Eurotunnel sells ferries to DFDS

Eurotunnel is selling two of the ships used in its MyFerryLink operation to DFDS after failing to win approval from the UK competition authorities to run both the channel tunnel and a ferry service.

It has agreed to sell the ferries Rodin and Berlioz to DFDS. It said it did not expect any opposition from the Competition and Markets Authority as the sale would lead to two maritime operators of equal importance on the route.

DFDS already operates services on the Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk routes. The other operator on the Dover-Calais route is P&O Ferries.

Eurotunnel is still hoping to keep the freight ferry Nord Pas de Calais. It said that to maintain its transport operations, it would ask the competition authorities to lift the current prohibition and to enable it to be operated in coordination with the Fixed Link.

Eurotunnel bought the three ships operated by SeaFrance after that company went into administration in January 2012. It set up the MyFerryLink operation to run alongside its channel tunnel business.

However, the CMA objected saying the move would give Eurotunnel an unfair competitive advantage on the Dover-Calais route.

As a result, in January, Eurotunnel said it was seeking a buyer for the business. The deal with DFDS is expected to be completed by 2nd July.

Source: logisticsmanager.com
Portal: logistik-express.com