P&O carried 1,177,053 people between Dover and Calais during that time – a 2.5 per cent increase on the previous year, and the highest monthly figure since 2003.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: “This summer’s industrial action in France meant August was a challenging time for our ferry operators.

“Added to that, issues at Eurotunnel created additional traffic for our ferry services to deal with.

“Set against that background, P&O’s achievements are extremely impressive.”

Dover-based P&O believes the strong passenger numbers are the result of its investment in a new class of super-ferry which “has significantly enhanced capacity and tourists capitalising on the continuing economic recovery”.

P&O Ferries operates 58 sailings a day between Dover and Calais.

ENDS

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