A FERRY operator will reduce its crossings to Denmark this month in a bid to stay afloat.

DFDS Seaways, which travels from Harwich to Esbjerg, Denmark, will reduce its crossings from four to two a week starting this month.

The reduction could continue throughout Winter into February, apart from a boost in crossings around the Christmas period.

The operator said it normally decreases to three crossings a week in November, but fuel prices were forcing it to make efficiency savings.

Figures show there has been a surge in passengers travelling on all ships to Harwich International Port from 90,000 in 2011 to 100,000 this year.

But a DFDS spokesman said it wanted to make sure the route was sustainable and profitable and that the boats were full to survive a difficult year.