Port of Dover Community Fund – first wave of local projects begin to benefit 0 comments / Category : Press Release 10 projects have been chosen, covering a wide range of important community themes, including youth support, crime prevention, health, maritime skills, the arts and sport. Carol Lynch, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to the Port of Dover’s significant commitment to the local community, I am thrilled to be in a position to make the initial payments to 10 excellent community projects. This is the best part of our job – seeing such funds begin to make a real and lasting difference.” The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover and Chair of the independent panel, said: “The independent panel was delighted to have received applications from such a good number of worthy causes. It made the decision extremely difficult, but I believe those chosen this time will make a real difference to the local community.” Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, reacting to the announcement, said: “It is fantastic to see the first local projects benefitting from the Port of Dover Community Fund. I very much look forward to seeing how the money will support these great projects and in turn support our community more widely. This is another wonderful example of how the Port of Dover is working at the heart of its community. Importantly, this is just the start, so I encourage those who were not successful this time and those who are yet to apply, to get ready for the next round.” Two of the successful organisations and projects are: Cinque Ports Community Kitchen CIC Cinque Ports Community Kitchen CIC is a social enterprise working to teach local people who cannot afford to pay for lessons how to cook healthily using fresh ingredients. The Port of Dover Community Fund will help unemployed Dover residents, half of which will be young people under the age of 25, gain the necessary skills to take forward catering as a career path as well as gain the personal health benefits of healthy cooking. Stephanie Hayman, Founding Director at Cinque Ports Community Kitchen CIC, said: “The team at Cinque Ports Community Kitchen would like to say a huge thank you to the Port of Dover Community Fund. This grant means that more people will have the opportunity to transform their lives through healthy eating, practical cooking skills and accredited training. What’s great is that they can share what they learn with families and friends and encourage a culture of healthy eating – a great development for communities in Dover.” Dover Music Festival Dover Music Festival is a non-profit three-day event, providing music and fun for the local community in Dover. The Port of Dover Community Fund is being used to help cover the costs of the event, including band fees, stage hire, lighting, sound and engineers. Roger Marsden, Director of Dover Music Festival, said: “The contribution from the Port of Dover Community Fund has played a major part in the financial viability of the project. A consensus of people attending over the 3 days was one of amazement that such a fantastic and unprecedented event could have been organised in our town by a small group of committed local people, giving their time and resources freely. It looks as if we are well on our way to “putting our town back on the map!” The Port of Dover will be hosting a community workshop later this year to be run by Kent Community Foundation in order to show why the first projects were successful and to give advice on how to complete an application for funding in time for the next call for projects. Further beneficiaries of the Port of Dover Community Fund are to be announced in the coming weeks. Notes to Editors Further enquiries about the funding awards should be made to Samantha Flood, Fund Development Manager, Kent Community Foundation – samantha@kentcf.org.uk / 01303 814 500. For more information on the Port of Dover Community Fund, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/apply/funding-round/#PortofDover. For more information on Kent Community Foundation, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/ ENDS
Turbo tugboat competes in one of the wackiest races in the world 0 comments / Category : Press Release Four fearless friends from Port of Dover’s Engineering Services team, calling themselves the ‘Do Hurry Boys’, assembled a crack team to create Turbo Tugboat and have just competed in the Red Bull Soapbox Race, in London. Led by Sean Foord, the Port pals – Peter Bailey, Darren Wright and driver James Morton – created a replica of the Port’s tug boats, Dauntless and Doughty, to act as their transport as they careered down a 400-metre course, reaching speeds of up to 30mph. More than 60 teams competed in the event as judges marked participants on showmanship and creativity, as well as simply crossing the line. The event attracted teams from all over the world and was held in the grounds of Alexandra Palace, with coverage of the event filmed for television channel Dave. Sean Foord, Technical Engineer, Port of Dover says: “What a great day! Turbo Tugboat performed really well until a bale of hay got in the way. Whilst that could have been the last straw, James the pilot still managed to complete the course, all in front of twenty thousand cheering fans. A number of colleagues worked on Turbo Tugboat, all of which was done in their own spare time – particular thanks to one of the Port’s apprentices, Jamie Ward training to become a Mechanical Technician. Everyone involved deserves credit for getting her to London on Saturday. It really was a team effort, and something we put into practice day-in, day-out working at Europe’s busiest ferry port.” Despite a forecast of rain, the track stayed dry for most of the afternoon’s racing. This year’s winners were The Breakfast Club, entered by Absolute Radio presenter Christian O’Connell and his team, who hurtled to victory in a shape-shifting, crowd-pleasing soapbox. ENDS Notes to Editors Port of Dover has two tug boats, named Dauntless and Doughty which are moored at the Western Docks Red Bull has held more than 100 soapbox races around the world since the first one in Brussels in the year 2000 – from Australia to South Africa, Helsinki to St. Louis, Jamaica to Italy Designer of the vehicle is local graphic designer Anita Luckett of ACE Designs Soapbox 2015 – The Results: o 1st – The Breakfast Club o 2nd – The Lancashire Witch o 3rd – The S-Team PHOTOS: Photo 1 and 2 shows pilot, James Morton at the wheel of Turbo Tugboat crossing the line. Photo 3 shows the ‘Do Hurry Boys’ enjoying the ambiance of the Red Bull Soap Box Race. Photo 4 shows Sean Foord, James Morton, Darren Wright and Peter Baily (right to left). Photo 5 shows the ‘Do Hurry Boys’ with the Red Bull team the Eastern Docks, Port of Dover. For more info, visit: http://www.redbullsoapboxrace.com/uk/en/team/turbo-tugboat/ and/or https://www.facebook.com/TurboTugBoat Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)
imPORTant Safety Day at the Port of Dover 0 comments / Category : Press Release Showcasing at the recently refurbished former Dover Marine Railway Station (home to Cruise Terminal 1), the event includes contributions from various agencies with safety responsibilities, contractors and port stakeholders with live demonstrations, presentations and competitions. The day kicks off with Kent County Council’s Road Safety Team demonstrating a seatbelt sled to show how seatbelts save lives, followed by a man overboard display by the Port of Dover. Kent Police will also give a presentation on the work of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Throughout the day, asbestos decontamination demonstrations are taking place, whilst delegates are being given the opportunity to get close to the large plant equipment used on site at the Port for some of its major infrastructure projects. A giant excavator will be on hand with people being able to experience operating a large piece of machinery. Richard Christian, Head of Communications at the Port of Dover, is thrilled that the Port has been able to host the event and demonstrate the importance of safety at Europe’s busiest ferry port. “The Port of Dover is working hard to keep the town, Port and UK economy moving. By ensuring a safe environment for its staff, customers and the wider Port community, the Port is playing its part to ensure that delays to the operation through safety incidents are minimised. As we continue to develop the Port to meet future challenges and opportunities, we are committed to ensuring the Port is a safe place to work in and to travel through. Today’s event is a reflection of the strong safety culture we hold throughout the organisation.” ENDS Notes to Editor 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 Port of Dover held its first ever Safety Day on Tuesday 14th July 10:00-16:00 at Cruise Terminal 1, Western Docks, Dover Safety event featured: o Decontamination Displays o Driving simulators o Hazard perception o Working from heights demonstrations o Prizes Up For Grabs o Live Road Traffic Collision Demonstrations o Seatbelt simulations o Man Over Board Demonstrations o KCC Road Safety Team o Mobile Plant o And Much More… Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)
A20 Traffic Management Measures 0 comments / Category : Press Release During the past couple of challenging weeks, the Port has on occasion asked for a reconsideration of this approach in order to manage the freight flows at Aycliffe (on the outskirts of Dover on the A20 where the traffic management measures would otherwise regulate this traffic) as well as enabling quicker transit between the holding area for freight and the Port when ferries are ready and waiting to load. The Port is entirely aware that there are genuine challenges to achieving this and fully understands and respects the views of its multi-agency partners who have provided such fantastic support throughout the period of disruption in France and its impact on Kent. We are also aware of the relief that the A20 traffic management measures have achieved for Aycliffe residents and Dover in general. Whilst we wait for the ongoing issues in Calais and the regrettable ramifications of the actions of aggrieved French militants on our ferry operator partners to play out, it is likely that we will need these valuable A20 traffic management measures more often than not over the summer. This will help us to manage what will undoubtedly be a busy tourist season whilst seeking to limit the impact on our community of what continues to be a growing freight market. So we will continue working in a spirit of close cooperation with our valued partners to look for the best solution to dealing with what still remains a challenging time for us all. ENDS Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00) Notes to Editors Please download the letter from the Chairman of the Port Users Group (PUG) on behalf of the wider Port community regarding the traffic management measures.
OPEN LETTER FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE PORT OF DOVER – Why the Port of Dover must keep the nation moving 0 comments / Category : Press Release Clearly we were not planning such an extreme strategy about how we can change perceptions and get across the importance of the Port to UK plc, but nothing could have ever made the point better than turning off the tap that helps the UK’s trade to flow. Whilst still just trickling, the UK trade tap was turned off enough in Calais to show just how vital Dover is to our national prosperity. The Port of Dover handles £100 billion of trade. That is just less than the combined online retail sales of the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, The Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Spain (see Centre for Retail Research – http://www.retailresearch.org/onlineretailing.php). In just four days of concerted disruption in Calais, such action has already cost the UK economy an estimated one billion pounds. How could you equate the importance of keeping such valuable trade moving with the incredible disruption caused at a major international gateway – Calais – by the mob rule of a small number of aggrieved militant Frenchmen? We certainly cannot. Unless supermarkets with empty shelves and assembly lines with vital parts missing are to become acceptable, then clearly under no circumstance should the recent situation be allowed to happen again. Whilst the Port of Dover has remained open and operational throughout, we and our ferry business partners cannot provide the essential service and operations for the UK and for Europe, for which we are world renowned, if Calais is shut or its operations are limited. And provide an essential service we must, for there is no substitutable capacity anywhere else that can take the type (high value, just-in-time goods) and volume (2.5 million freight vehicles) of traffic that we handle at Dover. Dover’s current yearly growth alone is the same as the annual throughput of other ‘major’ UK roll-on roll-off ports (excluding Eurotunnel). Resilience is key. Our staff have worked tirelessly, and we have had fantastic multi-agency, ferry operator and trade support in dealing with the industrial action at Calais, but it has taken huge resource. The Government must now look at turning its focus away from the immediate implications of a £1 billion strike to ensuring a £100 billion trade route can do its job 24/7; unimpeded by others for the long term. We are rapidly approaching the very busy summer holiday period and so we are going to have the additional and very welcome challenge of helping many of the UK’s families on their way to enjoying their well deserved break. The Port of Dover handles 13 million passengers each year. That is the equivalent of more than the UK’s fifth busiest airport – Luton. Would we allow the majority of services from one of our major airports to be curtailed for several days during the summer because of a few militant French workers? Of course not. So why do we allow it to happen to an equivalent passenger hub at Dover that also handles £100 billion of the nation’s trade at the same time on a core EU transport corridor? And why do 13 million passengers come here? Because when we are allowed to, we deliver the biggest, best and most efficient service on the shortest sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe. The UK and French governments need to make sure we can continue to do that as it is in all of our interests. This is not an immigration issue; neither should it result in navel gazing and meaningless statements on the need for mega lorry parks. This is a debate about our trading island nation maintaining the economic recovery. That is the challenge and what we have seen recently is the stark reality of what happens when Dover is prevented from doing its job by the lawless actions of others. Tim Waggott Chief Executive #OperationimPORTant
Port of Dover Community Regatta – change of date 0 comments / Category : Press Release Taking place along Dover’s award-winning esplanade, this year’s event will now take place on Sunday, 30th August. Due to the addition of the significant current and ongoing challenges in Calais and their effect on Dover, mixed with the already anticipated impact of government-imposed exit checks and the busy start of the summer get-away, the Port does not want the thousands of people who will be coming to enjoy the Regatta to be caught up in, or adding to, a challenging transport situation for Dover. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “Our main and genuine concern is the safety and welfare of our community and visitors wanting to enjoy a great day out in Dover. We have therefore looked at a later date when we know historically freight traffic is lighter as well as giving more time for the current situation to settle down.” Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council said: “Given the fluid situation in Calais and the potential for more disruption, it makes sense to err on the side of caution. We’re pleased that the Port is considering the impact on the local community. We look forward to hearing more about the Port’s plans to expand the Regatta on 30 August.” The Mayor of Dover, Councillor Christopher J Precious, said: “It was obviously regrettable that the date for Dover’s biggest summer event has had to be changed but we all understand the reasons why and hope that everyone will come and show their support on the 30th August 2015, which promises to be a very spectacular day and evening.” The Port is currently exploring options for enhancing the August event in order to ensure that it provides an even better spectacle for the people of Dover. For all enquiries related to the Port of Dover Community Regatta, pleas email Alyson.hudson@doverport.co.uk ENDS
Minister sees scale of impact of industrial action on key transport corridor 0 comments / Category : Press Release Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “Our Chairman George Jenkins and I, together with our major ferry partners, Port staff, representatives of the freight industry and of course the Dover and wider Kent community are pleased to welcome the Minister to Dover. The scale and prolonged period of disruption is bad for us all and it is bad for the UK too. The Port handles trade to the value of £100 billion every year and every day that this situation in France continues costs the UK at least £250 million. That is simply unacceptable and incredibly damaging.” The Minister witnessed the round-the-clock work being undertaken by the whole Port community to mitigate the impact on customers and the local community together with Kent Police, Highways England and all of the partner agencies within the Kent Resilience Forum dealing with the wider transport and welfare implications of Operation Stack. Whilst at the Port, the Minister visited the Port’s dedicated Emergency Co-ordination Centre and Terminal Control from where the Port is spearheading its response in close cooperation with all of the key responders. The Minister also took time to meet with some of the Port’s stakeholders, including the ferry operators P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways. Transport Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, said: “The disruption this industrial action is causing to cross-Channel travel is completely unacceptable. Today I have seen the huge effort that is going into dealing with the knock on impact it is having on Dover and across Kent. The Prime Minister has discussed the situation at Calais with the President Hollande and the need to stop the blockade and maintain port security, and the Home Secretary today met her French counterpart Bernard Cazeneuve. We need to see services return to normal as soon as possible.” Mr Waggott added: “The Port is acutely aware and highly sympathetic to the impact that this is having on our customers. I cannot praise our staff enough for the incredible dedication and professionalism being shown in challenging conditions. Together with our ferry partners who have been equally resilient and proactive in finding ways of keeping some traffic moving to other ports, we are and will continue to do all that we can to minimise the impact of a situation completely out of our control. I can assure everyone that we will do everything possible to allow Europe’s busiest ferry port to do its job for the nation; unimpeded by others.” ENDS Notes to Editors For photo requests from the visit please email antony.greenwood@doverport.co.uk
Port of Dover signs major contract for Dover Western Docks Revival project 0 comments / Category : Press Release In its role, GRAHAM, a nationwide contractor with extensive marine construction experience, will work with the Port of Dover team as part of a Pre-Construction Agreement. The work will involve finalising the design and cost plans for the marine civil engineering works for the new development. A successful outcome from the Pre-Construction Agreement should lead to an award of the principal construction contract with a view to commencing on site in early 2016, and opening the Western Docks cargo terminal in 2017. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of Port of Dover, said: “Dover Western Docks Revival is a key part of our vision to create the best port in the world for the benefit of our customers, the local community and the UK economy. “Following today’s announcement, everybody in the town will be able to see that we are delivering on our promise to create 600 new quality jobs, and safeguard 140 existing port jobs, for Dover. I’m delighted to say that we have already signed a number of non-disclosure agreements with potential users of the cargo terminal and development partners. “The team from GRAHAM has a strong reputation for collaborative working and this will give the opportunity for Kent companies to tender for as many parts of the project as they feel able to deliver. We will be holding a series of joint ‘meet the buyer’ events later in the year. “Dover is currently seeing an unprecedented level of investment and it is great to see that there is now a shared vision to take the district forward for the benefit of its residents, businesses and visitors. The Port is committed to playing its part in making Dover a place to shout about and celebrate.” GRAHAM delivers construction, asset management and project investment services to a diverse range of clients in the public and private sector. Employing more than 1,600 people and with a current turnover of more than £490m per year, GRAHAM is a privately owned company with a network of regional offices throughout the UK and Ireland. Commenting on the contract, Malcolm Loader, Business Development Director – Ports at GRAHAM, said: “We are looking forward to working in collaboration with the Port of Dover team to develop the optimum design solutions for the infrastructure elements of the Dover Western Dock. “This project gives us the opportunity to bring to the fore the experience we have gained from working on projects for numerous ports across the UK. “It is our intention to work with the local supply chain to ensure we not only provide value to the Port of Dover, but also to create a lasting legacy for the community.” Procured under EU Official Journal regulations over the last 11 months, the GRAHAM contract will focus on all the marine civil engineering design and construction costings, including the quays, pier walls and reclamation required to deliver this new piece of land within the port. Nigel Bodell, Head of Port Development at the Port of Dover, said: “We have held a series of workshops with our customers and others in the fruit logistics industry. The reaction to our plans has been very positive, as we will be able to welcome larger vessels into Dover thanks to the construction of longer and deeper berths. “Our ferry customers will also benefit, as we will free up space in the Eastern Docks to further improve facilities and increase lane capacity. This will help create a more efficient dedicated ferry terminal and increase the resilience of the Port in accommodating increased ferry traffic.” In order to deliver the Dover Western Docks Revival project, which will have around 200 construction workers on site during its peak, the Port recognises the need for a robust transport management plan, and intends to bring as much of the construction materials in by sea as possible. Junction improvements on the A20, as approved by Highways England, are also being reviewed in order to ensure the optimum solution for both Port and town. Work will commence on key enabling works on the Prince of Wales Pier, involving a reduction in its height. This means it will no longer be open to the public after the summer due to the construction works. Mr Waggott added: “Whilst we acknowledge the closure of the pier will temporarily reduce the public provisions on the seafront, the commencement of construction works by GRAHAM represent a shared vision becoming reality and a big step towards a much more vibrant and interesting waterfront for us all to enjoy. We are creating a destination.” ENDS Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)
Industrial action in Port of Calais: local road traffic management update 0 comments / Category : Press Release The traffic management system, introduced in April for an initial trial period, is designed to regulate the flow of traffic and reduce the impact of queuing traffic forming through Dover during busy periods. It is not designed to be utilised during times where Operation Stack is imposed, which is currently in place as a result of industrial action in France, affecting both Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover. The new road layout is not designed to hold vehicles for a prolonged period and having drivers stop and exit their vehicles poses a risk to all road users. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover says: “Following consultation with our partners, including Kent Police and Highways England, it has been agreed to temporarily suspend the traffic management system on safety grounds. Although we will collectively seek to improve the operational efficiency of the new traffic management system, at this time, the most important issue is the safety of people using the A20.” Operation Stack (OS) is an emergency measure for use when travel to Europe is severely disrupted. OS seeks to keep traffic moving safety and smoothly for both Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover. Temporary suspension of traffic measures along the A20 has resulted in some local traffic congestion around the town of Dover. OS remains under continuous review by all partners. New traffic management measures are seeking to find a long-term solution to address the impact of a growing economy and the effects that the resultant traffic is having on the Port’s customers and the local community. Highways England is collecting data in order to reduce the impact of traffic queues forming through Dover on the A20 by assessing the long-term suitability of the current road layout. Until this incident, the new system has delivered a wide range of benefits which has directly improved local road networks for Dover businesses, Port users and the community alike. ENDS Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)
Port supports customers on vital trade route 0 comments / Category : Press Release The Port of Dover, together with sister ports in France, handles £100 billion of UK/European trade each year and represents a principal trade route between the UK and mainland Europe. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says: “The 2.5 million freight vehicles that carry this trade through the French ports to and from Dover are the lifeblood of our economy. As such, our haulage community deserve to be able to go about their business safely and without the growing personal or financial risk associated with it. “They choose to come via sea to Dover and via Eurotunnel on this key European corridor because it is simply the quickest, most efficient and cost effective way for trade to move. “Factoring in the ‘just in time’ nature of the deliveries as well as driving hours, most hauliers and their consignments will be committed to this route and there are no other ports with the required capacity or infrastructure to cope with any diversion of such high volumes. “Trade on this route has grown by 20% in the past two years, a sign of the economic recovery that is taking place. That growth is continuing and we must not jeopardise this. “Today we add our weight to the call to protect our vital haulage industry and the greatly valued freight drivers who are vital to keeping the UK and Europe moving.” ENDS Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)
