Over the weekend, the Port of Dover and its three major ferry operators provided emergency assistance in getting stranded Tunnel passengers across the Channel. The Port continued to maximise available capacity for the additional traffic whilst maintaining a first class service for customers already heading to Europe’s busiest ferry port. Nearly 35% extra traffic resulted in increased ferry services over the weekend to cope with the stranded travellers.
Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s Chief Executive, believes the Port reacted in very quick time to assist the hundreds of passengers and freight vehicles caught in the Eurotunnel problems:
“Despite the increased number of customers heading through the Port, we succeeded, along with our ferry partners, in providing a safe and reliable service to help those passengers frustrated with their travel issues. Our staff embraced the challenge and passengers have expressed their appreciation of the extra effort made to keep them informed. We were happy to help those who passed through the Port and hope we managed to rescue travel and commercial plans.”
As Europe’s busiest ferry port, Dover is used to handling large volumes of traffic heading across the shortest route between the UK and mainland Europe.