The Gateway to Europe
Buoys marking works exclusion zone signal start of DWDR construction works

In order to safely complete this work it will be necessary to implement a marine exclusion zone of 50 metres away from the Prince of Wales Pier.

The Port of Dover will install a series of buoys and a floating rope adjacent to the Pier commencing on Friday, 29th April. These will give water users a clear indication of construction areas within the harbour. A rock bund down the beach will be installed presently.

Port of Dover Harbour Master, Paul Brown, said: “The boundary line of the exclusion zone will consist of rock delineation along the beach, a floating rope with small yellow floats to mark the end of the swim zone and a line of four new marker buoys to establish a 50 metre restricted zone for water based activities to the South. 

“For their own safety no water users should cross into the restricted area to the South of the line of buoys shown in red in the photograph at any time.”

The markers will be in place until further notice.

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Port opens road to international freight success as part of Exporting is GREAT week

The Traffic Management Improvement scheme – part of an £85m capital investment programme – was unveiled today (April 20) as the Port announced it has become the Government’s first maritime partner in the Exporting is GREAT campaign to boost British trade overseas.

The Port’s new holding facility will ensure smoother traffic flows for outbound vehicles carrying British exports through Europe’s busiest ferry port, which last year handled recorded volumes of freight.

Tim Waggott, the Port’s Chief Executive, said:

“The Port of Dover is a crucial link of national and international importance, a conveyor belt carrying goods and supplies between industry and consumers.

“We handle up to £119bn of trade annually and last year saw record freight volumes of 2.53 million units heading through Dover – up nearly five per cent on the previous year’s all-time high.

“However, we are never complacent and are constantly looking at ways to improve our service to UK plc. That’s why we’ve invested millions in removing old buildings and installing new traffic management technology and infrastructure to create even more freight holding capacity. And that’s why we are wholeheartedly supporting the Government’s drive to boost British exports.”

Exporting is GREAT is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister and Chancellor to inspire and support 100,000 additional UK exporters to sell their goods and services overseas by 2020.

Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Price, said:

“The UK is a great trading nation and the Port of Dover’s new facility will provide even more opportunity for British businesses to sell their goods overseas.

“Up to 17 per cent of the UK’s trade passes through the Port, as UK companies explore new markets in Europe.

“It’s great to see partners like this working with the Government – through the Exporting is GREAT campaign – to support our businesses and boost exports.”

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Notes to editors

Exporting is GREAT Week runs from April 18-22

Ambitious UK businesses can register their interest for real-time global export opportunities, as well as access expert advice, trade services, training and events.  The site contains thousands of export opportunities – worth hundreds of millions of pounds and organised by sector and market – which are easily accessible. A thousand new opportunities are being uploaded each month. To find out more, visit www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk  

 

EU referendum creates uncertainty at the gateway to Europe

The Port of Dover handles up to £119bn of trade, 2.5m freight vehicles and 13 million passengers and holds a special place within the UK as the closest port to mainland Europe. The Port is investing in short and long-term capacity to ensure the on-going resilience of this key UK-European trade route whilst working to deliver a key regeneration project for Dover.

Against this backdrop, the Port decided to organise a special debate in order to explore areas of concern with interests ranging from freight and passenger transport operators, trade associations, business groups and service providers to a range of employee and local community representatives.

Reflecting on the debate, Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:

“From our wide-ranging stakeholder discussions, the only thing we can categorically say is that the EU referendum is creating uncertainty and this has been echoed by our many stakeholders. As an island nation, ports will always be important and as the closest point to mainland European markets the Port of Dover will be especially so.

“However, while we are preparing to invest in major long-term infrastructure projects of national importance, greater cautiousness by banks and investors, a weakened pound and the potential impact on investment and tourism, questions over access to EU funding, potential significant changes to border control processes and the infrastructure this might require all make for a pretty uncertain future.

“The Port of Dover will do whatever it needs to do in order to continue delivering for Dover and the nation, but Dover and the Port of Dover need investment and wish to create more job opportunities. The uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future, whether that is in or out of Europe, is helping neither.”

New Port of Dover marker buoys boost water safety

The buoys, being laid by the Port of Dover next month, will follow a border which is currently defined by a white marker on Prince of Wales Pier and a corresponding marker on the wall of the Eastern Docks.

Sailors, rowers or kayakers should only cross this line into the bathing area to reach the slipway or Dover Sea Sports Centre during the summer months.

Port of Dover Harbour Master, Paul Brown, said: “This is not about changing public access to the harbour; it’s about making the existing arrangements easier to follow.

“Local water users already know where the bathing area is. But each summer we get visitors – both swimmers and boaters – who don’t know there’s a demarcation line and who don’t read the shore signage.

“These buoys will leave them in no doubt.

“They will help us ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the water in safety this summer.”

The boundary, running parallel to the shore, will be marked by six yellow buoys with a ‘gate’ – defined by green and red lateral buoys – giving boats access to the slipway.

Dover Sea Sports Centre water users will retain their dispensation to exit the bathing area close to their building.

The markers will be in place between April 1 and October 31.

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Independent panel announces c. £100,000 of new awards from the Port of Dover Community Fund

The money – the second tranche from a community fund provided by the Port and administered by Kent Community Foundation – will go to 13 organisations supporting local people and will enhance the town’s reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.  Projects range from cultural events and arts activities, to schemes that support disabled children and help enhance residents’ skills and employment opportunities.

The awarding panel – chaired by the Bishop of Dover, The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott – met to review applications last month, and were impressed with the breadth of work going on in the local community.

Bishop Trevor said: “It is remarkable to see how much energy and enthusiasm there is to support others in our local community. We are delighted to be funding 13 more excellent projects through the Fund, and we truly believe they will enhance the social, cultural and economic landscape of Dover.”

The Fund was established in 2014 to benefit the Dover community – with a particular focus on supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills, as well as those offering activities that enrich the social and cultural life of Dovorians.

Andrew Garrett, Head of Funds at Kent Community Foundation said: “Huge congratulations to the very worthy projects supported by the panel. The level of grants made reflect the high calibre of work going on in the area. We are confident that there will be huge benefit to local people in Dover, and look forward to seeing the Fund’s impact develop.”

In total, the Port has already donated £350,000 to the Fund.

Tim Waggott, the Port’s Chief Executive, said: “We believe passionately in our town and its future – that’s why we continue to actively invest in it.

“We’re extremely grateful to the independent panel and Kent Community Foundation who’ve been working so hard to ensure the Port of Dover Community Fund is a success. More and more organisations are recognising how the Port of Dover Community Fund can help them make a genuine difference to the lives of Dovorians.”

The Fund will open for applications again in May; organisations interested in applying can register their details via the Kent Community Foundation website or by emailing them at admin@kentcf.org.uk.

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Notes to Editors

 

–          Bechange

–          Blue Sky Development & Regeneration

–          Cinque Ports Community Kitchen

–          Cross Links

–          Dover Music Festival

–          East Kent Education Business Partnership Ltd

–          Home-Start Dover

–          Pegasus Playscheme

–          Samphire

–          Alkham Valley Community Project

–          The Beacon Church and Christian Centre ‘Footprints’

–          The Big Reveal

–          Up on the Downs

Government clears path for further Trust Port progress

With Government’s clear support for the strategic direction of the Port – as witnessed by the recent visit of the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP – the appointment of the two community directors, Samantha Parker and Neil Wiggins, completes a three-year journey of transformation. 

Overseen by Chairman George Jenkins OBE, Dover Harbour Board has now delivered on absolutely everything it was asked to do, and more, since former Ports and Shipping Minister, Stephen Hammond MP, set out a roadmap for transforming the Port.  As witnessed by its community, the Port has:

 

  • Established the independent Port & Community Forum in order to provide meaningful and open engagement with a host of community representatives.

 

  • Established the independent Port Users Group to work together with partners, customers, tenants, suppliers and contractors to deliver the very best service.

 

  • Achieved new borrowing powers so that, as a trust port, it can deliver future infrastructure requirements whilst delivering major waterfront development and a catalyst for Dover’s regeneration.  That work begins now.

 

  • Achieved new powers enabling it to create the Port of Dover Community Fund with many local projects already benefitting from tens of thousands of pounds of funding.

 

  • Established a refreshed Board brimming with specialist port, ferry, financial, business, regeneration and local expertise; and one that is absolutely focused on driving forward the strategy to be the best port in the world for the benefit of its customers and community.  Now that expert Board is to be supplemented by two community directors.

 

In looking forward to working with the new community directors and setting out their duties, George Jenkins OBE, Chairman, Dover Harbour Board, said:

“With the support of Government, the district council, our MP and our community, we look forward to warmly welcoming Samantha and Neil to our progressive Board.

“As Dover Harbour Board members, the two community directors will hold the same roles, duties and responsibilities as the rest of the Board of which they are part.

“As an expanded Board we will continue to oversee DHB’s progressive strategy, acting in line with our commitment to corporate social responsibility by demonstrating honesty, integrity and objectivity in decision-making and in line with the strict governance standards as outlined in Modernising Trust Ports (2nd Edition).  

“The Board takes these appointments very seriously in driving the future of an organisation responsible for a major international gateway.

“We have been on an incredible journey and having removed several other obstacles to progress recently, Samantha and Neil will join with us in continuing that journey, moving forward together on delivering a first class port operation for our customers with unprecedented community support, engagement and providing future opportunities for Dover.

“As I announced last August, my term of office ends on 30 June 2016.  I take great pride in knowing that, with the support of my Board, our Chief Executive and his fantastic team, we will have achieved all that we were asked to do. 

“I will complete my term safe in the knowledge that Dover Harbour Board is pursuing a strategy to secure the future resilience of the eastern docks and the revival of the western docks, while continuing its track record of delivering for Dover and the nation.”

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Notes to Editors

  • Government’s timetable for the legislation shows it coming into force on 25th March 2016 with a new constitution coming into effect from 1st May 2016.
  • The Harbour Revision Order amends the constitution of the Board. It provides for the Board to consist of a body of nine members with experience in relevant matters. Three members will be appointed by the Secretary of State, one of whom will be appointed as the chair. Four members will be appointed by the Board, two of whom will be appointed as having particular knowledge or experience of, or ability in, the position of the port within the local community and local economy. The other two members will be the chief executive and one other senior officer of the Board.
Port of Dover Community Regatta and the Dover Music Festival join forces to launch The Dover Festival 2016

Celebrating its fourth year, the Port of Dover Community Regatta will take place on Saturday 23 July, along Dover’s award-winning esplanade.  Now in its third year, the Dover Music Festival, working with the Port, will then showcase a variety of musical acts on the Saturday evening and during the day and evening of Sunday, 24 July.

Tim Waggott, the Port’s Chief Executive, said: “Last year’s Regatta was another great day for Dover, bringing the Port and its community together by celebrating our shared maritime heritage.   Now we’re joining forces with the Dover Music Festival to create a weekend of fantastic free entertainment. Together with our partners, we’re committed to putting Dover firmly on the map as a popular destination.”

Roger Marsden, Dover Music Festival Director: “As you can probably imagine, since last summer we’ve had a huge number of people asking us whether there were any plans for another Dover Music Festival and we are pleased that two of the biggest events to be held in our town are collaborating. To top it all, the main event stage will be in the uniquely superb setting of the Port of Dover’s Cruise Terminal 1, making this a must-attend event.”

Further event details are to be announced in due course but in the meantime please follow us on the Port of Dover Community Regatta and Dover Music Festival Facebook pages for regular updates.

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Secretary of State visits Britain’s growing European trade gateway

Seeing the £100bn-of-trade-a-year port in operation, the Secretary of State explored the areas of major investment made by the Port in order to respond to 25% freight vehicle growth in just the past three years.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Europe’s busiest ferry port, to show him how we are supporting Britain’s trade growth and how, together with our ferry operator partners, we kept going during an unprecedented period of disruption in France last summer.

“The Port of Dover is handling record volumes of freight vehicle traffic and we have responded by building additional capacity to ensure we remain resilient.  With government support we are commencing further major investment and will deliver further capacity to keep Dover resilient for the long term.

“We have built strong relationships with our ferry operator partners, we have built and continue to build the gateway to Europe, we have built a reputation for resilience and over the past three years have built the platform for Britain’s biggest trust port to deliver for Dover and the nation.”

Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, said: “The Port of Dover is an essential part of our national transport infrastructure and a vital economic link with the continent. It is also a success story for the local area. The Port does an excellent job in keeping freight and passengers moving and is looking to the future with exciting plans for developing this crucial facility.”

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Pictured left to right: Tim Waggott (CEO Port of Dover), The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP (Secretary of State for Transport), and George Jenkins (Chairman of Dover Harbour Board)

Anniversary of successful partnership with Seatrade Reefer Chartering N.V.

The Port of Dover, Seatrade Reefer Chartering N.V and terminal operator George Hammond PLC have spent a decade running successful twice weekly shipping services through Dover Cargo Terminal in a port more widely recognised as the busiest RoRo ferry terminal in Europe.

In 2014 the Port registered record tonnage for the banana, perishable and other sensitive cargoes which come from Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

And, as the partners celebrated their anniversary last week at the annual Fruit Logistica in Berlin, they were also planning future growth.

The Port of Dover has now commenced work on one of the most important cargo projects in North West Europe. Dover Western Docks Revival will create a new cargo terminal with two dedicated cargo berths and a port-centric distribution facility.

Port Director of Corporate Development, Barbara Buczek, said:  “Our project for the Western Docks is well-advanced and will provide the ultimate strategic location, delivering the supply chain with fast and direct access to and from Europe on the shortest sea-crossing.

“Dover is open for cargo business and is looking to maximise the potential and opportunities that partnerships like the one we have with Seatrade and George Hammond PLC can bring.”

Eik Schuster, Chartering Manager of Seatrade Reefer Chartering N.V said: “My company’s relationship with the Port of Dover and George Hammond PLC over the last ten years has been fruitful in every way and I am grateful to both companies for their hard work in delivering an efficient operation, enabling us to serve the UK market effectively.”

James Ryeland, Managing Director at George Hammond PLC, said: “We’ve had a great level of support from Seatrade, their worldwide network of offices and the Port of Dover which has given us the opportunity to develop this strong relationship.”

To mark the anniversary, the Port presented a commemorative plaque to Seatrade representatives at Fruit Logistica.

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Notes to Editors:

  • The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
  • The Port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
  • It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation whilst delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
  • The picture includes: James Ryland – Managing Director at George Hammond PLC, Eik Schuster – Chartering Manager of Seatrade Reefer Chartering N.V, Barbara Buczek – Director of Corporate Development, and Steve Wale – George Hammond PLC.
Port welcomes progress towards new Lower Thames Crossing

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:

“Alongside the need to increase productivity and deliver transformation of the Thames Gateway regeneration area, the Lower Thames Crossing must be seen as a strategic investment to improve the resilience of UK-European trade flows.  Failure to invest will choke this crucial pan-European business corridor within which the ports of Dover, London and Medway along with Eurotunnel operate and this will damage UK plc.

“The Port of Dover continues to handle record volumes of freight vehicle traffic with strong projected growth and no substitutable capacity elsewhere. The existing Dartford crossings are already a major bottleneck, operating at over capacity and acting as a break on national productivity.”

Delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing will be crucial as the nation seeks to build upon the success of the Southern powerhouse and support the building of the Northern and Midlands powerhouses, ensuring timely delivery of materials to and from the Continent.  Half of the freight vehicle traffic passing through the Port of Dover is coming from or going to beyond London to the Midlands and North.

Mr Waggott added:

“The Port of Dover is investing in infrastructure for the long term.  We need the Government to do the same by following through with a firm strategic decision to be the builders of prosperity up and down the country through delivery of a new Lower Thames Crossing.”

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