The Gateway to Europe
Board Member Appointment

Dover Harbour Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Alisdair Cameron as a Non-Executive Director.

Alisdair is currently Chief Financial & Operations Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Post Office Limited. He is also about to complete his term as a Non-Executive Director of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Previously, from 2002 to 2014, Alisdair worked in a variety of roles for Centrica plc, a FTSE 100 company, including Director of Audit and Risk, Group Financial Controller, Finance Director of British Gas and Managing Director of British Gas Enterprise.  Prior to this he was a partner with Arthur Anderson and Deloitte & Touche. Former non-executive appointments include as a trustee of the e-Learning Foundation. 

Richard Everitt CBE, Chairman, Dover Harbour Board, said: “Alisdair joins the Board at a key time when we are delivering our single biggest ever investment to develop the Port for the future. Being part of a board overseeing a port business that is vital to the economic prosperity of the nation whilst also the catalyst for local regeneration, Alisdair’s experience from a range of other organisations that are a fundamental part of both community and national infrastructure will be extremely valuable in supporting the Board’s journey through this important period. 

Alisdair Cameron said: “I am delighted to be joining Dover Harbour Board at what is such an exciting time of transformation at the Port. The major investment being undertaken will bring lasting benefits to Dover and the nation and I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the Port’s future success.” 

Mr Cameron’s term of office commences on 1st February 2017. 

ENDS

Record freight shows continuing importance of efficient UK-European trade flows

The Port handled 2.6 million freight vehicles in 2016 with freight volumes increasing by 32% in just the last four years.

“As we continue to handle more UK trade, the Port welcomes the prime minister’s statement on the Government’s headline negotiating position for Brexit. Greater certainty of the broad parameters is a positive step forward,” commented Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover.

He added: “Any changes brought forward to the country’s trading relationship need to be mindful of the UK’s absolute need to maintain the rapid transit of goods and passengers through Dover and our sister ports on the European mainland.

“The Port and the CBI remain clear that a barrier-free relationship with the EU – our largest, closest and most important trading partner – must be a critical outcome of the negotiations to ensure we make a success of Brexit.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

  • The Port handles up to £119bn of trade or 17% of the UK’s trade in goods
Study for an amazing career with our help

The Port of Dover is Europe’s busiest ferry port, with dynamic and developing cruise, cargo and marina businesses. If you’re young, enthusiastic and looking for a great start to a successful career, the Port of Dover is the right place.

We offer bursaries of up to £3,000 per academic year for local people who commence studies in a whole range of relevant subjects at university (anything from civil, mechanical or marine engineering to accounting, economics, business management and many other disciplines).

The next start date is September 2017, with the potential for ongoing funding throughout your chosen degree programme, depending on satisfactory progress.

The scheme also includes invaluable work experience at the Port. And for the right people, there should be exciting career opportunities at the end of it.

All we ask is that you:

• Are aged 16-24

• Live within the post code bands CT14 to CT17

• Will enter full time study in September 2017

• Choose to study a relevant degree course

• Are happy to undertake a work placement with the Port during your study

You will also be expected to send a personal statement (no more than 1,000 words) outlining what you wish to study, why you are intending to study it and how you think it will benefit the Port of Dover.

For further information please visit our website.

Applications should be sent on email to recruitment@doverport.co.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 28 February 2017.

Port and academics map traffic to keep Dover and trade flowing

The Port of Dover has joined forces with the University of Kent to map traffic flows through Europe’s busiest ferry terminal.

Academics from the University’s Kent Business School and traffic specialists at the Port have been analysing the Port’s extensive data sources to build a comprehensive picture of vehicle movements through the Eastern docks.

The two-year project began last November when University of Kent graduate Cliff Preston joined the Port’s Business Optimisation team. Now, as the project marks its first anniversary, the Port has made significant steps to better understand traffic flows and bottlenecks in order to support decisions on future requirements as well as predicting potential periods of congestion.

The combination of the new buffer zone – capable of holding 4km of traffic within the Port – and the improved traffic forecasting resulted in the temporary traffic management system ‘Dover TAP’ being used 13 fewer times in April and May alone, compared to last year.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: “The University has been helping the Port gain a better understanding of the dynamics of traffic flow and how to handle these flows more effectively.

“Fluidity of movement and utilising the space we have as efficiently as possible is a fundamental aspect of master planning that benefits both our customers and the community.

“Along with our buffer zone investment and junction improvements to the A20 to support local regeneration and connectivity, we are doing more than ever to keep Dover town moving while 17 per cent of the UK’s international trade passes through the Port, serving British businesses and consumers.”

Cliff Preston’s role with the Port is the result of a programme known as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) – part-funded by Innovate UK – where a business can utilise academic excellence to up its game.

Lesley Chater, the University of Kent’s Senior Business Relationship Manager, said: “The KTP scheme has been operating for more than 40 years nationally but this is the first time we have collaborated with the Port in this way.

“KTP is a UK-wide Government programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity. We are delighted that academics from the Centre for Logistics and Heuristic Optimization are supporting such a successful project with the Port of Dover.”

Port of Dover makes good on its promise to deliver for Dover as major construction stage commences

The first stage of construction is now underway with the appointment of VSBW, 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.

The revival of the western part of the Port estate supports the developing destination agenda for Dover, being identified as the key catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area. It will deliver valuable employment opportunities both during construction and on completion of the new cargo facility.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “This is the next important step towards the realisation of our shared vision.

“We are moving ever closer to significantly increasing the local economic benefit derived from the Port through a host of new job opportunities for local people and a transformed waterfront experience that Dover Western Docks Revival will provide.”

“Already, together with our contractors, we are beginning to generate opportunities by working with local suppliers and skills providers to maximise the local benefits throughout the construction phase. What a great way to start the new year!”

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract by the Port of Dover to design and build this stage of the Dover Western Docks Revival. Our extensive experience in managing complex marine projects leaves us well qualified to deliver this significant scheme.’’

Boskalis Westminster will undertake dredging, reclamation and compaction work. Paul de Jong, Managing Director of Boskalis Westminster Ltd, said: “We look forward to bringing our UK and international experience of dredging and related works to this prestiguous, nationally and locally significant infrastructure project and renewing our long association with the Port of Dover.”

Following key enabling works, this major phase of the construction programme is set to begin within the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018.

For the latest DWDR animations, illustrations and project plans visit www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

Port of Dover

Named ‘Port of the Year’ at the UK National Transport Awards 2016, the Port of Dover handles:

  • up to £119 billion of trade
  • up to 17% of the UK’s trade in goods
  • 2.5 million freight vehicles
  • 2.4 million tourist vehicles
  • 13 million passengers

 

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:

  • 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;
  • 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; 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

VolkerStevin

VolkerStevin is a multi-disciplinary contractor specialising in the marine environment and provides integrated solutions to the water, energy, marine infrastructure, flood and coastal protection, land remediation and regeneration sectors.

VolkerStevin is part of VolkerWessels UK, a multi-disciplinary construction and civil engineering group with a turnover of c£850 million. VolkerWessels UK employs more than 2,500 staff in six operating companies.

www.volkerstevin.co.uk

Boskalis Westminster Ltd

Founded in 1933, Boskalis Westminster operates in all sectors of the UK dredging market. We maintain and develop ports and waterways, provide materials and construction services to the country’s sea defences, reclaim land and offer specialist services to the oil, gas and water industries.

Westminster’s fleet of dredgers and support equipment is, generally, based in the UK thereby minimising response times and mobilisation costs. This versatile and varied fleet can be matched to requirements for optimum performance and cost efficiency.

Boskalis Westminster is a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Boskalis Westminster nv, the world’s largest dredging group, which is currently active in more than 50 countries across the globe.

With the support of other group subsidiaries, Boskalis Westminster has the capability and resources to undertake the complete spectrum of dredging related tasks including coastal, inland waterway and seabed protection, immersed tube tunnel construction, offshore services, rock and breakwater construction, environmental projects, marine drilling and blasting, port and waterway engineering and marine pipeline installation.

www.boskalis.com/westminster

Media contact:

 

Social media:

  • Port of Dover UK Twitter handle:@Port_of_Dover
  • DWDR Facebook page: DoverWesternDocksRevival
  • Hashtages #PortofDover & #DoverWesternDocksRevival

 

  • VolkerWessels UK Twitter handle:@VolkerWesselsUK
  • Hashtags: #VolkerStevin

 

  • Boskalis Twitter handle:@BoskalisWessie
  • Hashtags: #Boskalis
Port partners with Kent Road Safety Team for new A20 campaign

The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme, part of the town’s key regeneration projects including the Port’s Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) and Dover District Council’s (DDC) St James development, has dramatically changed the road layout in Dover from roundabouts to a traffic-light controlled system. On completion, it will improve traffic fluidity through Dover, into the Port, and between the seafront and town.

The awareness campaign will involve a suite of posters featuring drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, urging them to take greater caution while acclimatising to the changes. These will be posted strategically on billboards around the A20 and the DWDR construction site as well as featuring on social media as part of the drive which launches in January.

Jack Goodhew, General Manager – Special Projects at the Port of Dover, said: “Safety is our number one priority with the Dover Western Docks Revival project.

“The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme has produced a fundamental change to the road layout and the whole community needs to be aware of just how much it has changed.

“So we are really pleased to have joined forces on Kent road safety’s Share the Road campaign, reminding our community who frequently use the A20 to – Stay Alert, Stay Safe, and Be Road Aware.”

Kent County Council’s Road Safety Officer, Philippa Janaway, said: “Distractions are a contributory factor in many crashes on our roads.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Port of Dover to highlight the risks to road users of a changing road environment.

“Together we can help reduce the number of crashes on Kent roads.”

The A20 roadwork at the York Street Junction is expected to last until January 2017. The works will then conclude with the traffic lights at Woolcomber Street upgraded before the scheme is completed in February 2017. 

ENDS

Note to editors:

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:

 

  • 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;
  • 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; 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 development committed to deliver the first phase.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – an 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.

Through education, training and publicity, Kent County Council Road Safety Team contributes to casualty reduction in Kent, thereby improving the quality of life for those living and travelling in the County.

Please visit www.kentroadsafety.info for further information.

 

Port of Dover Cargo Limited – a strong future for cargo at Dover

Dover Harbour Board has secured the long term success of cargo operations within the Port of Dover as work forges ahead to create new facilities in Dover’s Western Docks.

The Board has reached an agreement to incorporate the Port Services Division of George Hammond PLC into its wider Port business, ensuring growth and long term loyal customer continuity into the new Dover Western Docks Revival era.

Established in 1767, Kent-based George Hammond PLC developed the general cargo business in Dover more than 60 years ago and, with the support of the Port of Dover, has operated the Dover Cargo Terminal successfully since its inception in 1990.

From 31 December 2016, however, the cargo stevedoring operation will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board.

The new business will be overseen by Sam Stewart who has over 30 years’ experience in the ports and shipping industry – holding senior positions for cargo operations within busy cargo terminals in the South East of England.

George Hammond PLC’s dedicated senior team and staff will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited with the Port Services Division to preserve existing expertise while enabling the business to grow.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: “These are exciting times with work on the Dover Western Docks Revival underway. The project is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with over £200m committed to deliver the first phase.

“This new cargo infrastructure, however, is only part of the story. We want to future-proof cargo services so that we can deliver on our commitment to be the best port in the world for the benefit of our customers and community.”

“I and my fellow Directors of Port of Dover Cargo Limited, Barbara Buczek and Shaun Pottage, would like to thank James and John Ryeland, Paul Lee, and everyone from George Hammond PLC for their support. We welcome Sam Stewart to our team and we look forward to working with staff transferring to Port of Dover Cargo Limited in order to deliver the best of service to all our customers in the future.”

James Ryeland, Managing Director at George Hammond PLC, said: “While it is with some sadness that a chapter in Hammond history has come to an end, the considerable investment in the Dover Western Docks Revival by Dover Harbour Board will pave the way to a new and diverse era in cargo.

“As a subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board, Port of Dover Cargo Limited will be best placed to take long term investment decisions aligned to generating significant growth and long term employment security.”

ENDS

Former soldier’s stolen ‘Help for Heroes’ motorbike recovered at Port of Dover

ered at Port of Dover

A former soldier in the British Army has been reunited with his prized ‘Help for Heroes’ branded motorbike at the Port of Dover following its theft from his home in Leeds on 7 December.

David Haines, who has recently been medically retired from service following an injury, was away from home working for the Help the Heroes charity between 4 December and 7 December. On his return, he was shocked to find that thieves had broken into and vandalised his home. A large amount of valuables had been taken and his military medals thrown around.

His Yamaha R6 motorbike, which had been helping him regain his freedom and independence following his injury, was also missing.

Appeals were published in the press and on social media for information or sightings of the distinctive bike which has custom painted Help for Heroes logos on the fuel tank and side fairings.

On Tuesday 20 December, a van was stopped by Securitas Officers on entrance to the Port of Dover for a routine security check. Two motorbikes, lacking the required paperwork, were recovered from the vehicle and reported to Port of Dover Police who subsequently identified one as Mr. Haines’ stolen bike. The West Yorkshire Police were informed of the discovery and the delighted owner was notified.

Mr. Haines travelled to the Port on Friday 23 December where he was reunited with his bike by Port of Dover Police Officers Ian Thwaite and Donna Shorter.

“I couldn’t believe it when I received the call to say my bike had been found. I was so excited to get it back that I didn’t sleep at all that night.” said Mr. Haines. “Thanks to the Port of Dover Police and Securitas, this has made my Christmas.”

The owner of the second motorbike has also been contacted and informed that their vehicle has been recovered.

Port Of Dover Christmas Traffic

Around half a million passengers in cars and coaches are expected to pass through the Port of Dover during the Christmas holiday period this year.

In excess of 57,000 freight vehicles will also be using Europe’s busiest ferry terminal to stock British shops with seasonal merchandise and export UK-manufactured goods to the Continent in the run-up to Christmas.

The Port anticipates that the busiest periods will be the weekend of December 16 to 18, and the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before Christmas Day.

During the holiday period, the M20/A20 and M2/A2 approaches to Dover will be busy.

The Port of Dover, Highways England, Kent Police, and Kent County Council are advising local road users to consider alternative routes such as the B2011, A256 or A258 during busy times, which may not be suitable for HGVs.

Ferry customers should monitor twitter for live travel updates – @PoD_travelnews @POferriesupdate @DFDSUKUpdates @HighwaysSEAST @kentpoliceroads @KentHighways

Key road scheme in Dover continues with no further December night closures

The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme has made good progress over recent weeks; however, in the interest of maintaining the best access to-and-from the Port, and to avoid disruption to our ferry customers and the people of Dover throughout the Christmas period, the Port of Dover has decided to avoid any further night closures during 2016 to ensure 24-hour flow of traffic.

To assist local and Port traffic over the festive period, changes to the traffic management will be implemented to cater for two-lane running in both directions through the full length of the A20 contra-flow, commencing the 21st December. The new traffic lights that have recently been installed will not be commissioned until the New Year and therefore right turns will remain unavailable to ensure traffic remains free flowing.

Night closures will be required in January to complete the works safely for London-bound traffic within the vicinity of York Street. The works will then conclude with the traffic lights at Woolcomber Street upgraded before the scheme concludes in February 2017.

Highlighted as one of the key schemes by the Government in unlocking Britain’s economic potential, the A20 Junction Improvement Scheme is designed to maximise the potential of Dover’s key regeneration projects including the Port’s Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) and the district council’s St James development. 

The Port is working hard to complete these complex works as quickly as possible and would ask for your continued patience and understanding whilst we continue this key road scheme.

The Port would like to wish all users of the A20 a happy Christmas and New Year.

ENDS

Note to editors:

1.  A government-approved scheme to deliver better access to the port and support new homes and jobs in Dover (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-roads-investment-in-london-and-the-south-east)

2.  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:

 

  • 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;
  • 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; 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 development committed to deliver the first phase.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the Interim Client and Outline Design Award.  CEEQUAL is 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.

3.  Dover District Council is working with its development partners, Legal & General and Bond City, on a prime 8-acre site that will transform the retail and leisure offer in the heart of Dover town centre.  The Dover St James development comprises 156,915 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space, parking for 450 cars, and will feature a 16,000 sq. ft. M&S store, a six screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge hotel, five national chain restaurants, along with a further 12 retail units (www.stjamesdover.co.uk).