Eurotunnel says it expects Brexit to have a short-term impact on its business but that it is well-placed to cope.

The warning over Britain's impending departure from the EU comes as the company’s parent company Getlink posted results that showed a ninth successive year of growth and a significant rise in passenger numbers.

However, it struck a note of caution about Brexit, saying on-going uncertainty would affect the service.

“The current political situation, particularly in the United Kingdom, is likely to generate uncertainty about the short-term impact of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 29 March 2019.”

It said that any disruption to its services was likely to occur in the weeks following.

The company said: “Eurotunnel is ready for Brexit – the #BrexitandBeyond campaign for stakeholders, including customers and the authorities, the optimisation of the two terminals, the creation of a veterinary and phytosanitary customs zone and border inspection post for the French authorities, the installation of e-gates for passengers and additional investments in information systems.”

“The group is focusing on Brexit from a solid foundation in order to provide our customers with the best possible service whilst increasing our competitiveness.”

It comes as the company revealed it has invested in electronic border technology as part of their Brexit preparations.

Chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: “The group has seen its ninth consecutive year of growth and has had an exceptional 2018 from both operational and financial perspectives with results that exceed market expectations.”

The company’s net profits rose by 16% to €130 million as revenue increased by 5% to more than €1 billion.

In 2018, Le Shuttle trains carried 2.7 million passenger vehicles and 1.7 million trucks.

The government announced this week that it was allocating nearly £140,000 to Folkestone and Hythe council to help Brexit contingency plans to mitigate disruption and delays on the back of Eurotunnel being in its area.