News / New bilateral ferry deals between UK and Europe will drive up ferry costs

Pride of Kent & Spirit of Britain in Dover Photo 131577034 © Hans Geel Dreamstime.com

European governments are negotiating bilateral agreements aimed at formalising pay and working conditions on board ferries between Europe and the UK, which will likely push up the cost of freight on a number of key routes.

With the chaotic events at P&O Ferries, UK trade unions have been in discussions with the Department for Transport which it is expected will see collective bargaining agreements (CBA) in place on key routes out of the UK.

These will benefit operators such as DFDS and Stena, ...