DFDS announces deal to end summer-long chaos in Calais
Cross-Channel ferry operator DFDS has struck a deal with disgruntled MyFerryLink workers to end a long dispute that has disrupted services between Dover and Calais throughout the summer, including over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Under the deal, MyFerryLink ships the Berlioz and Rodin will be released to DFDS, which bought them from Eurotunnel. The ships had been occupied by MyFerryLink staff since they were sold in June.
For its part, DFDS has agreed to emplopy 202 former staff.
Depending when Eurotunnel is able to deliver the ships to DFDS, they will be redeployed during the second quarter of this year on the Dover to Calais route alongside Calais Seaways.
Senior vice president Carsten Jensen said: "This ends a long period of uncertainty for both our employees and our customers on the Channel as this agreement gives us the platform needed to create a sustainable ferry service on the Channel.
"It also means that we have an equal number of French and UK flagged ships on the Channel, making the service a truly Anglo-French partnership, which we believe is in everyone’s best interests."
Malo Seaways, which currently sails alongside Calais Seaways, will be deployed elsewhere in DFDS’ network.
DFDS will operate a total of six ferries out of Dover to Calais and Dunkirk, with three ferries on each route.
The deal was reached with the assistance of the French transport minister on Monday.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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