Calais blockade disrupts Channel ferry services

Cross-Channel ferry services have been disrupted after a blockade at the Port of Calais by striking ferry workers.

Shipping movements at the northern French port were suspended due to industrial action, Port of Dover officials said. Operator DFDS Seaways said last night that its Malo Seaways vessel was waiting for permission to enter Calais and might have to be diverted to Dunkirk.

The Mayor of Calais Natacha Bouchart said she regretted that the port was being taken “hostage”.

P&O Ferries said the Calais port was closed due to action by former MyFerryLink staff, who staged wildcat strikes this summer. The blockade comes on a busy Bank Holiday weekend for ferry operators.