Eurotunnel freight traffic delays extend to sixth day
Power supply problems in the Channel Tunnel are leading to sixth day of freight delays for cross-Channel traffic.
Eurotunnel said it was able to transport all pre-booked passenger car traffic, but would not be taking any new bookings including for logistics and freight traffic.
Problems with cross-Channel services developed after thousands of passengers were left stranded by a lorry fire on a train in the Channel Tunnel on Saturday.
The next day, power supply problems led to the cancellation of 11 trains.
John Keefe, director of communications at the company, said:
“Unfortunately, at the moment there isn’t enough capacity for all of the trucks. Freight traffic is facing delays of up to seven hours.”
Eurotunnel, which transports passenger vehicles and freight, said it was “working round the clock” to return to a full timetable “as soon as it’s safe.”
John Keefe added:
“We have put in a batch system where we are running seven trains at a time through the one directional section.”
Delays have also been reported on Eurostar services, Eurotunnel and freight services including DFDS Seaways and My Ferry Link.
Travellers experienced delays of up to 90 minutes on Eurostar services at London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International because of the ongoing power supply issues.
Eurotunnel customers had to wait up to three and a half hours to reach the Eurotunnel freight service, plus am additional hour wait for check-in and a further two and a half-hour wait at the terminal.
For freight services on the ferries, DFDS Seaways had delays of up to 75 minutes and My Ferry Link had delays of up to 45 minutes, with sailings by both companies affected by Channel Tunnel disruption.
Police have announced that phase two of Operation Stack, in which lorries queue on parts of the M20 to ease congestion leading to the Port of Dover, remained in place.
The Highways Agency said congestion on the M20 remained severe on Thursday afternoon with delays of more than three hours on the coastbound carriageway.
Tourist traffic heading to Dover port and local traffic have been advised to use the M2 and A2 to avoid the area.
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