The government has signed agreements with 4 ferry operators to provide capacity equivalent to over 3,000 HGVs per week, mitigating the risk of disruption as the UK and EU adjust to new border processes at the end of the transition period. The contracts with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O and Stena, collectively worth £77.6 million, will focus on 9 routes serving 8 ports in areas less likely to experience disruption. These include Felixstowe, Harwich, Hull, Newhaven, Poole, Portsmouth, Teesport and Tilbury.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

As the transition period comes to an end, we’re putting the necessary measures in place to safeguard the smooth and successful flow of freight. Securing these contracts ensures that irrespective of the outcome of the negotiations, lifesaving medical supplies and other critical goods can continue to enter the UK from the moment we leave the EU. The contracts will be in place for up to 6 months after the end of the transition period.