Revenue at Eurotunnel has defied the economic gloom in Europe to rise 16 per cent year-on-year.

In total, the tunnel operator recorded revenues of €844.8 million.

The number of cars transported also continued to increase, reaching more than 2.2 million, a higher level than recorded in 2007.

The vehicles travelled alongside more than 1.2 million trucks.

Jacques Gounon, chief executive of Groupe Eurotunnel, stated: “In a difficult economic context, Groupe Eurotunnel has had a very good year.

“Our commitment to rail freight is bearing fruit. The Group is well prepared to seize the opportunities which arise during 2012.”

Close to 19 million people were carried through the tunnel last year, while 17.7 million tonnes of freight passed through.

The company added its car traffic grew by six per cent event though the cross-Channel market contracted slightly in 2011.