New fuel pollution restrictions "could put 350 jobs in Hull's ports at risk", according to a Hull MP.
Speaking in Westminster today, East Hull MP Karl Turner raised concerns over strict new EU Regulations to reduce sulphur emissions by nine-tenths, which shipping firms claim will see fuel prices rocket.
P&O, which operates services from Hull to Zeebrugge and to Rotterdam, had claimed the restrictions, which come into effect on January 1, 2015, will set it back £30m in fuel costs and may mean customers facing higher ticket prices.
In his speech at Westminster Hall, Mr Turner said: "I am worried that EU Regulations, which come into force on 1st January 2015, could put at risk over 350 jobs in Hull and 2,000 across the UK.
"I am concerned the European Commission and the Government have not done enough to measure the impact of this directive on economies in places like Hull.
"I am persuaded that in an attempt to do all we can to protect jobs, shipping companies should be given more flexibility to implement these new rules in a way that does not undermine jobs.
"Companies like Siemens and ABP are investing millions into Hull and there is no doubt that affordable shipping between Hull and Europe is imperative to this investment.
"That's why we need certainty that nothing will undermine our local shipping industry and the economic development of our ports.
"We need our ports to be open for business and ensure exporters are not priced out of using ferries sailing out of Hull."
Under the new rules, the maximum sulphur content of vessels' fuel will be cut by nine-tenths to 0.1 per cent. Shipping firms face a choice of fitting expensive scrubbers or buying a low-sulphur fuel which will cost 50 per cent more.
A P&O spokesman warned some operators were already choosing to close some routes.
He said: "There have already been announcements from other operators saying they will be closing down certain routes, such as the 140-year-old Harwich to Esbjerg route.
"Ship operators will now have to consider what they can do to protect longer routes and protect jobs.
"These restrictions have the potential to be a game-changer in the shipping industry, so it is up to operators to ensure the transition to low emission fuel is smooth and does not result in a bloodbath."
