By Major P&O Ferries route may be ‘scrapped for good’
A major P&O Ferries route between Hull and Zeebruge, Belgium, is to be scrapped, it is feared.
If given the go-ahead, the decision is likely to put hundreds of jobs at risk, and would be a huge blow to both holidaymakers and the local workforce.
Speculation follows an interview between a P&O spokesperson and the BBC.
When asked if the crossing was being scrapped, the spokesman said:
“We are having to take difficult action in which some jobs may be made redundant but thousands more jobs will be saved.”
The ongoing speculation has left holidaymakers confused, as the route was said to have been scrapped earlier this year due to the ongoing pandemic, before being reinstated in August.
A statement released by P&O ferries via social media on August 4 told customers that the service would return “temporarily”.
It reads:
“The Pride Of Bruges will be taking a limited amount of car passengers when she temporarily returns next week!”
Passengers have called for clarity, but have received little in the way of a response from P&O.
In an e-mail sent to customers with existing bookings, P&O said:
“We are sincerely sorry for the late notice that our passenger services remain temporarily suspended on our route to and from Zeebrugge.
“This will impact your booking, and you will not be able to sail as planned.
“Between August 11 to 17, the Pride of Bruges (our cruise ferry) is operating in place of our freight ship and as a result passenger cabins are open for travel.”
Following recent updates, it is understood that the route, which has operated overnight since 2001, will be permanently cancelled in April.
P&O have been contacted for a statement.
Updates to follow as the situation becomes clearer.
