As a commercial operation, the Lauritzen Foundation is the parent of the shipping companies J. Lauritzen (wholly owned) and DFDS (36% holding), as well as the private limited company LF Investment (formerly Vesterhavet A/S and J. Lauritzen Holding A/S). LF Investment has holdings in companies in the oil analysis, measuring equipment, software, biotechnology and real estate sectors.
J. Lauritzen A/S
Since its establishment in 1884, J. Lauritzen A/S (JL) has been active across a broad range of segments within international shipping. Today JL encompasses:
- Lauritzen Bulkers – ocean transport of dry bulk cargoes
- Lauritzen Kosan – ocean transport of liquefied petroleum gases, including petrochemical gasses
- Lauritzen Tankers – ocean transport of oil products, ranging from vegetable oils to petroleum products and chemicals
- Lauritzen Offshore Services – provision of shuttle tankers and accommodation and dynamically positioned (DP) support vessels for the offshore industry
JL fleet
JL owns and operates a large, diversified and modern fleet, which is under expansion with a considerable number of newbuildings. This will ensure JL’s ability to continuously meet both customers’ transport requirements at competitive terms and the most stringent safety and environmental requirements.
DFDS A/S
The DFDS Group operates a leading European sea-based transport network based on 60 ships. The network comprises operation of ro-ro freight ships, container ships, passenger cruise ferries and combined freight and passenger ships. Furthermore, DFDS operates a number of large port terminals for freight and passengers as well as trailer activities in connection with the company's route network.
DFDS was established in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen and employs 4,000 staff in 14 countries in northern Europe. DFDS is listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.
In 2009 DFDS acquired Norfolkline, meaning the DFDS Group will offer the largest sea-based transport network in northern Europe. Norfolkline has 18 ships and 2,200 employees.