The Port of Harwich is in line for a share of a £35m government windfall to protect critical freight routes during the coronavirus crisis.
The Stena Harwich to Hoek van Holland and Harwich to Rotterdam routes are two of 16 routes run by six ferry companies in line for the support.
The government says it wants to protect the flow of critical goods such as food and medical supplies over next nine weeks, and therefore wants to safeguards 16 of “the most important routes which were previously at risk of closure due to a drop in demand as a result of COVID-19”.
MORE – Return to work after furlough won’t be simple, expert warnsThe money will go towards ensuring there is enough freight capacity to prevent disruption to the flow of goods.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “By taking this action, we have helped protect the movement of goods and services in and out of the UK, safeguarding the flow of supplies across the Union.”
The routes will be designated as Public Service Obligation routes for a period of up to nine weeks.
Subscribe to our daily coronavirus newsletter, with all the latest from where you live. Or visit our Facebook page or link to our daily podcast here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here