CLdN's history goes back to 1929 and is deeply connected with that of Cobelfret – a global leader in the bulk shipping sector. In 2011 the two activities started operating as independent entities with CLdN focusing on short sea shipping, ports and multimodal transport.
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1929
Dieschburg & Cigrang, later renamed as Cigrang Frères, is established as a commodity trading company in Antwerp.
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1939
The shipping company Compagnie Belge d'Affrètements (with cable address: COBELFRET) is founded.
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1965
First RoRo services start between Antwerp and Harwich with Cobelfret acting as agent. The company takes over the line fully in 1974.
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1978
Start-up of door-to-door cargo service.
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1991
CLdN starts a Zeebrugge-Purfleet line and acquires the Purfleet terminal on the river Thames the following year.
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1995
CLdN fleet expansion with the order of Kawasaki class RoRo vessels.
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1999
Gothenburg service starts, initially focusing on the transport of forestry products. Container line started between Belgium and Ireland, initially as a Lo-Lo service.
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2000-2010
Further fleet expansion with investment in Kyokuyo, ConRo and Humbermax class vessels.
CLdN grows port infrastructure, taking (increased) ownership of Zeebrugge, Killingholme, Purfleet, Rotterdam and Vlissingen terminals.
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2003
First automotive shipments start from Vlissingen terminal.
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2008
Ireland service shifts to RoRo.
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2011
CLdN established as a separate entity, headquartered in Luxembourg.
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2013
CLdN services to / from Portugal (Leixoes) start.
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2016
CLdN services to / from Spain (Santander) start.
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2017-2019
Major fleet expansion with delivery of 4 H5 class vessels (5,000 lm) and 2 G9 class vessels (8,000 lm) built and delivered. Two further hybrid G9s were delivered in 2025.
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2021-2022
CLdN becomes leader in its peer group for fleet CO2 efficiency. Delivery of new LNG H5s – Seraphine and Faustine.
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2022
Acquisition of Seatruck Ferries in the UK, adding to CLdN’s offering on the Irish Sea.
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2024
Acquisition of Distriport terminal in Rotterdam.
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2025
Arrival of our newest G9e class hybrid vessels, MV Chaumine & MV Leonine.
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