P&O Ferries looking to Ostend to avoid future French blockades

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P&O Ferries bosses are considering using the Belgian port of Ostend in future, should further disruption be caused by protesting French fishermen.

The company had the ferry Pride of Dover sail to Ostend this morning (Thursday) for berthing trials, to see whether two of their boats could be accommodated there.  However there are no plans to quit the port of Calais permanently, but patience has been wearing thin during the latest two day blockade. 

French fishermen have been protesting against EU fishing quotas, and blocked access to ports at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer.  The action has caused massive disruption around channel ports for both freight and holiday traffic, although the latest protest seems to be over following an offer of state aid from the French government.

Blockades were lifted during Wednesday night, except at the port of Boulogne, and it is understood that P&O are preparing a claim for £1 million in compensation.

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