More than 50,000 trailers have used the Sheerness to Calais freight ferry since it was launched 18 months ago.

Richard Goffin, port director for Peel Ports which hosts the service in association with DFDS, said: “We’re hugely proud at how well the DFDS service has performed since it was launched in July 2021.

“Reaching the 50,000 units milestone for the route feels like a real landmark moment for everyone involved."

He added: “The rise in daily unit volumes over that time has proven what we have long argued, that there is a real need for a viable alternative route for the UK’s supply chain, given ongoing congestion around Dover and the shift in demand for increased unaccompanied services."

He said: “At Peel Ports, we believe companies should look to move non-perishable cargo on unaccompanied services, such as ours, because they are more reliable than as accompanied services."

He said Peel Ports looked forward to the service going "from strength to strength."

The cross-channel England to France route has experienced a 65% increase in daily unit volumes since it was launched.

The partnership was created in response to demand from cargo owners and hauliers who wanted an alternative to congestion and delays in Dover.

Trailers and containers shipped without drivers from Sheerness can help overcome customs delays, driver shortages and storage problems.

Peel Ports, based in Liverpool, handles 70 million tonnes of cargo every year and employs 2,000 staff.