Shipping Firms Warn of Risk To Food Supplies
Sailings Could Be Cut As Ferry Companies Face A Cash Crisis That Will Force Layoffs
By Lizzy Burden and Alan Tovey, INDUSTRY EDITOR
21 March 2020
Britain’s food imports could be cut off without more long-term support for shipping companies and fast-track coronavirus testing for maritime staff, the Government has been told.
Half of Britain’s food is imported and there has been a spike in supplies from Europe as shoppers panic buy.
Boats carrying trucks packed with food keep shelves stocked but sailings could be cut as ferry companies face losses because of a collapse in passengers which makes running services that also carry freight viable.
The UK Chamber of Shipping, whose members include operators such as Brittany Ferries, P&O and Stena, said some sailings are “ghost ships”.
Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the industry group, said: “State support on wages to avoid layoffs is helpful but we’re facing a long-term issue. We don’t know how long it will be sustainable to run services which are losing money but are vital to supply the food and materials the country needs.”...