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Strike now over after ferry services from Dover to Calais affected

Ferry services to Calais are getting back to normal after industrial action from Calais Chamber of Commerce staff.

There were earlier no services on either DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries or MyFerryLink.

But now the Port of Calais has reopened, and sailings from Dover are getting back to normal.

Delays and cancellations are still possible on some services.

MyFerryLink leaving the Port of Dover
MyFerryLink leaving the Port of Dover

It follows a strike this morning by staff at MyFerryLink, after owner Eurotunnel announced the firm would pull out of the Dover to Calais route.

Speaking on the MyFerryLink action, Eurotunnel press spokesman John Keefe said: "The Group, which regrets that the SCOP SeaFrance has not had the support it needed to be able to present a takeover proposal, confirms that it holds a binding offer from DFDS for a let to buy sale of the ferries, Rodin and Berlioz."

DFDS has submitted a binding offer with an effective date of Thursday, July 2 based on terms and conditions agreed with Eurotunnel.

It is not known how much DFDS has offered to pay out, and the ferry firm has declined to comment at this time.

A statement from Eurotunnel said this step gives the "best solution possible" with regard to maintaining employment and preventing travel disruption.

He said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) should not oppose the completion of the sale as it allows two leading operators to dominate the Dover to Calais route.

He said: "With this sale, the Eurotunnel Group will ensure that the activity remains in Calais, a situation which was not achieved when the SeaFrance Moliere was sold by its owner, Le Credit Lyonnais, to be operated in the Irish Sea.

"The Eurotunnel Group, after having supported this activity for three years, hopes that all those involved will support MyFerryLink in a responsible manner through this transition which has been imposed upon it."

The chief executive at the Port of Dover, Tim Waggott, said: “While we await the detail of what has been agreed, our immediate thoughts are with those directly affected.

The Port of Dover said it will endeavour to keep the town moving in light of the news that DFDS Seaways aims to buy MyFerryLink's vessels
The Port of Dover said it will endeavour to keep the town moving in light of the news that DFDS Seaways aims to buy MyFerryLink's vessels

"As the port continues to experience significant growth in freight volumes following a record-breaking year, our ongoing priority must be to ensure that we keep Dover, the port and the UK economy moving.

“Albeit that the nature and any implications of the deal are beyond the port’s direct control, we will of course do as much as we can to support our customers and community in responding positively to the latest chapter for the ferry services operating from our port.

"We will continue to accelerate work on our Traffic Management Improvement project to provide 4km of additional capacity for freight vehicles within the port.

"We are also moving forward with our flagship Dover Western Docks Revival project that will create 600 new jobs with significant employment opportunities for local people.”

MyFerryLink is advising passengers travelling from Dover to Calais to check in as normal while alternative arrangements are made.


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