P&O ferries

UK-based operator P&O Ferries has recorded its highest ever freight volumes on the English Channel in 2015.

Freight transportation comprises two-thirds of P&O Ferries’ business. The ferry operator’s six ships transported 1,340,317 units of freight across the English Channel, an increase of 22% of freight transportation in the year.

About 367,000 units of freight were ferried across the English Channel between July and September accounting for a 30% increase in the same period last year.

P&O Ferries commercial director Janette Bell said: "The cross-Channel ferry business is a vital strategic link in the transport infrastructure of north-western Europe and these numbers illustrate that hundreds of thousands of firms rely on our services to import and export goods.

"We expect demand for cross-Channel transport to increase, driven by a rising population and the strength of the British economy. The vast majority of our freight customers are businesses transporting goods from continental Europe to Britain."

In September, it reportedly accounted for the maximum volume of freight transportation between Britain and France amounting to 129,500 units, up by 123,000 units achieved in July.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"Demand for cross-Channel transport is only going to increase, driven by a rising population and a recovering economy."

The augmentation in the volume of freight transportation was attributed to P&O Ferries’s incorporation of an additional vessel and additional sailings on the Dover to Calais route.

P&O Ferries chief executive said: "Demand for cross-Channel transport is only going to increase, driven by a rising population and a recovering economy.

"We have increased the number of sailings we make between Dover and Calais to 58 a day and brought a sixth ship back into service on the route in order to make sure that we are best placed to meet that demand."

The report came close on heels of high tourist transportation in August across the English Channel.


Image: A P&O ferry. Photo: courtesy of Port of Dover.