The Port of Calais has closed due to industrial action that began early this morning (23 June) leading to suspension of ferry services and delays to Eurotunnel freight traffic.
Freight drivers using the Eurotunnel between France and the UK this morning faced delays of up to four hours due to industrial action by workers of ferry operator MyFerryLink.
DFDS Seaways and P&O ferry services have also been affected. DFDS Seaways services are still running to Dunkerque as normal, and Calais Seaways have been diverted to Dunkerque.
Migrants waiting to find routes across to the UK have been attempting to breach the Eurotunnel perimeter this morning, while access to the tunnel has been partially blocked by striking port workers.
Lorry driver Chris Cary tweeted a picture of what appears to be a burning blockade, obstructing his route to the ferry and rail terminals. He tweeted that 400 lorries had been queuing for the Eurotunnel, and he was still waiting for his ferry booking that was due to have left at 4.45am.
The strike is believed to be in objection to the restructuring of the MyFerryLink terminal at Calais, Reuters reported.
A spokesperson from Eurotunnel said: 'The Port of Calais is closed and the Eurotunnel access partially blockaded by port workers.
'Consequently, traffic on the A16 motorway is severely disrupted and there is significant migrant activity in the area, including attempts to breach the Eurotunnel perimeter.
'Eurotunnel is therefore operating a disrupted timetable whilst the blockade on the motorway is resolved.Our service is currently running withfour departures per hour.'
Eurotunnel said its capacity protection measures have been activated in order to prioritise the service for regular customers, but encouraged customers to reorganise Channel crossings to avoid travelling today if possible.
Freight drivers heading to Dover have been warned of heavy congestion around the port, and have been told to use the M20.
A spokesperson for the Port of Dover said: “Customers are advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely in liaison with our ferry partners and the Port of Calais in order to resume normal operations as soon as possible.”
There may be delays to services when the Port of Calais re-opens, the Port of Dover said.
