Ferries throw lifeline to stranded air and rail passengers

Ferry services could offer the only hope for many passengers trying to get out of Britain to Europe and Ireland before Christmas.

All crossing are operating without significant delays in spite of the snow and ice, according to the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), and many have some spare capacity for those unable to get on flights or trains to the rest of Europe.

Ferry operators say are confident they can maintain a near-full service in the run up to Christmas.

However, due to disruption on the roads and rail services, the PSA urged passengers to check they are able to get to their nearest port before setting off. At least 10 rail operators across the country are experiencing delays and cancellations today.

"Our ferry company members are very experienced in continuing to provide scheduled services in testing weather conditions, and the snow and ice have, and are expected to have little effect on sailing schedules," said PSA director Bill Gibbons.

"People noticed how ferries came to the rescue in the ash cloud situation earlier this year, and it looks like ferries could also be welcome saviours this Christmas……just as long as passengers can get to their port of embarkation."

Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, SeaFrance and Stena Lines are all operating normally and all have spare capacity. Stena has added extra departures on Boxing Day. P&O has already carried 6,000 passengers between Dover and Calais this week.

DFDS Seaways is operating normally and has limited passenger space available pre-Christmas.

LD Lines has car and passengers space available on its ferry services between Portsmouth and Le Havre, Newhaven to Dieppe and Ramsgate to Ostend.

Irish Ferries has space available for all sailings to Ireland.

By Linsey McNeill