The long running saga which commenced when Seafrance went into receivership in 2010 and bankruptcy a year later, looks set to take another twist as the appeal by Eurotunnel to save its own cross channel sea borne service, MyFerryLink, has closed whilst a decision is reached.

The latest appeal began on 24th November prior to the Competition Appeal Tribunal adjourning proceedings to consider its verdict. In June 2014 the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) barred Groupe Eurotunnel from operating the service as the combined ferry and subsea operations put too much cross channel traffic in the hands of a single operator. Eurotunnel was told to divest itself of MyFerryLink or close the operation.

The appeal centres around whether the takeover of SeaFrance’s assets, principally three ferries, was in the form of an acquisition or merger and whether the CMA was entitled to stop operations. The verdict was originally not expected to be delivered until the New Year but there are indications that the decision may be announced before Christmas.

Should the ruling go against MyFerryLink then the service could survive a further six months before any sale or closure is enforced. Ahead of any judgement DFDS Seaways has already said that it will withdraw from Dover-Calais if MyFerryLink continues.