DFDS Eyes Eurotunnel’s Ferry Duo

Copenhagen-based shipping company DFDS says that it has submitted a binding offer to Eurotunnel for the charter or purchase of two Ro-Pax ferries.

As informed, the two vessels are sister ferries 1,500-gt Rodin, built in 2001 and the 2005-built Berlioz, servicing the English Channel.

The duo was owned by MyFerryLink and was sold to Eurotunnel in 2012.

According to DFDS, the bidding offer is effective as of 2 July 2015 based on terms and conditions agreed with Eurotunnel.

The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) banned Eurotunnel from operating ferries from Dover.

According to CMA’s original ruling, Eurotunnel’s acquisition of SeaFrance back in June 2012 constituted a merger, and not a mere purchase of ships. CMA blocked Eurotunnel from operating the Dover-Calais ferry route for a period of ten years.

France’s Groupe Eurotunnel SA said it has decided to look for a buyer for its MyFerryLink business after the U.K.’s Competition Appeal Tribunal upheld the Competition and Markets Authority’s decision.

However in the latest turn of events, MyFerryLink won a permission from the U.K.’s Court of Appeal to contest CMA’s ban challenging their jurisdiction over the case.

World Maritime News Staff