P&O Ferries agrees deal with cross-Channel rival to reduce queues at Dover

Rival cross-Channel operators P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries have signed a passenger sharing deal aimed at reducing queues at Dover.

Tourists arriving at the Kent port will be able to board the next available crossing to Calais from either operator regardless of which one they are booked on to.

It is hoped that the arrangement will mean shorter waiting times at a port that become highly congested at holiday peaks or when there is disruption with queues stretching out of the town.

The agreement comes ahead of the start of a new post-Brexit EU entry systems requiring biometric information that has led to warnings of waits of up to 14 hours “in a worst case scenario.”

The arrangement will start with freight only before being extended to passengers.

P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite said: “P&O Ferries is determined to give our customers the best possible service and enable them to reach their destination faster.

“Our Dover-Calais customer satisfaction ratings are the highest they’ve been for five years and we have seen the positive impact of steps we have already taken to make the ferry option better, faster and more flexible. Our new space charter agreement will help us continue that journey.

“We are charting a course for the future of ferry travel. With P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, including two revolutionary hybrid vessels, we are setting a new standard and ensuring that our customers enjoy a journey that’s faster, greener and more enjoyable. We are looking forward to welcoming millions more travellers onboard our ships this summer.”