British government awards post-Brexit shipping contracts worth £ 77.6m to four ferry companies

FOUR FERRY COMPANIES in the UK have received government contracts totaling £ 77.6 million (€ 85.9 million) to provide post-Brexit transport capacity.

The Department of Transportation (DfT) announced that it has signed agreements with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O Ferries and Stena Line.

This will ensure that vital medical supplies and other critical goods “continue to be delivered smoothly to the UK, regardless of the outcome of negotiations with the EU,” the DfT said.

The contracts will be in effect for up to six months after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.

Then-Transport Secretary Chris Grayling faced calls to resign last year after handing over a £ 14 million (€ 15.5 million) contract to Seaborne Freight to manage post-Brexit freight services, despite that the company has no ships or commercial history.

His successor, Grant Shapps, said: “As the transition period draws to a close, we are implementing the necessary measures to safeguard the smooth and successful flow of cargo.

“Securing these contracts ensures that regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, life-saving medical supplies and other critical goods can continue to enter the UK from the moment we leave the EU.”