Strike Hits Port of Calais

A strike by workers at France’s Port of Calais has reportedly closed down three out of four of the port’s berths, causing delays of up to 90 minutes in ferry departures to the U.K.’s Port of Dover.

P&O Ferries has informed that they are experiencing industrial action at the port of Calais and their services are subject to severe disruption.

The company has advised passengers that it has been warned about possible disruption to ferry services into Calais today ‘‘due to threatened industrial action in the French port. It is unclear how severely services may be affected as the Port of Calais does intend to keep a number of berths open for use throughout the day. However, Calais port authorities are warning there may be less berths than usual and, if so, that will lead to delays and cancellations.”

The strike is a response to possible job cuts at the port, and is scheduled to end at 9.40 PM local time, although there is a possibility that the strike could be prolonged, all depending on the outcome of the current negotiations between staff unions and the Nord Pas de Calais region officials, the owner of the port.

World Maritime News Staff