Over 60,000 tourist vehicles (cars, campervans, coaches and motorcycles) travelled through the Port of Dover with 278,000 passengers (including freight), proving once again that summer begins at the Port of Dover.

The Port of Dover summer getaway service continues to lead the way on the cross-Channel route with the Port taking over 55% of the tourist market during the key first holiday weekend since schools broke up.

Overall passenger numbers are 3.3% up year to date at Europe’s busiest ferry port, having also recently seen a record number of freight vehicles depart through the Port earlier this month (9 July).

Shaun Pottage, Finance Director, Port of Dover, says: “Ferry passengers are experiencing a quality service, a dedicated team and what is really a mini cruise across the Channel to start their summer holidays. We are making great strides towards achieving our commitment to be the BestPort in the World for the benefit of our customers and community and the volumes of people choosing the Port of Dover illustrates this.”

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Issued by Port of Dover Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 Ext. 4410 (8.30am – 17.00pm)

NOTES TO EDITOR

• Figures are for week beginning Wed 23rd July – 30th July.

A record number of freight vehicles departed on services through the Port of Dover yesterday, reaching numbers not seen since before the recession.

5,337 freight vehicles departed for Calais and Dunkirk from Europe’s busiest ferry port, beating the previous record of 5,322 set in 2008.

It was also the third busiest day ever for total numbers, with 10,134 freight vehicles handled. The busiest day was in 2008 when the port handled 10,584 freight vehicles following the Eurotunnel fire in September of that year.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says: “This shows just what reliance there is on the Port of Dover as a gateway for UK business. We have – and continue to develop – the infrastructure and facilities to provide the services which British exporters need. We have the essential levels of resilience for the nation when our major competitor gets into operational difficulties as it did this week.”

The total freight vehicle traffic handled by the port on Tuesday equates to a queue of freight traffic from the Port of Dover up the M20, over the Dartford crossing and up the M11 all the way to Stansted Airport!

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

Notes to Editors

• The Port of Dover handles £89 billion of trade every year.

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Anticipating high volumes of Tour traffic as the world’s cycling spectacle reached the end of the UK leg and headed to Dover, the Port worked closely with Tour sponsor P&O Ferries to ensure that the 1,000 vehicle Tour convoy got to France on time to start the next stage.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “After all the excitement of the UK leg of this top quality global sporting event, what better way to mark the end of the UK section than with an efficient and high quality ferry service from the reliable Port of Dover and the backdrop of the famous White Cliffs.”

Meanwhile, the Port, supported by all three major ferry customers, did the double and assisted hundreds of additional customers who had been caught up in long delays when the Channel Tunnel suffered a power fault, causing a Eurotunnel train to block the Tunnel.

Mr Waggott added: “To be successful, to be the best, you need a great support team around and that is exactly what we have at Team Dover.  A wonderful team effort to keep a global sporting event on track and keep UK plc running all at the same time.  A tour de force giving customers their Tour de France.” 

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

The wide ranging workshop discussed a draft person specification, criteria for eligibility and the timetable for appointment with all parties confirming their desire to establish a process that was transparent, open and accountable.

In order to continue the momentum and positive engagement that has been evident in improved relationships between DHB and local community groups, it was agreed that the recruitment process would commence in the summer with the aim of securing an appointment in the late autumn of 2014.

George Jenkins OBE, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board said “It was a privilege to host a group of people who were willing to work together towards finding a consensus approach to securing this key appointment. I was delighted with the healthy nature of the conversation and it is clear to me that all present wished to see a positive outcome for both the port and the town of Dover.”

Commenting on the workshop, Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, from whose constituency the selected candidate will be drawn said “It’s great to see a shared desire from the Harbour Board and the community to build a stronger partnership to take the town forward. I am delighted we are making progress. The developments over the coming months should take us a further step to bring the port, port businesses and the people together in the shared venture of changing Dover. The deeper partnership, the investment with development of the port and the new jobs it can create could really transform things.”

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

Note to Editors

Full list of Workshop attendees:

Charlie Elphicke, Member of Parliament for Dover and Deal

Peter Jones, CBE, Chairman, South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP)

Councillor Sue Jones, Deputy Mayor of Dover

Derek Leach, Chairman, Port & Community Forum

James Ryeland, Chairman, Port Users’ Group

Councillor Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council

George Jenkins OBE, Chairman, Dover Harbour Board

Jeff Hume, Deputy Chairman, Dover Harbour Board

Erik Østergaard, Member, Dover Harbour Board

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Dover Harbour Board

Representative of Department for Transport – as Observer only

The seafront is a very popular place for those wanting to enjoy the sun, the sea and the array of recreational water-based activities in the unique surroundings of Europe’s busiest ferry port with the impressive backdrop of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle.

Students are now looking forward to a well deserved rest and some fun times after their exams and families are planning to take advantage of the good weather by heading to Dover’s beach – once again in the Good Beach Guide for its excellent water quality.

We are delighted that our community want to spend their precious time enjoying our seafront facilities, so we are launching our ‘Stay safe this summer’ campaign in order that they can do just that.

As well as some annual reminders, we have been working hard to improve the seafront for our community with some projects still underway, so here is some advice on what to look out for in order to have a great time.

Tombstoning

Since launching what was the first initiative of its kind, the Port of Dover Police (together with Dover District Community Safety Partnership) is once again bringing the dangers of “tombstoning” into local youth clubs and elsewhere through its nationally acclaimed DVD in order to deter youngsters from the risk of serious injury.  “Tombstoning” involves jumping into water from a height such as from piers, but risking serious injury through contact with submerged rocks.  It can be fatal.  The message is just don’t risk it!

Groynes

The Port recently replaced and upgraded the seafront groynes with high quality rock groynes. This was done in order to both protect the beach and also create a much more visually appealing beach environment.

They are very hard structures that are designed to withstand the elements and we urge people not to climb on the groynes or jump off of them.  When parts are submerged in the sea as the tide comes in they can also become slippery as they re-emerge when the tide goes out.  They do not react favourably with people who land on them.

Scaffolding

Part of the promenade sea wall is being repaired and Harbour House on the seafront is also being renovated in support of the wider waterfront regeneration agenda being pursued for Dover.  Both have required the erection of scaffolding.  The contractors carrying out the works are suitably kitted out with personal protective gear and are experienced with moving in such environments and working at height.

Scaffolding can cause serious injury if proper safety precautions are not followed both due to the heights involved and the dangers of the scaffolding tubes themselves.  Scaffolding is not a recreational facility and the Port of Dover Police will be regularly patrolling the seafront in order to ensure no-one is risking their own safety or the safety of others.

Shelters

The Port provides a number of seafront shelters for users of the promenade.  They have seating and there is no need for anyone to climb on top of them, risking falling from height.  Our neighbourhood police team will again be providing a regular visible presence to ensure that no-one is risking their safety and to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all.

Heat

Please remember that the beach can expose people to intense sunshine during the hot summer months.  Plenty of water and good sunscreen is strongly recommended in order that the sunshine is enjoyed and not endured.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “We all have a shared responsibility for the safety of those using the seafront.  Whilst it may seem obvious, it is worth reminding everyone of the dangers that can be posed by the sea and by building works.  We have a great place to enjoy.  Let’s all make sure we do by just reminding ourselves of how to stay safe so that we can return year after year to our valuable seafront.  Wishing our community a fantastic summer!”

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

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “This is a great moment for the Port and for Dover.  It represents a clear sign of our commitment to both deliver our flagship Dover Western Docks Revival project, currently being so positively received and supported, and crucially to be able to further support our community with charitable donations through a new community fund.

It is a major step forward in delivering the shared vision that we are developing with our customers and community.”

Since the Port’s Annual Consultative Meeting held last month, at which the decision to appoint its first community director was announced, a workshop for local elected representatives has been arranged in order to establish the process to deliver this key appointment.

Furthermore, the Port is very much looking forward to continuing engagement with local stakeholders on the establishment of the community fund and the vision for Dover Western Docks Revival.  A public workshop is to take place on 15th July – further details to be announced soon.

Mr Waggott added: “I sincerely hope for a swift granting of the HRO so that the momentum to transform the port and town of Dover will allow us all to experience the great future in which we all wish to share just as soon as possible.  In the meantime, I encourage the people of Dover and all of our stakeholders to come to our workshop in July and help us shape the community fund together.  These are exciting times for all of us in Dover!”

The Dover Harbour Revision Order (HRO) 2014

Statement in support of application for order by Dover Harbour Board

Newspaper – public notice

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Notes in Editors

• Please visit, http://www.doverport.co.uk/about/the-board/ for further information.

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

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “The Kent Channel Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in Dover and across East Kent.  By becoming a Patron, we can both better engage with our valued community business partners on shaping the future of the Port whilst also support them as the major business in this area.”

The Chamber works to help the local business community prosper and develop, providing advice to all sectors and sizes of business from sole traders to large companies and multi-nationals.

Tim Kidd, Chief Executive, Kent Channel Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is fantastic to have the Port as a Patron.  The Port is a major business handling £89 billion of trade each year, but it also supports many local businesses which supply goods and services to it and its customers.  The Port will be a great ambassador for local business, and its patronage demonstrates a great commitment to bring local benefit from an international business.”

Mr Waggott attended a networking breakfast last week, organised by the Chamber at the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, the first event since the Port became a Patron.

Mr Waggott said: “Gaining the support and ideas from the local business community is vital, so what more fitting occasion than attending our first event as Patron of the main representative business organisation in the area.”

Mr Kidd added: “From the Port’s presentation and discussion with Chamber members, it is clear that local business is both supportive of the Port’s vision for reviving the Western Docks and the opportunities that this will bring to local businesses.  It is a win win situation and the Chamber will be working hard with the Port to ensure that Dover thrives from the delivery of that vision.

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

Notes to Editors

• Dover Western Docks Revival is a major opportunity that is acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.  It could create over 600 new quality jobs and safeguard another 140 by developing a new cargo terminal and port centric distribution facility.  This would revive the Western Docks, protect long term port capacity and enable the transformation of the Waterfront with the potential creation of a new marina.
• The Port of Dover is Europe’s busiest international ferry port, the UK’s second busiest cruise port, operates successful cargo and marina businesses and has a diverse property portfolio.

This year’s project comes at a time when the Port of Dover has just posted its best year-end traffic figures for freight vehicles since 2009, recording an impressive rise of 13% in 2013 and carrying goods worth an estimated £89 billion worth of trade.  Demonstrating the importance of the Port to UK plc, the project is also another example of how the Port is working with young people under its Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) to increase knowledge and skills in the maritime industry.

The students, who worked in two project groups, looked at the Port of Dover’s Ro-Ro traffic and its share of the market. After identifying several themes which might impact the cross-Channel trade, the two groups fed back their assessment in a final report. 

The students were mentored by Senior Strategic Planning Analyst, Anthony Trilsbach, but also had the opportunity to meet General Manager – Strategy and Risk Management, Tim Godden, and his team which gave constructive feedback on their project assessment.

Timothy Godden, General Manager – Strategy & Risk Management, Port of Dover, said: “It was great to see the students gain an understanding of how the Port of Dover is a vital cog in the UK economy and European logistics chain. This project was all about developing their understanding and skills in maritime and logistics sectors, whilst nurturing an interest in the Port as a great place to work.   

John Whiteley, Senior Lecturer from the Business School at Greenwich University said: “Thanks to the generosity of the Port of Dover, this is another excellent opportunity for young MA students, from a range of logistics, supply-chain management, transport and management backgrounds, to come together and learn about Europe’s busiest Ro-Ro port.  The feedback from students has been excellent as they seize the opportunity to learn from experienced people in the industry”.

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

Notes to Editors

• 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 currently lectures on; Value Chain (marketing, operations and logistics), Managing the Business Process and Evolving Issues in Supply Chain Management, Maritime Business Environment, Economics of International Shipping and Logistics, Operations and Marketing in Shipping.
• 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).

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “My congratulations to Shaun on his appointment.  Since joining the organisation towards the end of 2013 he has impressed everyone with his approach, intellect and delivery.

“Shaun will continue to manage his existing portfolio within the business whilst also leading on a number of key workstreams in support of the Dover Western Docks Revival.  He will also carry on supporting me closely in further developing the future direction and financing of the organisation.

“I hope that he will be afforded the same gracious support that I have been given as we continue to deliver on our commitment to be the best port in the world for the benefit of our customers and community.”

Shaun is a chartered accountant and is married with two children.

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