EMEA News
Ferry Operator: We Support the New ECA Rules, But Would Have Liked Some More Flexibility
P&O Ferries (P&O) says it would have liked some more flexibility over new Emissions Control Area (ECA) rules set to take effect from January 1, 2015, but nevertheless supports the new rules, English media reports.
"Ultimately this affects the whole of the industry in the English Channel and North Sea, and it's just something we have to get on with," added Chris Laming, Communications Director for P&O.
"We support the environmental demands of the new rules, but we would have liked some more flexibility from the European Union, which of course is imposing them."
From January 1, 2015, shippers in the English Channel, North and Baltic Seas will be required to burn fuel with a sulfur content lower than 0.10 percent, or use alternative methods to reduce sulfur oxides emissions to an equivalent level.
P&O said it was likely to raise peak sailing time fees on the popular Dover, England, to Calais, France, route by almost 30 percent.
"There's a 60 percent premium for the new marine fuel, but you can't really apply a percentage figure increase to the prices," said Laming.
"It is unfortunate that customers will have to pick up the tab."
Competitor DFDS has announced plans to halt certain of its European ferry routes and freight rate rises as a result of the new rules.
