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Health and safety

France curbs ferry traffic with reduced cross channel services

25 March 2020

The French government has suspended all non-regular passenger vessels carrying more than 100 passengers across the English Channel and the North Sea until April 15.

The decree applies to services to the Mediterranean island of Corsica and France's overseas territories in the Caribbean, Saint Pierre et Miquelon off Canada and Wallis et Futuna in the Pacific.

Cross Channel ferry operators have maintained their England to France ferry operations but with drastic reductions in services in response to the restrictions.

Brittany Ferries has cancelled some services between Portsmouth, France and Spain. Sailings between Portsmouth and Caen on Mont St Michel and Normandie will continue as normal for passengers and for freight.

Ships serving routes connecting Spain with the UK will continue to sail. However, they will only carry passengers who must return home, therefore offering a lifeline-only service for British and Spanish for whom travel is essential. Freight will continue to be carried as normal.

DFDS has reduced by 50% the number of passengers on its Newhaven – Dieppe, Dover – Calais and Dover – Dunkirk crossings at least until April 6. Reservations remain open both for passengers and freight with confined accommodation for a maximum of 100 passengers at a time. Masks will be available on board.

P&O Ferries is not imposing restrictions on passenger volumes, but is 'minimising risks', intensifying cleansing operations and not using air-conditioning in its vessels.

 


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