Cross-Channel competitors P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways have welcomed the eventual closure of MyFerryLink (MFL) following its latest appeal rejection.

The outcome was released last Friday which saw Groupe Eurotunnel bosses announce that MFL would go up for sale.

The decision was made by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) which confirmed it had to stop operating within six months because of its potential to put its rivals out of business.

Groupe Eurotunnel had more than 60% of the market.

Speaking to the Mercury about the decision, Brian Rees from P&O said: “We have welcomed the sell-off of MyFerryLink following Friday’s announcement.

“In terms of the announcement by the Competition Appeals Tribunal, P&O Ferries has been reiterating that we have always called for a level playing field and any subsidy of a competitor distorts the market, so this is the right decision.

“We have no problem with MFL being sold to a new buyer as long as there are no subsidies involved.

“However, the situation is still unclear. Groupe Eurotunnel has announced that it is seeking a buyer for MyFerryLink.

"But it subcontracts the operation of its ferries to the SCOP SeaFrance, and the SCOP has given notice that it intends to appeal Friday’s decision. So we now await the outcome of that process.”

Carsten Jensen, senior vice president and head of DFDS Seaways said: “We welcome this ruling from the CAT.

“This has been a difficult ongoing situation for our employees and all operators on the Channel for more than two and half years. We believe this is the right decision for free and fair competition on the Channel.

“From a DFDS Seaways perspective, it also enables us to finally be able to plan for the future with confidence, and we hope that the decision will be enforced as swiftly as possible.”

SCOP, the workers co-operative which runs MyFerryLink on beahlf of owners Eurotunnel, has said it is considering a further appeal.