Ferry companies help stimulate Dover economy

The fire in the Eurotunnel and the use of ferries to transfer cars and lorries from Britain to the continent has stimulated the economy and trade in Dover, it has been reported.

South-east news resource This is Kent noted that freight and regular passengers travelling between Dover and France had risen by 50 per cent since last Thursday when fires broke out down the Channel Tunnel, causing many ferry providers such as P&O to deal with additional transfers.

With Operation Stack in full force, where cars and lorries are parked along the M20 before releasing them via a ticketing system, Port of Dover's chief executive Bob Goldfield noted that the harbour was quick to respond to the "shortfall in cross-Channel capacity and have put on extra services".

He continued: "Between us we are confident we can provide a good service for everyone and customers should not be deterred from travelling."

Kent News added that ferry operators in Dover were organising extra buses at the coast to cope with Eurostar train passengers that were diverted at Calais.