Irish Ferries announced the new England-France route Dover-Calais, the company's first foray into Britain to France market.
According to Irish Ferries, as a result of the new service, hauliers would now have "the option of using a single ferry firm connecting France, the UK, and Ireland." The additional service would “significantly strengthen the capacity and reliability of the landbridge for exporters and importers”.
“This will allow exporters and importers easier, cheaper, and quicker access to our European markets via the Common Transit Convention.”
Currently, just 2 ferry companies (P&O and DFDS) run services out of Dover to ports in Normandy France, one of the UK’s key trade arteries.
Doug Bannister (Port Dover's CEO) said the deal was a “clear signal of market confidence” in the route.
At the beginning of 2021, attention was focused on Dover to see how it would cope with the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU. Despite initial problems, largely connected to perishable foods, the customs route largely held up despite regulations.