In the UK, the competition regulator has launched an investigation into a capacity sharing agreement between P&O Ferries and DFDS.

In May, the two ferry operators entered a mutual space charter agreement on the Dover-Calais route in an effort to shorten freight customers’ waiting times.

The agreement was also intended to help improve the flow of traffic on the trade route between the UK and EU.

However, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed on Friday morning that it will now launch a probe into the move.

For more scroll down NorthWalesLive's coverage on the investigation.  

Afloat adds the move by both ferry operators took place in the month prior to newcomer Irish Ferries debut in June onto the competitive premier short-sea link between the UK and France.

The Dublin based operator acquired a second cruise ferry from DFDS and which is scheduled to enter service on the UK-mainland Europe route early next month.