The UK government has signed contracts with four freight ferry operators to provide short-sea shipping capacity for about 3,000 HGVs per week.
The companies have collectively signed contracts worth £77.6 million to increase ro-ro capacity, using eight UK ports; Felixstowe; Harwich; Hull; Newhaven; Poole; Portsmouth; Teesport; and Tilbury.
The Transport Secretary Grant Shaaps said: “As the transition period comes to an end, we’re putting the necessary measures in place to safeguard the smooth and successful flow of freight.
“Securing these contracts ensures that irrespective of the of the outcome of the negotiations, lifesaving medical supplies and other critical goods can continue to enter the UK from the moment we leave the EU.”
Contracts were awarded through the government’s Freight Capacity Framework.