DFDS Announced as Diamond Sponsor for Maritime UK Awards 2025

Maritime UK is proud to announce DFDS as a Diamond Sponsor for the Maritime UK Awards 2025, taking place on 26 June 2025 in Dover.

The Maritime UK Awards are the UK maritime sector’s flagship national awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of the individuals, businesses and organisations driving the industry forward. With the sector generating over £116 billion for the UK economy and supporting over 1.1 million jobs, the awards shine a spotlight on the innovation, leadership, and impact across shipping, ports, engineering, leisure marine, and maritime services.

This year’s awards are being held in Dover, one of the UK’s most iconic coastal gateways – and home to DFDS, one of Europe’s leading ferry and logistics companies. 2025 marks a major milestone for DFDS as the company celebrates 25 years of its Dover–Dunkirk route, a critical link for trade and travel between the UK and mainland Europe.

As a long-standing contributor to the UK maritime landscape, DFDS’s sponsorship underscores its commitment to supporting the sector’s growth, sustainability, and future success.

Chris Shirling-Rooke, Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said:

"We are thrilled to have DFDS on board as a Diamond Sponsor for this year’s Maritime UK Awards. As a vital part of the Dover community and a leader in maritime transport and logistics, DFDS represents everything our awards are about – resilience, innovation, and connection. Celebrating 25 years of the Dover–Dunkirk route makes this year’s event even more meaningful, and we’re delighted to be marking that milestone together."

Gemma Griffin MBE, Vice President & Head of Global Crewing for DFDS said:

“The Maritime UK awards are a unique opportunity to showcase our industry and the talented, skilled seafarers working in the maritime sector. As co-sponsor of the awards, which will be held onboard one of our UK-flagged ships at Dover, we are looking forward to celebrating UK seafarers, including colleagues on our Channel routes who provide a fantastic service for almost four million freight drivers and tourist passengers who travel with DFDS on these routes each year. These celebrations are extra special for us, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of our Dover to Dunkirk service.”

With preparations underway, Maritime UK looks forward to welcoming industry leaders, changemakers, and innovators to Dover this June for a night that celebrates the very best of UK maritime.