The Gateway to Europe
Dover Cruise – May Highlights

The first bank holiday weekend saw the historic Western Docks at full capacity for the first time since 2016 with three cruise ships berthed together.

Viking’s ‘Viking Sun’, the ‘Deutchland’ under Phoenix Reisen and Pullmantur ‘Zenith’ all made their inaugural calls during May and were greeted in true Dover Cruise style with a spectacular water salute from Dover Tugs ‘Doughty’ and ‘Dauntless’

The luxurious expedition ship, Silversea Cruise’s ‘Silver Cloud’ made her maiden call at Dover where her thrill-seeking passengers enjoyed a unique kayaking experience to view the iconic White Cliffs up close.

Holland America Line ‘Prinsendam’ arrived in port on the Royal Wedding day on Saturday 19 May to a celebratory great British Street Party in Cruise Terminal Two. Complimentary tempting food and drink was provided along with musical entertainment from the talented Nick Bosworth on piano and keyboard. Life size cardboard figures of the Royal Family were positioned in the terminal where guests enjoyed taking selfies with them creating unique holiday memories. It was marvellous to see the affection passengers from all over the world have for our Royal Family.

The refurbishment of Cruise Terminal Two was completed. Decorated to resemble a cruise ship, the new interior has enhanced the already second-to-none facilities and services that discerning cruise passengers enjoy when visiting Dover Cruise.

Port of Dover Head of Cruise, Sonia Limbrick said: “It’s been a superb start to the cruise season here in Dover and we’re looking forward to another eventful month at Dover Cruise in June.”

Traffic, ships, sea, and storms – How port’s Engineering Team keep crucial docks running

Although regular maintenance is routinely carried out on the berths throughout the year, this additional £200,000 plus overhaul for berth ED9 will include the renovation of the vehicle and passenger bridges, inspection of the fenders and structural integrity of the pier, painting and weather-proofing of metal work and the servicing of navigation aids.

The Berth is in constant demand from the Spirit Class ferries and so a tight timescale has been set to complete the works most of which will take place in difficult to reach areas and in a sometimes inhospitable environment. The removal of the ‘Fingers’ (that join the vehicle bridges to the ship decks) alone is a specialised operation. Each one is cut from a solid piece of steel and weighs several tonnes. There is little headroom to lift the Fingers from the vehicle bridges as the footbridge is situated directly above and so considerable skill and extra care is required.

Once removed these undergo a rigorous service regime including replacements of bearings, cylinders and pins.

A skilled team of port of Dover Technicians led by James Morton and Marc Stanley will be working intensively to ensure that the work is finished to programme. Most of the berth equipment is serviced onsite in the port’s own workshops by the port’s Technicians, negating the need to outsource this therefore making the process quicker and more efficient to ensure freight and passenger movements continue to flow.

Following the overhaul of berth ED9, the team will then move on to overhaul berth ED8, followed by berth ED6 later on in the year.

Port of Dover General Manager of Engineering said: “The port of Dover’s skilled Engineering Team work tirelessly through the year efficiently maintaining the port’s infrastructure. All projects are planned to cause as little noticeable disruption to services as possible and so customers travelling through the port may not be aware of the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the continued resilience and effective operation of Europe’s busiest ferry port.

“With 5 million vehicles travelling through the port of Dover annually it is vital for the entire pan-European trade corridor, as well as tourism, that our ferry berths are maintained in optimum condition. This extensive berth overhaul project will ensure continued safe and frictionless transit for all of our customers and the onward supply chain.”

Monkey for Old Rope

Ropes used by Port of Dover tugs have been shipped to a wildlife park… for apes to play on.

Boat crews have handed more than 100 metres of 6 inch diameter tug gear to Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury, where keepers will incorporate it into three new primate enclosures.

The lines – used to tow thousands of tonnes of cargo, cruise and ferry shipping in and out of Dover’s berths – are changed regularly to ensure they don’t weaken or break while hauling a load.

“The rope can’t be used for anything else once we’ve finished with it so, ordinarily, we’d have to dispose of it to landfill,” said Julian Bird, the Port’s Senior Coxswain. “But we’ve found it’s quite popular with apes, so it’s an excellent and unusual way to recycle.”

The Port first donated tug gear in 2015 when the Park sent an all-round email encouraging public support for its plans to rehouse seven Western Chimpanzees from the Yerkes National Primate Research Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Those original ropes formed part of a £1.5million, 12,700-square-foot habitat created at Wingham’s entrance specifically for the apes.

The Port’s boat crews have since looked to donate other equipment, like old plastic navigation buoys, which can be reused by the Park for animals to play with.

The latest consignment of rope, says Wingham, will go into three 80m x 20m primate enclosures.

Markus Wilder, Animal Curator from the Wildlife Park, said: “All of our funds go straight back to either looking after the animals at our park or providing conservation support to animals in the wild.  Using ropes is a great alternative to having jungle vines for our rainforest species, with the new exhibits telling the story of deforestation around the world.  Having the ropes helps us to mimic a rainforest setting, whilst giving us an opportunity to recycle these ropes.  Once they are with us, we will still have many more years of use out of them, and by having them donated it leaves more money for us to invest at the park or to support chimpanzees and remote communities in Uganda.”

 

I Saw Three Ships

The sun was shining this May Bank Holiday Monday as three impressive cruise ships called at one of the UK’s busiest cruise ports at Dover’s historic Western Docks – the first time Dover Cruise has been at full capacity since 2016.

Plantours ‘MV Hamburg’ and Aida’s ‘AIDASol’ both made a welcome return and the inaugural call from Viking’s ‘Viking Sun’ was greeted by a water salute from Dover’s Tugs, marking what is hoped will be a long standing partnership with Dover Cruise.

Port of Dover Head of Cruise, Sonia Limbrick said: “Dover, one of the busiest cruise ports in the U.K, is the port of choice for 22 cruise lines and will host 124 cruise calls, including 6 inaugural.

It was wonderful to see Dover Cruise at full capacity again and to host the inaugural call from Viking Cruises here at Dover’s modern and progressive port. 

Through our dedicated promotion of all that is on offer here, more and more cruise lines are choosing Destination Dover each year providing a valuable boost to both local and national tourism and economies.

My thanks go to Viking Cruises for chosing Dover Cruise as a new destination and Plantours & Partner and Aida for their continued support. I wish them all enjoyable journeys and look forward to greeting them here again soon.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive

Tim Waggott has decided to leave the Port of Dover at Easter to pursue new opportunities following more than a decade of service to the organisation in various positions, and as Chief Executive since 2013. 

Chairman Richard Everitt said, “Tim has led a number of successful initiatives including securing new powers, commencing the transformational Western Docks development, raising the profile of the Port (particularly in relation to Brexit), delivering improved community relations, and coping with many challenges to consistently deliver record volumes of freight traffic.” 

Mr Waggott said “It has been a great privilege to work at the Port of Dover. I have had an incredible journey and made many friends who I thank wholeheartedly for their support. I am proud of the achievements of the entire team and I know they will go on to be ever more successful in delivering for future generations.” 

The port continues to be run by a strong executive team under the direction of the board

Celebrating Woman in Construction

Rajveer Bains, from Ramsgate, is a Procurement Assistant currently working on DWDR on behalf of VSBW. After an initial career in retail and office administration, Rajveer began her transition into the Construction and Engineering Industry in 2015 for Purogenix, at their first UK production plant during a major refurbishment project. Raji was thrown in the deep end, joining the company during their construction, installation and commissioning works phase. Raji embraced a multi-faceted role, excelling in procurement through sourcing best value from suppliers for specialist engineering equipment, consumables and managing subcontractors which helped see the plant into its successful early production phase.

Two years later Raji took her career to the next level when she was introduced by Pettit Recruitment Solutions to esteemed international civil engineering contractor VolkerStevin. Raji was offered her current position as a Procurement Assistant in October 2017 and works as part of the team for Port of Dover’s flagship DWDR development.

Assisting the Project Buyer with day-to-day procurement requirements to keep the site running, Raji has more recently gained experience in tendering for major construction materials and specialist subcontract trades overseeing the procurement process from tender stage through to contract placement.

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, added: “VSBW are delighted to be supporting woman in construction and this a reflection of our commitment to advancing gender equality and equipping all employees to reach their full potential.”

 

Notes to editors

  1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

 

  • Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
  • Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic;
  • A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle; and
  • Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

 

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

 

  1. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

Apply to become a local representative on the independent Port and Community Forum

The Port and Community Forum is looking for two local independent members of the public with an interest in the Port to apply to join this independent Forum.

As part of the Port of Dover’s commitment to be the Best Port in the World for the benefit of its customers and the community, the Forum provides a focal point for meaningful and open engagement and debate between the Port and the local community regarding matters of interest relating to the Port and the local area.

The Port and Community Forum consists of a broad spectrum of local organisations and interests, covering issues such as port development, local regeneration, and wider community engagement with the Port. The Forum enables the Port to develop a better understanding of the needs of its important local community stakeholders. It provides a welcoming platform for community representatives to put forward their ideas on how the Port, together with its community, can deliver on its commitment and create a future that is both exciting and transformational for Dover.

If you would like to be considered for the opportunity to represent your community’s interests, please apply with your name, contact details and why you wish to be considered for the position to cosec@doverport.co.uk. Applications will be subject to a ballot by the existing members at the next meeting of the Port and Community Forum. The deadline for applications is 25th January 2018.

Anglo-French summit

In a joint statement, Port of Dover Chief Executive Tim Waggott and Port Boulogne Calais President-General Manager Jean-Marc Puissesseau, said: “the Anglo-French summit has re-stated the critical trading relationship between our two nations in support of the wider European economy, which our efficient ferry bridge across the Channel already provides.

The strong political support at the highest level demonstrated by the summit is hugely welcome as we head towards the next phase of Brexit negotiations.”  

Letter to Exiting the European Union Committee from Port of Dover Chief Executive

I was delighted that my Chairman was able to host the Exiting the European Union Committee in October and to show members first-hand the nature and scale of our operations that facilitate 17% of the UK’s trade in goods by value.

Suddenly ports, and Dover in particular, have become more popular than ever with politicians and the media, bringing into sharp focus the role we play in ensuring we are an effective trading nation.  Indeed, the very recent exchanges in Parliament on the Customs Bill saw MPs, ministers and former ministers on all sides reflecting on the discussions they have had with the Port of Dover.

In the absence of being able to attend the Committee in person, I wanted the opportunity to set out my own thoughts on the Port’s priorities regarding the UK’s exit from the EU and, as the UK seeks to explore new global trading deals, its on-going role as a key gateway between the UK and its largest trading partner, the European Union.

My principal concern is a simple one and it is a message we have repeated constantly – to ensure that we can keep the traffic flowing.  Dover, its sister ports of Calais and Dunkirk, and our ferry operator partners, are together effectively a bridge.  Importantly, we are a bridge over the shortest and most cost-effective crossing point between the UK and mainland Europe providing the maximum capacity and efficiency to meet the demands of a just-in-time economy and the supply chains that serve it.

Two summers ago, we all witnessed the scale of disruption to our economy when industrial action in Calais and migrant activity at Coquelles brought gridlock.  It caused fresh produce to decay, cars were not built and the Garden of England became a giant lorry park.  Indeed, I was giving evidence before the Transport Committee on why there was no substitutable capacity anywhere in the UK that could take the type and volume of trade handled at Dover.  Our just-in-time economy and the growth of e-commerce requires smooth and predictable trade flows and that is what Dover currently facilitates.

Our collective job is to deliver the outcome for which people voted.  So how do we do that and maintain the smooth and predictable flows that will keep the economy moving and support the jobs that come from that?  For that is what this ultimately comes down to – jobs and livelihoods.

We are playing our part.  We have invested £85 million in our Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal and are investing £250 million in our Western Docks improvements.  This investment is helping us provide more capacity to handle growing freight traffic volumes and improve the efficiency of our operations.

Government needs to play its part and I was therefore very encouraged by the Chancellor’s announcement in the budget of a further £3 billion to address the potential outcomes of negotiations over the UK’s exit from the EU, whatever they may be.

That is really the nub of it.  We do not yet know what the outcome is likely to be.  As the CBI and others have said, business needs certainty about what will happen and when.

What I am certain of is that, while we tackle the challenges that exiting the EU presents, we must also look at the opportunities.  These could include infrastructure developments – IT and roads – that together could enhance the resilience of the strategic road network for international trade and reduce the likelihood of Operation Stack even further – something we hope will be picked up by the National Infrastructure Commission as it begins its assessment of the resilience of the national freight network.

Alongside these opportunities, we need to rise to the challenges.  We are working on short, medium and long term solutions.  Such solutions include the need to keep any future interventions by Government agencies away from the port and creating a one-stop-shop government so that different agencies and departments share data to avoid multiple interventions.  The UK must apply to become a member of the Common Transit Convention so that freight vehicles continue to move between EU and non-EU countries (of which the UK will be one) with minimal friction and with the focus being on origin and destination.  We need mutual recognition of animal products and those of animal origin.

During any transitional or implementation phase, we need business as usual while we all work towards the best possible outcome – one that must be technology driven.

So to conclude, I come back to my simple message.  Whether it is in the short, medium or long term, we need to keep the traffic flowing.  We need collectively to get trade via Dover right as even just a slight delay can lead to serious disruption to operations and to the supply chain; but ultimately getting it right will help secure jobs and livelihoods – and that is in all of our interests.

Yours sincerely

  

Tim Waggott

Chief Executive

Port of Dover Director, Barbara Buczek to speak at the International Cruise Summit.

The ICS is a truly international event that attracts an average of 400 international delegates every year. Since its inception in 2011 the event has been growing into one of the most recognized in the industry for addressing vital topics and at the same time evaluating solutions to common challenges affecting our industry. 

She will participate as a panel member of the “Market Trends Impacting on the Future of Cruise Ports” session where her associates on the panel will include representatives from CruiseLine, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Marella Cruises, Pullmantour Cruises, Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services as well as delegates from other ports. 

“It’s a real privilege to be invited to speak at the world renowned International Cruise Summit and share knowledge and successes with such esteemed colleagues.” Ms. Buczek said.

Also, attending will be Sonia Limbrick, Port of Dover Head of Cruise Business Development. Since taking on leadership of the Cruise team in November 2015, Dover Port cruise calls have increased by a substantial 30% and ongoing projections remain positive.