London, UK: Ferry operators are calling for more help after a £27m promise by the government to help offset the effects of the coronavirus epidemic.
The multimillion-pound taxpayer rescue scheme is protect up to 31 ferry routes. But operators are warning that it does not go far enough.
The details of the scheme will be determined after consultation with transport companies over the coming weeks.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is making up to £17.5m available to help fund routes between Northern Ireland and Britain, with a further £10.5m for ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles. Freight connections between the UK and Continent will also be supported, including the Channel Tunnel.
Richard Ballantyne, chief executive, British Ports Association, said the scheme would not help most of his members as they are stuck with huge fixed costs but have suffered from a collapse in their incomes.
“It is critical that the government now turns its attention to the wider maritime and logistics sector to ensure it is able to recover and continue supporting the UK economy.”
Freight-only Seatruck Ferries said it was concerned by the package’s omission of routes between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Brittany Ferries welcomed the announcement.
