5. Juli 2026
How to claim ferry delay compensation in Europe (step-by-step guide)
Missed your ferry or stuck at the port? Under EU maritime passenger rights you may claim 25–100% compensation. Follow this step-by-step guide for DFDS, Stena Line, Brittany Ferries and more.
A delayed or cancelled ferry can throw your travel plans into chaos — but under EU maritime passenger rights, it may also entitle you to real money back. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to claim compensation from European ferry operators.
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
You may be entitled to compensation if:
- Your ferry departure was delayed by 1 hour or more at the port
- Your sailing was cancelled and you accepted rerouting with a delayed departure
- Your journey falls under EU Regulation 1177/2010 (most cross-border EU ferry routes)
You do not need to have travelled — if your departure was delayed 4+ hours, you can choose a full refund instead.
Step 2: Calculate your compensation
Compensation is a percentage of your ticket price:
| Departure delay | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 25% |
| 2 hours | 50% |
| 3 hours | 75% |
| 4+ hours | 100% (or full refund if you don’t travel) |
Example: Your DFDS ticket from Dover to Calais cost €120. The ferry departed 3 hours late. Your compensation: €90 (75%).
Step 3: Gather your documents
Collect the following before filing:
- Booking confirmation or e-ticket (with booking reference)
- Boarding pass or check-in confirmation
- Proof of delay — app notification, port departure board photo, or operator delay notice
- Receipts for any extra expenses (meals, accommodation) if you want to claim assistance costs
Step 4: File your complaint
Option A: Directly with the ferry operator
Most operators have an online complaints form or email address. Include:
- Your name and contact details
- Booking reference and sailing date
- Scheduled vs actual departure time
- Your compensation request (with percentage)
You can also use the EU standard complaint form (available in all EU languages).
Option B: Via FerryRefund (recommended)
For international crossings, operator forms can be confusing — especially when multiple countries are involved. File your claim via FerryRefund:
- Upload your ticket and journey details
- We handle communication with the ferry operator
- No win, no fee — you only pay if your claim succeeds
Step 5: Wait for the operator’s response
The ferry company must respond within 2 months. If they reject your claim citing “extraordinary circumstances” (e.g. severe weather), you can:
- Request evidence of the circumstances
- Escalate to the national enforcement body in the country of departure
- Continue via FerryRefund if you filed through our portal
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long — file within 2 months of the disrupted sailing
- Claiming based on arrival delay — maritime rules use departure delay, not arrival
- Not keeping proof — screenshot the departure board or app notification on the day
- Accepting a voucher without understanding you may be entitled to cash compensation
Don’t leave money on the table. If your European ferry departed 1+ hours late, start your claim now — it takes just a few minutes.