UK-France ferry firms aim to expand time-saving deal from freight to cars
Agreement between two major operators cuts port waiting times by 25%
The ‘load and go’ space-charter agreement allows transporters to load their freight onto the next available ferry from P&O and Irish Ferries
Ben Gingell/Shutterstock
A deal between two of the biggest cross-channel ferry operators has come into effect with the aim of reducing port waiting times by 25% for freight services. The operators say they intend to extend the system to cars at a later date.
P&O and Irish Ferries struck the ‘load and go’ space-charter agreement in May. It allows transporters to load their freight onto the next available ferry from either operator.
In a statement, P&O CEO Peter Hebblethwaite confirmed that it was his company's ultimate aim to “extend the deal to passenger traffic” on the Dover to Calais route.
“This is a material step forward on previous space charters, ensuring that capacity is fully utilised, reducing port congestion and minimising the carbon impact of the cross-Channel route.”
Mr Hebblethwaite did not give any timescale for the system to be implemented for passenger traffic.
However, the 25% reduction in port waiting times comes as a momentary reprieve from the long waiting times that are widely feared to happen when the EU’s new Entry/Exit border checks (EES) come into force on November 10.
Read more: Q&A with Normandy Ports director on new EU border plans
Between July 8 and August 29, when the deal came into full effect, P&O and Irish Ferries operated a trial of the deal, which saw them transport around 12,000 vehicles between them.
