Many ferry companies are remaining tight-lipped about how much extra
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they will charge for freight journeys if duty-free is abolished. Steno operates three routes to Ireland and the Harwich-Hook of Holland crossing independently of its cross-Channel partner, P&O. It says it cannot comment on what it
will do until after the EU meeting in March.
However, hauliers have already been hit by a major increase on routes to France. P&O Steno has imposed a 225 increase on crossings; and Brittany Ferries, which operates the Truckline service from Poole to Caen in France, says it has upped passenger prices
by 12% and has also increased freight charges. However, the situation is complicated by discounts hauliers have been able to achieve in the past, which means that for some firms the increase has been even greater because discounts are no longer available.
Andrew Frampton estimates that ferry costs have gone up by £30-35 a journey with short sea crossings now costing between £120 and £250, depending on discounts; and with long sea crossings between £190 and £300.
Briffa ny Ferri es and Steno do not plan an extra increase this year, but P&O Steno has not ruled one out if duty-free is abolished.