French workers in financial battle after ex-SeaFrance ferries finally reach DFDS

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The two ferries at the centre of protests over the summer at the port of Calais have finally been handed to the buyer, DFDS. But the Rodin and Berlioz must now go in for repairs, as striking ferry workers caused significant damage – cutting seats, drawing graffiti, using emergency slides and, reportedly, drinking the bars dry. There is now something of a financial tit-for-tat: the operator of MyFerryLink, SCOP SeaFrance, owes €22m for the late delivery of the ships, as well as repairs. But MyFerryLink owes SCOP €3.5m for the balance of the sale of the vessels. While there will be some relief that this part of the dispute is over, no doubt the financial battle will continue for some time.