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Channel Tunnel disruption yields booming North Sea lorry traffic, says P&O

Channel Tunnel disruption yields booming North Sea lorry traffic, says P&O
North Sea ro-ro routes saw Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) traffic increases of up to 172% in July, following disruption at the channel tunnel, according to a report by P&O.

The company recorded a 172% year-on-year increase in HGVs on its Teesport to Zeebrugge route throughout the month of July, as well as an 84% y-o-y increase on Hull-Zeebrugge and 74% on its Tilbury-Zeebrugge route. A total of 2,518 HGVs travelled across the North Sea by P&O Ferry during the month.

Freight volumes remained inordinately high on Dover to Calais route as well, with 123,000 freight units crossing the English Channel.

"Importers and exporters who have previously crossed to the continent via the Channel tunnel are starting to look at longer routes from Teesport, Hull and Tilbury as a more reliable alternative,” said Janette Bell, P&O Ferries commercial director.

"As the British economy continues to grow, we expect to see more demand for services from Teesport, Hull and Tilbury."