The European Commission has approved DP World's $695m takeover of Danish short-sea line Unifeeders.
It concluded that the proposed deal would raise no competition concerns as it "would have a limited impact on the structure of the markets for the provision of container terminals services and of short-sea shipping services."
The sale by private equity house Nordic Capital was announced in August.
Unifeeders saw it as a long-term strategic move by the Dubai-based port operator.
It is thought to be DP's first container shipowning venture.
However, it is the owner of both P&O Ferries and P&O Ferrymaster.
The transaction marked the fourth exit deal by Nordic Capital in the past year.
It had owned Unifeeder since 2013.
The line has grown to be one of the largest players in the sector thanks to increased volumes into commercial feeder markets and sustained high growth in its shortsea business.
