The laying-up of the vessels Manet, Cézanne and Renoir would in no way have improved the results (losses) of 2008, 2009 and 2010 and the planned laying-up of the freight vessel Nord Pas-de-Calais would not significantly improve SeaFrance’s situation, especially on account of the cost of keeping a vessel laid up (EUR 1.8 million per year).

However, according to PO, as regards the freight business, the value of the goodwill, reputation and market share of SeaFrance had declined significantly, notably on account of the frequent interruptions in service (strikes, etc.), the market’s awareness of SeaFrance’s difficulties and the lay-up of the freight vessel Nord Pas-de-Calais (to keep a vessel laid up would be very expensive, according to PO, which also points out that the laying-up of the vessels Cézanne and Renoir in the port of Dunkerque would cost at least EUR 1,09 million, and possibly EUR 2,4 million).

PO nevertheless considers that SeaFrance would lose 50 000 freight units, i.e. EUR 5-6 million in freight revenue, and that the laying-up of the freight vessel Nord Pas-de-Calais would cost EUR 1,8 million per year in the absence of a buyer.

The quality of the offer to freight customers would be liable to suffer from the laying-up of the freight vessel Nord Pas-de-Calais and some of the customers could turn to Eurotunnel in periods of affluence, when SeaFrance would suffer from under-capacity.

The laying-up of the freight vessel Nord Pas-de-Calais would reduce capacity by only an additional 7 %.

Experience has shown that in post-conflict situations, special attention must be devoted to support for the reconciliation process, institutional capacity strengthening, regional co-operation, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants, return of refugees, the special problem of children affected by conflicts and demining operations.