The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has given a cautious welcome to the UK Government’s announcement today of a broad package of support measures for ferry routes between the UK and Northern Ireland; as well as between the UK and mainland Europe.

Robert Keen, director general of the trade association that represents UK freight forwarding companies said: “We welcome the government support on these key ferry routes to ensure essential goods, food and medical supplies keep flowing into the country.

“Given the critical importance of ferry services to the European trailer services operated by freight forwarders that belong to the association, we hope the package of undefined measures on 26 routes between Britain, France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden, including Eurotunnel, is enough to ensure the cross channel freight sector is able to provide sufficient capacity and resilience over the coming days and weeks.

“It is also good to hear the government acknowledging that the ferry operators are facing challenges. Hopefully it shows that the government is listening to those on the front line of international supply chains.”