Closure of ferry routes between UK and Scandinavia

10.10.2014

Question for written answer E-007823-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniel Hannan (ECR)

1. Is the Commission aware that EU regulations on pollution (specifically as regards the burning of bunker fuel) are adversely affecting the economic viability of ferry routes between the United Kingdom and Scandinavia (such as the Harwich-Esbjerg route, now closed by the operator DFDS)?

2. Is the Commission aware that the closure of such direct ferry routes means longer routes for private and freight vehicles travelling from the UK to Sweden and Norway, involving either a layover in the Netherlands or travelling by road from the Netherlands through Germany and Denmark, leading to more pollution?

3. Is the Commission considering any measures to deal with the adverse effects of these regulations?