P&O Ferries’ English Channel Ships Go Into Overdrive

UK-based ferry operator P&O Ferries carried more freight across the English Channel in the first three months of the year than in any first quarter in its modern history.

The ferry and logistics company’s six ships on the Dover-Calais route transported 361,100 lorries during January, February and March.

This figure was almost 11 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016 and nine per cent higher than the previous best ever Q1 in 2012.

P&O Ferries also set individual monthly freight records in January, February and March respectively, the company said.

Janette Bell, Managing Director of P&O Ferries, said: “Our performance during Q1 shows just how many businesses across Europe rely – either directly or indirectly – on the services we provide. We expect demand for cross-Channel transport to increase, driven by a rising population and the continuing strength of the British economy. It is essential for our customers from all parts of Europe that maintaining secure, safe and efficient passage through the ports of Dover and Calais is a priority for both sides negotiating Britain’s departure from the European Union.”

During the quarter, two of P&O Ferries’ English Channel ships – the Pride of Canterbury and the Pride of Burgundy – spent several weeks each in Poland’s Remontowa shipyard for life extension work. Both vessels, which weigh up to 30,000 tons, have now been relaunched and are back in service.