Smooth operations at the Port are vital for ensuring factories stay busy, shops are full and prices remain low for British consumers.

Doug said: “Dover is a fast-pace operation unlike anywhere else and has been dubbed Britain’s just-in-time trade conveyor belt; but it is Ireland’s too with around 40% of Irish exports to the EU travelling via Dover. Business as usual means Dover as usual and that is what we have been working on.”

The Port of Dover has been at the forefront of the Brexit debate around UK trade and for good reason. It handles £122bn by value or 17% of the UK’s trade in goods on the shortest sea crossing between the UK and the EU.  That unique geographical position enables Dover to maximise capacity, efficiency and frequency in order to facilitate 120 ferry movements a day with a fleet of 12 ferries carrying up to 110 miles of lorries between them – more than all other UK ports combined. 

He added: “Alongside ongoing major investment in our operational capacity, we’ve prepared for Brexit, working hard to ensure our assets are ready, critical spare parts stocked and the right level of resources are in place.”

With one month to go until Brexit, Doug was joined by other logistics leaders, including James Hookham, Deputy Chief Executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), to discuss how Britain’s key transport links are preparing for Brexit.

The Port of Dover is also the headline sponsor for the FTA ’s Brexit Readiness Conference on Friday, which presents another timely opportunity for key players in the logistics industry to come together and ensure they are prepared for 31st October.

James Hookham, Deputy CEO of FTA said:

“Port readiness is key to maintaining continuity of trade, if the UK leaves the EU without a Deal. But the new complex Border requirements that will apply will be challenging for everyone to get right first time, every time.

No one should think this an easy option. FTA  would much prefer the UK leave with a Deal agreed, including  the Transition Period when current trade arrangements stay in place to avoid the risks of disruption to the flow of goods.

Minimising the risk of any disruption will be dependent on the readiness of everyone involved: the ports, the ferry companies, hauliers, traders and Border agencies, in both Britain and France.

Government still needs to provide essential details of the Border procedures and still has the opportunity to reduce the burden further by extending easements and postponing deadlines.”

The Port is one link in the chain and governments have a responsibility to ensure that borders operate efficiently. Trader readiness is another key area, which is why these conferences are so important. The Port is doing everything possible to support this so that all links in the logistics chain are good to go and the UK Government must continue playing a big role too.

ENDS

The Port is prepared, and our partners have pivotal roles to play in ensuring the system continues to operate smoothly.

We have been working closely with ferry operators, our sister ports in France and Government departments ever since the Brexit process began to ensure all of the goods which depend on this critical link can continue to enjoy the advantages of travelling on the shortest sea crossing between the UK and EU, as well as the shortest route between Ireland and the European mainland.

Over the past week, the Port has been designated for the movement of CITES-protected animals and plants, meaning that Dover is now an approved point of entry to the UK for all goods originating in the EU. In addition, the UK Government announced five sites across South East England that will be used for border readiness checks for hauliers, importantly prior to arrival at the Port’s Eastern Docks.

Handling more lorries than all other UK ports combined, the Port of Dover is critical to ‘business as usual’ for the UK and Ireland and the time sensitive essential items that rely on the most economic route to market to keep factories busy, shops full and prices low for consumers.

A Port of Dover spokesperson said:

“The Port of Dover welcomes today’s announcement by the UK Government that Dover has been designated for the movement of protected animals and plants.  Importantly, this designation provides the final piece of the jigsaw in the UK’s Brexit border arrangements that maintains the Port of Dover as an approved point of entry to the UK for all goods originating in the EU.

Alongside these designations, plans are in place to deliver the smooth flow of lorries arriving in Dover from France that will enable the unrivalled benefits of location, capacity, efficiency and frequency on the shortest sea crossing to keep shops full, factories busy and prices low for British consumers.”

 “Any investment to help keep vital cross-Channel traffic flowing and a third of the UK’s trade in goods moving across the short straits corridor via Dover and the Channel Tunnel is welcome.  In the current circumstances, it is natural and appropriate that the UK Government should consider how to protect the supply of certain critical goods such as medicines.  However, we also need a measured and holistic approach, one that rationally deals with all of our trading needs.  The identified Category 1 goods, whilst critical, form a small subset of the total volume of goods essential to maintaining our quality of life.  We believe a prudent Government should place a commensurate level of attention to ensure borders remain open so that all time sensitive essential items, such as perishable foods, continue to flow via the most economic route to market. 

The Port of Dover has been working with Government Departments and its business partners on both sides of the Channel for the past 18 months to address the practical issues of keeping trade flowing freely.  It is clear that the Dover Straits route provides the most popular and efficient connection for trade between the UK, Ireland and Europe – keeping all borders open will enable this key route to provide the essential support to Britain’s economy – factories stay busy, our distribution system remains efficient, shops are full of the goods we want to buy and so prices remain low for the consumer.

Keeping the traffic moving freely across borders will mean balancing any requirements for declarations around the realities of just-in-time logistics and flexible routing of lorries, and crystallising those requirements in sufficient time for merchants to develop the capability to meet them.  It is in this area of ‘trader readiness’ that Government can have a profound impact.

The Port of Dover, as with our sister ports in France and our ferry partners, are prepared for the 31st of October.  Merchants, border agencies and highway authorities also have pivotal roles to play in ensuring the system continues to operate smoothly.”

ENDS

The awards, now in their third year, celebrate the companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the logistics and supply industry and have become acknowledged as the ultimate celebration of one of the UK’s most important industry sectors. FTA’s Logistics Awards 2019 are sponsored by CEVA Logistics, FTA Recovery and Santander.

The Port’s entry will now be judged by the FTA’s Board, which represents some of the country’s most influential logistics businesses. The winners will be announced at a celebratory reception and gala dinner at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London on Thursday 24 October 2019.

David Wells, Chief Executive of FTA, the only business organisation representing all of the logistics industry, commented:

“These finalists represent the ‘best of the best’ of our sector; the businesses and individuals determined to keep Britain trading, both at home and overseas. They have been selected for their outstanding commitment, knowledge and expertise, and represent a wide range of UK companies across transport modes and business sectors. With a record number of entrants this year, each shortlisted business had to fight off very tough competition to secure their place in the final line up, and those who scoop the top prizes will be truly at the top of their business games. They should be justly proud of the contribution they are making to both the logistics sector and wider UK economy.”

“The Logistics Awards truly is the blue riband event in the logistics industry’s calendar; a unique chance to celebrate the achievements of one of the UK’s most vital industries, all while enjoying world-class entertainment – this year, from comedian Ed Byrne – as well as a glittering gala dinner.”

Richard Christian, Head of Policy & Communications at the Port of Dover adds:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted twice amongst such a high calibre of nationally renowned logistics companies. Our two finalist entries show that the Port of Dover is at the forefront of UK trade, and that a highly talented, diverse and can-do team has a huge impact on the successful running of the business.”

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.  A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.  

The full shortlist is available here

ENDS

The Port of Dover Community Regatta is back for its 7th year, bigger and better than ever, with a huge, energetic programme in store. And for the first time ever, the Port is hosting an Open Air Cinema screening of The Greatest Showman on the Beach from dusk.

From the giant inflatable assault course, a 7.5 metre high climbing wall and segways, to a bungee run, sumo suits and the Community Raft Race, there’s guaranteed to be lots of fun in store for all. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the local refreshments, see demonstrations and performances through the day, or let your competitive streak out by taking part in one of the activities, there’s something for everyone.

Barbara Buczek, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Dover said:

“The Regatta is one of the most anticipated days in Dover’s annual event calendar, and with more fun and competitive activities than ever before, this year’s is guaranteed to be a fantastic day for all. It’s the perfect opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate everything the Seafront has to offer, whilst raising money for local charities.”

Port of Dover and P&O Ferries staff will be joining in the fun and competing in their own Sports Day, putting forward teams for the activities with an ultimate winner being crowned. Port vessels, Dover Lifeboat, Border Force, Splash Pals Newfoundland Dogs and Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club will also be doing demonstrations.

Around 10,000 members of the public come down to the Seafront for the Regatta each year. All money raised will be donated to the chosen local charities – Dover Smart Project, Pegasus Play Scheme and Wet Wheels.

ENDS

“In the current circumstances, it is natural and appropriate that the UK Government should consider how to protect the supply of certain critical goods such as medicines.  However, we also need a measured and holistic approach, one that rationally deals with all of our trading needs. The identified Category 1 goods, whilst critical, form a small subset of the total volume of goods essential to maintaining our quality of life.  We believe a prudent Government should place a commensurate level of attention to ensure that all borders remain open so that other time sensitive essential items, such as perishable foods, continue to flow via the most economic route to market. 

The Port of Dover has been working with Government Departments and its business partners on both sides of the Channel for the past 18 months to address the practical issues of keeping trade flowing freely.  It is clear that the Dover Straits route provides the most popular and efficient connection for trade between the UK, Ireland and Europe – keeping all borders open will enable this key route to provide the essential support to Britain’s economy – factories stay busy, our distribution system remains efficient, shops are full of the goods we want to buy and so prices remain low for the consumer.

Keeping the traffic moving freely across borders will mean balancing any requirements for declarations around the realities of just-in-time logistics and flexible routing of lorries, and crystallising those requirements in sufficient time for merchants to develop the capability to meet them.  It is in this area of ‘trader readiness’ that Government can have a profound impact.

The Port of Dover, as with our sister ports in France and our ferry partners, are prepared for the 31st of October.  Merchants, border agencies and highway authorities have pivotal roles to play in ensuring the system continues to operate smoothly.

We stand ready to support Government and business through this transitional period.”

Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover