by Graham Tutthill

Increased charges proposed by Dover Harbour Board next year have been criticised by cross-Channel ferry operators as unacceptable.

The ferry companies say charges should either be kept the same or reduced in the current economic climate.

Christophe Santoni, managing director of LD Lines, said the increase, combined with market conditions, would make life difficult in 2010 and could reduce the competitiveness of the port against the Channel Tunnel.

Robin Wilkins, managing director of SeaFrance UK, said ferry companies were struggling for profits amid fierce competition.

Norfolkline's route director for the Channel, Andreas Teschl, said the ferry operators had made their position "very clear" to the harbour board, while a spokeswoman for P&O Ferries said it was "a sensitive issue".

In a statement, Dover Harbour Board said: "We have fully
consulted with our ferry customers on the rates required. The detail of those discussions is a matter between ourselves and our customers."