Disruptions to Channel ferries due to strike in Calais

Ferry traffic from Calais to Dover is disrupted due to strikes in the French port.

Operators P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries and DFDS have cancelled, postponed or diverted departures due to a dispute over pension reforms.

P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries confirmed the reopening of their check-in services before midday, but said disruptions may continue due to ongoing strikes.

DFDS also confirmed that check-in at the port of Calais was reopened, but warned of waiting times of over an hour.

The Port of Dover said there may be delays to some services due to the strikes and said it expected the industrial action to last until midnight on Saturday.

Tourist John Nurden, on a sightseeing tour of Versailles, found his coach stuck in the queue at the port of Calais.

“There are 46 people on our bus and there are four buses ahead of us,” he said.

The strike came after World War II veterans travelled to northern France on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.

“We are angry but not surprised that French workers have decided to blockade the port today,” Mr Nurden added.

“Delays and disruptions”

Mr Nurden said his coach company had organised an alternative journey through the Channel Tunnel.

“Full credit goes to the bus company and the drivers who reacted so quickly to this measure – even if passport control takes forever,” he said.

“Every coach is checked thoroughly.”

Irish Ferries cancelled at least four departures and DFDS diverted all its services between Calais and Dover to Dunkirk, which is about 48 kilometres east of Calais.

Irish Ferries announced at around 7:00 a.m.: “Due to the port strikes in Calais on Friday, there are expected to be delays and disruptions to all sailings on the Dover-Calais route.”

“We will endeavour to place you on the next available crossing. We thank you for your patience.”

DFDS said: “The affected passengers should proceed to the port of Dunkirk where they will be rebooked and transferred to the next available ferry. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

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