Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Eurotunnel asks for £22m to cover revenue lost during refugee crisis

Operator asks British and French governments to reimburse sum after facing heavy disruption last summer

Tom Pugh
Thursday 18 February 2016 14:30 GMT
Comments
Eurotunnel estimates services will not resume before 5pm
Eurotunnel estimates services will not resume before 5pm (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Eurotunnel has asked the British and French governments to reimburse it £22 million (29 million euro) for lost revenue during last year's cross-Channel migrant crisis.

The Channel Tunnel operator made the claim via the Intergovernmental Commission as it revealed a 22% dividend increase to be proposed at its AGM on April 27.

Despite an uncertain global outlook, Eurotunnel predicted further growth in the cross-Channel and rail freight markets amid strength in the British economy.

The Chunnel operator faced heavy disruption to its services last summer as migrants based at the Jungle camp in Calais made repeated bids to cross to Britain.

As it revealed its 2015 annual results, Eurotunnel said there has been no disruption to services since last October following strengthened border security at the Coquelles terminal.

It said revenues increased by 5% to 1.2 billion euro (£926 million) compared to 2014. And the group's pre-tax profit for 2015 was 115 million euro (£89 million), an improvement of 25 million euro (£19 million) compared to 2014.

Chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: "In a difficult environment in 2015, the group worked with the efficiency of a private company to deliver a genuine public service.

"This was achieved through the commitment of its staff, close co-operation with the two governments and an exemplary capacity to react to events."

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in