagues across Europe, supporting both B2B and B2C markets.

Examples of interesting tasks could be to:

• Support local and global sales teams and assist with key account management, ensuring our network is successfully marketed and sold across regions.

• Drive continuous improvement in customer service and booking processes through standardisation and digitalisation initiatives.

• Collaborate with IT teams to enhance and optimise our digital customer offerings.

• Work with operational teams to optimise routes and vessel capacity to meet customer demand.

• Support revenue management activities, including pricing optimisation and commercial performance analysis.

Across all rotations, you will work closely with highly skilled colleagues and engage with customers, suppliers, and partners throughout the maritime value chain. To support your development, each rotation will include both a dedicated manager and a mentor who will help you successfully navigate your learning journey.

Alongside hands‑on experience at DFDS, you will participate in the Danish Shipping Education Programme, delivered by Danish Shipping. This programme consists of webinars, four seminars in Denmark, and one international seminar, covering key topics across the maritime industry.

About you

At DFDS, we believe the strongest teams are built on diversity, inclusion, and different perspectives. We are looking for candidates who:

• Have graduated from a relevant master’s degree by the start of the Graduate Programme in September 2027, preferably within maritime studies, supply chain, freight forwarding, logistics, sustainability, business, finance, engineering, or a related field.
• Have gained relevant experience through a student job, internship, exchange programme, or other extracurricular activities.
• Have no more than two years of full‑time professional experience after completing your master's degree.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Are collaborative team players who enjoy working with others and creating impact.
• Are curious, proactive, and eager to learn and develop professionally.
• Have an international mindset and are excited about working across cultures and locations.

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us

As part of the DFDS Graduate Programme, you will become part of a strong graduate network across the company and build valuable connections across our international business. We offer a steep learning curve, meaningful responsibility from day one, and three interesting rotations designed to accelerate your professional development.

No later than 30 November 2026

1. Why are you interested in joining the DFDS Graduate Programme?

2. How will the programme help kickstart your career?

3. How do you expect to contribute to the programme and DFDS?

4. What do you believe will be your biggest challenge(s) during the programme?

We look forward to hearing from you.