In an internal company statement, the ferry operator said it will be “making a major announcement today” which will “secure the long-term viability of P&O Ferries”.
The statement added: “To facilitate this announcement all our vessels have been asked to discharge their passengers and cargo and stand by for further instructions.
“This means we’re expecting all our ports to experience serious disruption today.”
A number of P&O ferries have starting mooring at the Port of Dover in Kent ahead of the announcement – as these pictures show.
5. P&O Ferries has denied it is going into liquidation after suspending sailings as ferries moor up in the cruise terminal at the Port of Dover
Shadow transport minister Mike Kane said: “Worrying news has just broken that P&O Ferries have been called to port as DP World, their owners, seek the long-term viability of this ferry company. Photo: Gareth Fuller
6. A sign for the P&O Ferry terminal at Larne Port.
Stormont Assembly members whose constituency incorporates the port of Larne have expressed concern about the potential implications for the P&O route to Cairnryan in Scotland. Photo: Liam McBurney
7. P&O ferries coming into port ahead of 'major announcement
Following the coronavirus outbreak, P&O Ferries warned in May 2020 that around 1,100 workers could lose their jobs as part of a plan to make the business “viable and sustainable”. Photo: Gareth Fuller