Ferries sailing in the English Channel and docked at the Port of Dover will show their appreciation for the NHS and essential staff with the rest of the country tonight at 8pm.

The ships, bringing in vital supplies of food and medicines during the coronavirus pandemic, will toot their horns for stoic key workers during the Clap for our Carers event.

As key workers themselves, transporting the freight drivers who deliver our supplies, crew aboard P&O ferries will be joining in toot while the rest of the UK clap and light their buildings blue.

The horn blasting has been co-ordinated by shipping industry bodies Discover Ferries, the British Ports Association (BPA) and the UK Chamber of Shipping and will recognise all essential workers, from NHS staff to emergency services, supermarket employees and seafarers, who are helping to keep the UK & British Isles safe as well as stocked with essential food and medical supplies.

It is also to highlight the logistical and economic challenges the shipping industry is facing during the Covid-19 travel ban and lockdown.

“This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, with many passenger ferry services needing to reduce or even suspend their operations due to the current travel restrictions,” said Emma Batchelor, director of UK industry body, Discover Ferries.

“But it is incredibly humbling to witness the solidarity that our seafarer community shares with the rest of the British Isles as we all unite to keep lifeline services operating and ensure the flow of essential food and medical supplies to where they are needed.”

As with many frontline services, the ferry sector has been adapting its operations.

P&O Ferries, operating a freight only service, is fighting a battle for survival and bosses are formulating a £270m rescue package with Dubai based owners DP World and the Government. This package involves a cost savings review which includes job losses and controversial changes to contracts from the top down.

Earlier this week, the UK Chamber of Shipping called on the UK government to provide financial support to help keep ferry services operating amid huge financial losses.

Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association said:

“Ports across the whole of the UK are critical to keeping the country supplied. As a sector we have been working hand in glove with Ministers and officials to ensure that goods keep moving as freely as possible through this crisis.”

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