As part of a 12-day round-trip to the British Isles and coastal European cities, Celebrity Silhouette arrived from Amsterdam with one of the Port’s dedicated pilots taking the helm to carefully guide the 319m long ship into port alongside Cruise Terminal 2.

The Port of Dover’s growing reputation as the port of choice for luxury cruise liners has today been matched by a growing size of ship. With around 200,000 cruise enthusiasts enjoying the award-winning facilities at Dover each year and with a commitment to be the best port in the world for its valued cruise customers, Dover is perfectly placed for cruises around Britain, the Baltic Capitals, the beautiful Norwegian fjords, transatlantic trips, Mediterranean cruises and the Atlantic coast.

Part of the impressive Solstice Class, Celebrity Silhouette boasts a considerable amount of new features, making the experience at Dover even more memorable. 

Barbara Buczek, General Manager – Business Development, Port of Dover, says:

“It’s fantastic to welcome a ship as big as Celebrity Silhouette and demonstrate how the Port of Dover can accommodate this size of vessel.  With bigger ships come more customers too and we are delighted to showcase our port facilities.  With easy access to both the unique historic and natural delights of Kent – the Garden of England – and one of the global cities – London, they will get the best of British through the gateway to England.”

The Celebrity Silhouette, owned and operated by Celebrity Cruises, was launched in 2011 and is 122,400 gross tons and can accommodate 2,885 passengers.

Silhouette will continue on to Saint Peter Port, Cobh, Waterford, Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow, Holyhead and Le Havre before returning to Amsterdam on the 21st June.

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editor:

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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 is a member of CLIA UK & Ireland, which brings together cruise lines, travel agents and associated travel partners to help promote cruise holidays within the UK and Ireland. Further information can be found at: www.cruiseexperts.org
• Dover is the second busiest UK cruise port with two dedicated cruise terminals, with a third berth available for port-of-call visits.
• The photos attached shows Celebrity Silhouette in the Western end of Dover’s Harbour on Wednesday morning.
• 12-day round-trip to British Isles & Coastal from Amsterdam: Tue Jun 09 05:00pm (Amsterdam, departing), Wed Jun 10 07:00am to 06:00pm (Dover), Thu Jun 11 07:00am to 04:00pm (Saint Peter Port), Fri Jun 12 10:00am to 08:00pm (Cobh), Sat Jun 13 07:00am to 06:00pm (Waterford), Sun Jun 14 07:00am to 08:00pm (Dublin), Mon Jun 15 09:30am to 07:30pm (Liverpool), Tue Jun 16 08:00am to 06:00pm (Glasgow), Wed Jun 17 08:00am to 05:00pm (Holyhead), Thu Jun 18 (At Sea), Fri Jun 19 07:00am to 09:00pm (Le Havre), Sat Jun 20 (At Sea), Sun Jun 21 06:00am (Amsterdam, arrive)
• Photo’s 1 to 4 feature the Celebrity Silhouette coming into Port and Master, Cpt. Dimitrios Kafetzis, with Barbara Buczek, General Manager (Port of Dover) and Staff Capt., Vittorio Cantu.

Motis Freight Services Agency (FSA) recently made a commitment to invest £1 million in its facility.  Over the coming months, new toilets, showers, launderette, catering and a TV lounge will be added. Furthermore, its cargo handling facilities are also being upgraded to include ambient, frozen and chilled storage/transhipment.

Jason Ransley, Business Development Manager (Property and Logistics) Port of Dover, says:

“Our partnership with Motis and the standard of service provided to our customers is a clear reflection of our commitment to be the best.  This latest investment is another step forward on that journey.”

Located within the Port of Dover, this 320 space dedicated truck facility is ideally placed for international drivers requiring a safe haven for their legal rest period.  Additional services include the HGV Levy, Dart Charge, Customs Clearance, TIR Sealing, POD dispatch and digitacho download.

Rob Hardy, Motis FSA General Manager says:

“Having committed £1 million to the development of our facility in Dover’s Western Docks, it is great to see the first elements being delivered. Our customers have come to expect a high level of service across the entire Motis product range and these enhancements are consistent with their expectations as they are with the Port’s own high standards.”

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Notes to Editor

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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.
• Motis Freight Clearance and Truckstop Facility is located off Lord Warden Square in the Port of Dover’s Western Docks, a 2 minute drive from Dover Ferry Terminal.  It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and is the largest facility of its kind in the UK.
• Find Motis truck wash prices here.

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

The Port of Dover was commended for its traffic management, pilotage, mooring, cargo handling, security and freight operations connected with the Port’s ferry, cruise and recreational activities, as well as for its land-based management of property and operations.

ISO 9001:2008 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and can be used by any organisation, large or small, regardless of its field of activity.  ISO 9001:2008 is implemented by over one million companies and organisations in over 170 countries.

This standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and leadership of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. 

Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, Tim Waggott, is delighted with yet another recognition of the Port’s continuing high quality performance.

“This re-accreditation shows how seriously we take the management of such an important international gateway. It shows we have a strong management team, a dedicated local workforce and the commitment to making Dover the best port in the world. With a clear and shared vision, such recognition shows that we have the team to keep Dover, the Port and the UK economy moving.” 

ENDS

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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.

AIDA Cruises started Dover’s cruise season with a visit from AIDAmar and is one of only 25 cruise lines that calls. Over the next five months, the Port of Dover will welcome passengers from across the world with seven inaugural cruise visits showing its continuing appeal to new customers. With the natural charm of Kent – the Garden of England – as well as the historic monuments and castles of Dover and the surrounding towns, it makes a perfect destination for those wanting to experience the best of British. No wonder the likes of Disney Cruises are making Dover their UK home port – Disney Magic arrives in July, the first of the 2015 Disney calls, with 2,700 passengers looking for their dream holiday to come true.

Barbara Buczek, General Manager – Business Development Port of Dover, recognises how iconic and attractive Dover is to visiting passengers. 

“Seeing the world-renowned White Cliffs of Dover come into view as you arrive in the UK is an awe inspiring welcome before experiencing the service and hospitality of Dover’s historic port.

We look forward to welcoming this year’s cruise customers to the Port of Dover. Whether it’s the cruise line, vessel or one of the passengers on-board, we are committed to ensuring that they all receive the very best service.  Dover is perfectly placed for exploring some key UK attractions whilst also being ideal for heading off to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and some great European destinations.”

ENDS

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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 is a member of CLIA UK & Ireland, which brings together cruise lines, travel agents and associated travel partners to help promote cruise holidays within the UK and Ireland. Further information can be found at: www.cruiseexperts.org
• Dover is the second busiest UK cruise port with two dedicated cruise terminals, with a third berth available for port-of-call visits.
• The Port of Dover is welcoming seven cruise inaugural visits this year:

o    AIDAdiva, AIDA Cruises – 19th April

o    MSC Sinfonia, MSC Cruises – 14th May

o    Costa Favolosa, Costa Cruises – 19th May

o    Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Cruises – 10th June

o    MS Gann, Unge Sjomenns Kristelige – 29th June

o    Star Legend, Windstar Cruises – 27th July

o    Corinthian, Grand Circle Cruise Line – 15th September

This year, 19 students worked on projects which looked at aspects of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project and Ro-Ro market development on the cross-Channel routes from Dover. The students were mentored by the Port’s Business Development Manager, Jason Ransley.

Jason Ransley, Business Development Manager, Port of Dover, says:

“This was a brilliant project for the students to get their teeth into and understand how we keep Dover, the Port and the UK economy moving. This year’s project looked at the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR), which offers the ultimate strategic location for developing cargo and logistics next to Europe’s busiest ferry terminal. Delivering a more efficient supply chain with fast, dedicated and direct access into Europe on the shortest sea crossing, the students were able to identify how Dover is uniquely placed to meet the logistics challenges of the future.”

The project is also another example of how the Port is working with young people through its Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) to increase knowledge and skills in the maritime industry.

John Whiteley, Senior Lecturer from the Business School at Greenwich University says:

”We are extremely grateful to the team at the Port of Dover for offering our students the opportunity to continue this valued partnership. This has been a brilliant opportunity for our young MA Logistics and Transport students, who cover a range of logistics, supply-chain management, and transport and management backgrounds, to come together and work with the Port on its flagship DWDR project, which is clearly extremely exciting for both the logistics industry and for Dover.”

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Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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 has facilitated MA (Logistics and Transport) projects for Greenwich University since 2011.
• John Whiteley (B. Tech, MBA) is a lecturer at Greenwich University and MA Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Management Consultancy provides practical opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning through the development of e-logistics and supply chain management (SCM) solutions.
• This course develops students’ abilities in several key areas, enabling them to: a) appreciate the variety of political, environmental and legal factors influencing the design and implementation of supply chain management strategies within different environments; b) apply their academic knowledge and practical skills to current SCM consultancy problems; c) become successful managers and influential leaders; and d) work effectively under pressure, either as part of a team or on own initiative, and within time constrained situations
• This course is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT(UK).
• The photo includes Senior Lecturer, John Whiteley, (right), Business Development Manager Jason Ransley (centre) and Tutor Nigel Wild (left) with 2015’s intake of students.

This Easter getaway Dover saw more than 250,000 passengers pass through the Port making it the premier gateway of choice to mainland Europe. Not only is Dover perfect for day trippers using the shortest sea route between the UK and France, but it also offers motorists the opportunity to reach Belgium and the Netherlands on the motorways linking northern France with the rest of Europe.

Less than an hour from Calais is the Aqualud water park in Le Touquet; the Ducas Kart Racing circuit at Berck sur Mer and just over 30 minutes from Calais is the zoological park in Dunkerque. For those willing to go that little bit further there is Océade – Belgium’s premier water park in Brussels with 14 slides. With Disneyland Paris only a three hour drive away, so it’s no surprise with its selection of exciting parks, luxury hotels, famous shows and year-round offers that it is such a hit with ferry travellers.

But for those thinking of something a little quieter there are dozens of museums, castles and small adventure parks scattered across northern France and Belgium. Lille has the magnificent Musée des Beaux Arts and a newly renovated and exciting zoological park. All these attractions and amusement parks are within an easy drive from Calais with enough variety to keep even the most demanding children satisfied.

It is so easy to travel to France on a ferry from Dover – the 90 minute cross-Channel route is the UK’s most popular route to Europe with fewer restrictions than any other form of transport. Taking your vehicle from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk means you can load everything the family needs without worrying about leaving those small but important items at home. No more worries about excess baggage charges for all your equipment and those delicacies you decide to bring back on the ferry from France.

Simply turn up at the Port, check-in and then sail across to Europe in less time than it takes to check-in at a local airport and board a flight. It’s an easy decision to travel by ferry from Dover to Europe.

ENDS

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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.
• Customers are advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult thePort of Dover website for the latest information.
• Visit www.doverport.co.uk for more information.

Committed to taking good care of its staff into retirement, the Port of Dover has won the award for best pension scheme (under £1 billion) at the prestigious Portfolio Institutional Awards.

Running since 2012, the awards recognise excellence and forward thinking in how institutions run their pension schemes.

The Port’s scheme is managed by a dedicated in-house team who work alongside a board of trustees, a mix of former and current staff, under the chairmanship of Bob Holmes, who is himself a former board member of Dover Harbour Board.

Mr Holmes says:

“We’re very proud to have received the Portfolio Institutional award for the Best Pension Scheme with assets under £1 billion. Over the last five years we’ve overhauled our investment and liability management strategy and have implemented some solutions that are not often considered by Schemes of our size. The result has been an improved funding position achieved with less risk despite challenging market conditions.

“We’ve also reacted quickly to change elements within the strategy when necessary. This award is recognition of these achievements and I would like to thank our investment advisors, P-Solve, for developing the strategy with us, our sponsoring employer, the Dover Harbour Board, for its support in implementing it, but most of all my fellow Trustees who’ve worked hard to ensure they have understood all of the changes we’ve made, while ensuring that the interests of the members of the Scheme remain our prime concern.”

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

“With around half of our employees living in Dover, our commitment to our team and the benefits they receive both during and after their employment with us, represents another significant investment in Dover and its people.  Recognition of that commitment and the professional way the Pension Scheme is managed is further testament to our vision of being the best of everything we do.”

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Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• Further details of the award can be found at http://portfolio-institutional-awards.co.uk/v2/
• Photo of Bob Holmes and the award at the awards night
• Photo of Bob Holmes, Chris Gilbert (Pensions Manager) and trustees at Port of Dover Annual Consultative Meeting

Combining the exciting operations of Europe’s busiest ferry port with the potential experience of being involved in one the of the biggest development projects in the South East, Dover Western Docks Revival, it is an exciting time to join the Port of Dover team. 

Following a formal selection process, the Port is delighted to award this year’s bursary to Owen Hayward. Forming part of the Port’s wider Youth Engagement Scheme (YES), the bursary scheme aims to encourage local students to take up study at university in a port-related field with a long term view of ensuring that the future success of the Port is driven by local people. The Port also provides the students with paid work placements during or following the period of their study of up to one year.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive for the Port of Dover says:

“I am delighted to award Owen his bursary, another sign of the Port’s commitment to giving young people the tools for future success here in Dover. The scheme is bringing the Port and its community closer in developing a shared understanding of the Port, what it does and its place within Dover as a major employer now and in the future. The aim is to serve the Port’s customers in the years to come through young local people delivering excellent customer service in their chosen profession.”

Owen, born in Dover, lives in Deal and attends Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich where he is currently in his final year studying ‘A’ level Maths, Business Studies and Geography.  Owen will then go on to study a BSc in Accounting & Finance at the University of Sussex. 

Owen Hayward says:

“I feel extremely proud for having been given the opportunity by the Port of Dover.  To get such support from a local business to develop my skills and to have the chance to experience life at the Port and share in its exciting future plans is fantastic.”

ENDS

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors:

• Photo 1 – Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Own Hayward and Anita Wilson, General Manager – Corporate Administration (left to right)
• Photo 2 – Own Hayward and Anita Wilson, General Manager – Corporate Administration (left to right)
• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 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 Bursary Scheme is part of the Port’s YES (Youth Engagement Scheme) initiative:
  • Working to improve the skills of local young people
  • Supporting our work to develop local skills that match opportunities of a growing port.
  • Enhancing the skills of local young people and fostering the next generation of local people who will keep the town, Port and UK economy moving.
• The value of each award is equivalent to one term’s fees, to a maximum of £3,000, per academic year, subject to satisfactory progress.
• Owen has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, has represented his school in the Maths Challenge, participated in a business enterprise project and the IFS Student Investor, where he gained an understanding of how stock markets work.