The disagreement began after Ms Haigh told ITV earlier this week that P&O was a “rogue operator” after it sacked nearly 800 seafarers in 2022 and replaced them with cheaper workers.
DP World insisted the move was needed for the survival of the ferry operator and to secure thousands of jobs.
A Downing Street spokesperson told the on Friday afternoon that Ms Haigh’s comments “do not reflect the views of this government”.
“We welcome P&O Ferries commitment to comply with our new seafarer’s legislation, which protects against damaging fire and rehire practices,” the spokesperson added.
It said it was continuing to “work closely” with DP World, which also owns Southampton Port.
On Monday, the UK is hosting its International Investment Summit, where ministers will try to attract billions of pounds of investment.
The spokesperson said it would “bring together hundreds of global firms to show Britain is open for business.”
DP World declined to comment on the reports that the London Gateway investment was under review due to Ms Haigh’s comments.
