P&O Ferries have been ground to a halt in Scotland and across the UK in a shock development that has emerged.
The firm, which is one of two operators on the Cairnryan to Larne route, advised customers that all services will be unable to run on Thursday.
Complaints from customers came flooding into the firm over social media as many punters spent hours stuck at ports throughout this morning.
Here is what we know about the travel chaos so far.
What has caused P&O to cancel services?
P&O Ferries initially said very little other than to inform customers that services will be cancelled today.
It was later reported that the operator was on the verge of sacking all of its staff in a cost-saving move as the company faces bankruptcy.
Reports also emerged that the company is considering relying on agency workers who will not be considered permanent staff and will be paid lower wages.
Workers conditions of employment are also said to be up for discussion.
The firm then confirmed that all 800 seafarers will be made redundant immediately. Bosses described P&O Ferries as a ‘not viable business'.
A statement from P&O Ferries read: “P&O Ferries plays a critical role in keeping trade flowing, supply chains moving, and connecting families and friends across the North and Irish seas and the English Channel. We have been at the heart of this service for years and we are committed to serving these vital routes.
"However, in its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business.
"We have made a £100m loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent DP World. This is not sustainable.
"Our survival is dependent on making swift and significant changes now. Without these changes there is no future for P&O Ferries.
"These circumstances have resulted in a very difficult but necessary decision, which was only taken after seriously considering all the available options.
"As part of the process we are starting today, we are providing 800 seafarers with immediate severance notices and will be compensating them for this lack of advance notice with enhanced compensation packages.
"In making this tough decision, we are securing the future viability of our business which employs an additional 2,200 people and supports billions in trade in and out of the UK.
"And we are ensuring that we can continue serving our customers in a way that they have demanded from us for many years.”
What have trade unions said?
The RMT Union, which represents ferry staff, have urged its members not to leave P&O boats.
Union officals have branded the decision by P&O as ‘outrageous’.
Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, told us earlier: “This is a damning, outrageous move from P&O and we offer our full support to the RMT Union and all their members.
“We cannot - and will not - permit hundreds of workers to be sacked on the spot to be replaced by cheaper labour whilst P&O scramble to remain viable.
“We need to see an urgent statement from both the UK Government and the Scottish Government on how they intend to halt this scandalous misuse of employer power.”
What has the Scottish Government said about this?
Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the state of P&O Ferries during her appearance at First Minister’s Questions today.
Prior to the news of 800 redundancies, the FM said: “The relevant issue for Scotland here is the Cairnryan - Larne route and we will pay particular attention for any implications for that - it obviously supports a number of sailings every day.”
She added: “This will be a seriously worrying time for those who work for P&O.
“I know this has been a difficult time for ferry operators, and I don’t underestimate that, but I hope we are not about to see a mass-scale fire and rehire situation.
“We will engage with all of those involved and keep parliament updated.”
What is happening with the service on P&O Ferries?
P&O officials are now arranging alternative travel for Scots as their services will be off for the “next few days”.
The firm have said that limited space is available on the alternative operators, and have urged people not to travel if their journey is not essential.
The P&O Ferries Updates account tweeted about the Cairnryan route, and said: “Where possible we are organising travel via an alternative operator. Space is very limited so we would suggest if your journey is not essential, please do not travel today.
“We apologise for any inconvenience.”
