The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have refused to release the ferry the SPIRIT OF BRITAIN, citing several deficiencies on the vessel grounds for detention. The MCA has stated that they have advised P&O to invite them back for inspections after sorting out the vessel’s problems. This is yet another blow to the already struggling P&O ferries as it wrestles with 8 of its ferries in detention and faces heat from the public, unions, and the government for its mass firing of almost 800 employees on March 17th.
The SPIRIT OF BRITAIN sailed from Dover to Calais. Another vessel of theirs, the PRIDE OF KENT, which also plied the same route, has also failed an inspection, and it too remains under detention. This has made it difficult for people to find transportation across this route. P&O has started recommending their competitor DFDS to the passengers in need of transportation. Trucks seeking to cross the English channel have reported long backups at Dover. The problem on this route is further compounded by the National Union of Rail and Maritime Transport Workers (RMT) organizing a boycott at Dover. The Union has also threatened to block UK ports if P&O was allowed to restart its services.
Regarding the other vessels in P&O’s fleet, the EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY and PRIDE OF HULL have been inspected and deemed safe to resume services.
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