Additional P&O boat movable on the English side for safety reasons

The UK shipping company said on Wednesday that additional P&O Ferris had landed for safety reasons, which could jeopardize the resumption of the Dover-Gallas route before the Easter weekend.

The Maritime and Coast Guard (MCA) explained that the ship ‘Spirit of Britain’ was not allowed to sail due to several security issues identified during the test.

“Britain’s spirit was detained because investigators have identified a number of deficiencies that led to the detention,” the MCA said without further details. “We have instructed P&O to call us back as soon as the issues are resolved. We do not know when that will be,” he added.

P&O stopped ferry services on its route between the port of Dover and Calais (northern France) after dismissing nearly 800 sailors on March 17. The latter were replaced by outsourced workers, mostly foreigners, who were paid less than the minimum wage, which angered British officials.

The company said crossings would be suspended soon until Good Friday (April 15), but the resumption could be delayed by the MCA’s decision.

Another ship, the “Pride of Kent”, which was used to build the Dover-Glass link, is immobile.

The suspension of these shortcuts by P&O Ferris has contributed to the recent development of long line trucks approaching Dover, the main cross-channel port on the English side. Traffic there is already complicated by new post-Brexit practices.

Asked by AFP, P&O confirmed that “after MCA inspections, Britain’s spirit will remain in its current port”.

The company pointed out that in recent days the MCA has considered the other two ships ‘European Causeway’ and ‘Pride of Hull’ to be safe to sail. “.

“We take the safety of our passengers and crew very seriously and hope that once all the mandatory safety checks are completed, all of our ships will welcome back tourists and cargo customers,” the statement said.