P&O Ferries Faces Safety Clampdown After Mass Sacking
The Pride of Kent is one of eight P&O ships now stuck under inspection after the firm fired 800 staff and replaced them with agency workers paid below minimum wage. The government is ready to step in and block P&O’s controversial plans.
Another Ferry Declared “Unfit to Sail”
Just last Friday, a P&O ferry was held after failing safety checks. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is currently inspecting the Pride of Kent to ensure it’s safe to sail — even without passengers or cargo.
“Our surveyors are in the process of detaining the Pride of Kent. We are awaiting confirmation of all the detainable items,” said an MCA spokesperson.
P&O’s Safety Record Under Fire
Earlier this month, another vessel, the European Causeway, failed a Port State Control inspection in Larne. It was detained due to issues with crew familiarisation, vessel documentation, and training.
Port State Control inspections check foreign ships docked in UK ports to ensure compliance with international safety rules — covering emergency procedures like firefighting and evacuation.
RMT union slammed P&O, saying: “It’s rare enough for the MCA to impound a ferry but P&O have now had two in a week after the jobs carve-up which speaks volumes about the dire state of their operation.”
Government Vows No Compromise on Safety
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps took to Twitter to insist, “safety would not be compromised” despite the turmoil rocking P&O Ferries.
P&O Ferries has yet to respond to requests for comment on the mounting safety concerns.
