This is Kent --AN EXPECTED wave of immigration from Eastern Europe in the new year could give a boost to the cross-Channel ferry industry.
Thousands of Bulgarians and Romanians will be entitled to travel freely to the United Kingdom when work restrictions are lifted in 2014.
The influx would probably mean a rise in the number of coaches – the cheapest and most favoured way of crossing Europe – using the sea routes into Dover as a means to start their new lives in Britain.
The lifting of restrictions will also happen at a time when capacity on all the ferry companies – P&O, MyFerryLink and DFDS – is at its greatest in the quiet new year period.
A spokesman for P&O Ferries admitted the company has made no "extra provision" for any spike in numbers.
But he added: "If there is a jump in numbers in the new year then there will be plenty of capacity across the sector as it is not traditionally a busy time.
"Of course, we'd encourage them to use our services because our experience has shown that they will want to come by sea."
Coach firms such as Euroline are regulars on the ferries as they convey passengers between .
There has been speculation that Bulgarian and Romanian citizens' freedom of movement will result in even higher numbers than when Poles were granted the same right to travel and work freely in Britain and Ireland in 2004.
Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: "This deal was done by Tony Blair and we're unable to change that position regarding Bulgaria and Romania.
"We need to renegotiate the settlement and free movement of people.
"It remains to be seen whether the great numbers will actually arrive, as they will have all of Europe to choose from."
Mr Elphicke said that new arrivals should not be able to access benefits, free health or subsidised housing for "a couple of years."
Some experts claim many are expected to shun fragile economies such as Spain, Italy and Greece in their search for work.
Whether MyFerryLink (MFL) will still be in the market to take advantage will depend largely on the result of its appeal to the Competition Commission, which ruled that it must cease operating on the Dover to Calais route. MFL is financially backed by Eurotunnel.
MFL boss Robin Wilkins was unavailable for comment. Reported by This is 18 hours ago.