Start of new Dover-Calais partnership between P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries to cut freight wait times by 25 per cent

FerryP&O Ferries are now running their ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route, meaning ships will always be fully loaded for freight at peak, allowing freight to clear the port up to 25 per cent faster. This is a material improvement for freight customers as they will be offered the next available departure when they arrive at the port on a first come first served principle, regardless of which company operates it.

The agreement also lowers the carbon footprint of the cross-Channel route by always fully loading P&O Ferries' fleet, including the two new hybrid vessels that are 40 per cent more efficient. Dover-Calais is the single largest commercial route servicing the UK and the Continent.

During the trial period, which began on 8 July, more than 12,000 freight vehicles were transferred between the two operators.

P&O Ferries Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite said: "Our 'Turn-up and Go' service with Irish Ferries promises our freight customers speedier, more efficient passages from Dover to Calais. 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. With this agreement and P&O Ferries' modern fleet, which includes two best in class hybrid vessels, we are setting a new benchmark for the industry – assuring faster and greener journeys and making the Dover-Calais route more competitive."

The space charter will initially serve freight customers and will eventually expand to include passengers, giving them greater choice over journey schedules, shorter port wait times, and fewer delays if they miss planned crossings, particularly during peak periods.

Aug 29 2024