“The Port is here to actively listen, engage and consult,” Dover Harbour Board (DHB) Chairman George Jenkins told the participants, before Chief Executive Tim Waggott gave a presentation on developing the shared vision for Dover Western Docks.  Bob Lane, a DHB Board member with an OBE for services to regeneration around the UK, offered his first hand expertise on achieving real regeneration.  It is not just about building things!

Workshop participants discussed a range of topics including regeneration, port and town working together, logistics, waterfront development, the environment and community directors.

The round table discussions were very engaging with comments made about the new approach of DHB and its positive and proactive engagement with the community. The event was seen as informative, useful, and a sign of positive intentions for community involvement and transparency.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “I and the Port of Dover team were delighted and humbled by the incredibly positive way in which so many members of the public took time out of their day to work with us in developing our shared vision.  To experience such local engagement was a clear sign of the progress that has been made by many people here at the Port to transform our relationships with our customers and community.  I thank everyone who attended and for their desire to work with us at every step of our exciting journey to deliver for Dover.” 

Key issues arising from the public workshop included:

• Restoring pride in Dover, cross-sector support and creating ‘Destination Dover’ are key to Dover’s regeneration.
• Linking key attractions and celebrating a shared maritime heritage supported by the Port will help deliver Dover’s regeneration aspirations.
• Creating new jobs and protecting existing ones is vital.
• Maritime training, traffic improvements and residential development should be considered for the waterfront.
• The Port’s support in developing the Bluebird Heritage Trail will support inward investment.

Developing the new marina should be an early step of the project.

The new Port and Community Forum and Port Users Group have been extremely effective in improving communication with the Port

Continued public events would be welcome and supported

Derek Leach, Chairman of the Port and Community Forum (PCF), said: “I and the whole PCF look forward to considering the views of those who came to the public workshop and taking the development of a shared vision for Dover Western Docks Revival to the next stage.  There was some great input and, importantly, great enthusiasm to work with DHB to deliver for Dover.  Our job is to make sure we harness that and move forward on refining the vision ready for the next public opportunity to report on progress at the Port’s Annual Consultative Meeting on 20th May.”

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In partnership with the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club (RCPYC) and international yacht brokers Clarke & Carter, the free event will bring together the local sailing community and industry experts for a day of family fun filled with water displays, exhibitions, local food stalls, children’s entertainment and a second-hand boat sale if you really get the bug!

Taking place on the Crosswall Quay from 9.00am until 5:00pm, free parking will also be available, so there is no reason not to come along and explore what Dover’s waterfront has to offer.

Ben Greenwood, Business Development Manager – Marine, said: “This is a great day out that gives seasoned sailors fresh opportunities and introduces newcomers to the charms of sailing and the sea.  Ultimately, it is about building a thriving sailing community in Dover that brings people together, creates a buzz and puts Dover further on the map as a vibrant sailing location.”

As well as trying something new, why not experience something old by exploring Dover’s very own Bronze Age Boat replica before being brought right back to the 21st century with a bang by entering a draw to win an iPad if you come and complete our treasure hunt.

The open day forms part of the Port of Dover’s participation in the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Active Marina Programme, which offers additional training, cruising and social opportunities throughout the year.  Being run in association with the RCPYC as well as the British Marine Federation’s ‘On the Water’ campaign, practical workshops will take place during the day.

Bernard Sealy, Commodore, Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, said: “The return of this event and the growing partnership with the Port of Dover demonstrates the great work going on to promote Dover as a destination – somewhere to savour a rich maritime heritage and somewhere to experience and enjoy the delights of the sea.”

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Notes to Editors

• Clarke & Carter’s second-hand boat sale will be offering those wanting to sell their vessel a 30% reduction on their standard berth fees as well as 30% off boat lift services for survey purposes.

Comparing the March-April period for 2013 with 2014 in order to capture the earlier Easter last year and the later holiday this year, the Port accommodated 5% more cars and 2.3% more coaches compared to 2013. 

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “The Port plays an important role in getting families off to a great start when heading off for their Easter holidays.  This year has been no exception. 

“In fact, the growth in traffic over the key Easter period shows that the brilliant customer service we are committed to delivering with our major ferry business partners and the shared vision of delivering the best port in the world is ringing true with our customers who deserve a brilliant break.”

Such good tourist customer results are on top of almost 10% growth in freight vehicles over the same period.

Mr Waggott added: “We already handle £89 billion of trade each year.  Seeing such positive growth on top of a 13% growth in freight vehicles last year shows how customers increasingly rely on us to get them where they need to go – whether it is goods to European markets or people to great holiday destinations.”

Brian Rees, Head of Press & Public Relations, P&O Ferries commented: “The Port of Dover can be seen as a barometer of economic conditions and the robust uplift in freight volumes is really encouraging as it reflects a return to market growth.  Tourist volumes are also strengthening and after several years of having economic conditions against us this is a heartening start to the year.”    

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The Port of Dover has been shortlisted in the Business Commitment to the Community Award category in this year’s Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBAs) for its efforts to protect and promote the town’s maritime heritage, culture and tourism economy.

The Making Port Heritage Work project has seen the Port of Dover and Port & Community Forum work with local heritage and amenity organisations, including the district council, Dover Society and local visitor attractions. The aim is to help bring the Port and the town’s history closer to the community and visitors.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “This recognition is the result of the hard work put in by every one of our 300 employees, and our shared goal to be the best port in the world for our customers and community.

“We have reached out to the local community, to its schools, colleges and businesses, and together developed key events for the town, including the Port of Dover Community Regatta, and the proposed Heritage Trail.

“Through our work with the Port & Community Forum, the revival of the Western Docks and ongoing investment across the Port, we will be able to play an even bigger role in the long term future of Dover.”

The judges also identified work undertaken to support the career prospects of local young people, through a bursary scheme that helps local young people study at University in a port-related discipline, and its Apprenticeship scheme.

Apprentices Jason Scorer, 22, and Jamie Ward, 20, both from Dover district, have made it through to the KEiBA Apprenticeship of the Year category.

Jason Scorer became an engineering and mechanical apprentice at the Port and while working there has been studying for an HNC in electrical and electronic engineering at Canterbury College.  He has also achieved a number of other NVQ and BTEC qualifications in pursuit of his ambition to be a multi-skilled electrical mechanic.

Following a year at Canterbury College studying a BTEC level 3 National Diploma in engineering, Jamie Ward knew he wanted a career in the industry and successfully applied to become a mechanical and technical apprentice at the Port of Dover.

Jamie is currently studying for a foundation degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Greenwich, funded by the Port of Dover.

He has also passed an NVQ level 2 in multi-skill maintenance mechanical/electrical and a level 3 BTEC diploma in engineering maintenance.

Tim Waggott said: “The ability to safely handle a vessel every 10 minutes of every day at the Port requires a highly trained, skilled and motivated workforce.

“We are absolutely committed to our apprenticeship scheme and the opportunities it gives to local young people.  We are therefore absolutely delighted that the achievements of Jason and Jamie, nurtured by the Port, have been recognised and that they will be flying the flag for the Port at the KEiBAs.”

The Port runs a full programme of apprenticeships across the business, ranging from electrical, mechanical, plumbing and construction through to ICT, customer service, marketing and business and administration apprenticeships. There are 12 apprentices working at the Port.

For further information on the Port of Dover’s youth engagement and community activities, refer to the Port’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

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For media enquiries relating specifically to this press release, please contact:

• Andrew Metcalf, Maxim 01892 513033, Mob: 07990 574680, or
• Philip Jones, Maxim 01892 513033 Mob: 07990 574690

The familiar building is closing in readiness for demolition, representing a key point in the Traffic Management Improvement (TMI) project that is transforming the Port.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “Freight vehicle numbers have virtually trebled over the past thirty years and we want to create a new welcome for our customers, one that delivers enhanced efficiency, flexibility and fantastic customer service.” 

During the demolition, which is due to be completed by mid-September 2014, two outbound traffic lanes will be maintained during peak times with minimal impact anticipated on inbound tourist and freight traffic.

The Arrivals Area of the Passenger Handling Building has been fully refurbished to provide new and permanent facilities in order to accommodate the existing tenants of the Travel Centre.  A new Passenger Lounge has also been provided as an additional customer waiting facility during peak times.

Mr Waggott added: “The Travel Centre has faithfully served our customers over a long period of time, but in order to be the best port in the world, we need to move with the times and that means keeping the £89 billion of goods that come through the Port moving.  I offer my continued appreciation for the understanding of our customers whilst we improve the Port for their journeys of the future and to our community whilst we work to reduce possible congestion in the town.”

NOTES

• Ferry customers are advised that the Port of Dover Travel Centre closes on 30th April (8pm), and Port Reception will be located in the new Arrivals area.
• Ferry Customers are advised that all ticket sales (except for foot passengers) must be transacted on-line or at check-in.
• The Port of Dover advises that the foot passenger ticket desk has moved to the new Arrivals area.
• The Port of Dover advises that Eurolines has re-opened in the new Arrivals area.
• The Port of Dover has opeend a new coach passenger lounge near to the coach parking area.
• The Port of Dover advises that short-term car parking for customer visiting Arrivals is located on Level 1 of multi-storey car park.
• The Port of Dover advises that Eurolines, Costa, P&O, Avis and the public toilets have re-opened in the new Arrivals area.

Customers seeking to read more information about the TMI project can visit the TMI Webpage and/or read the TMI Update Newsletters which contains more information about the closure of the Travel Centre and the opening of the new facilities.

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Seeking to protect the long-term resilience of this internationally important trade link, described as a ‘European motorway of the sea’, the BRIDGE (Building the Resilience of International and Dependent Gateways in Europe) Project brings together the Port of Dover and Port of Calais.

Currently those two busiest Roll–on Roll–off (Ro-Ro) ferry terminals in Europe handle more than one third of RoRo cargo between the UK and continental Europe, representing goods worth more than 70 billion euros.

The BRIDGE Project, which aims to ensure that Dover and Calais are part of European efforts to create a fully integrated freight corridor combining road, rail and maritime transport and linking the UK with Northern France, Benelux and North-East Spain, was recently unveiled at a joint event held in the French port.

Calais Port 2015 sets out plans to increase capacity through the development of a new harbour, a new cross-Channel terminal with a further three cross-Channel berths and one

Ro-Ro berth, and 80 hectares of new platforms. To handle the increased traffic, Calais, like Dover, is reorganising cross-Channel traffic flows and the road networks in and around the Port.  Major investment being undertaken under the Calais 2015 banner also includes the development of a rail motorway terminal linking the Port in Nord-Pas de Calais with Perpignan in the south of France, enabling the transhipment of trailers between rail, road and ferry in the Port.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “BRIDGE recognises that, by collaborating, we can complement each other and enhance the resilience of this international trade route.

“We connect the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland with the continental mainland, so it is essential that Dover works closely with our opposite numbers in Calais. By developing efficient port facilities and transport connections on both sides of the Channel we will be perfectly placed to meet the needs of our customers, communities and strengthen the local economies.”

In the short term, the BRIDGE project will ensure that the two ports operate efficiently by adapting the berths to the highest technical standards of ship accommodation, as well as focussing on the enhancement of the local transport networks to improve the resilience of the trade route.

At the Port of Dover, three berths are being enhanced with two piers recently extended. To improve the short-term operational performance and safety on the Kent side of the English Channel, a further three major berths will be refurbished by 2015.

The ports of Dover and Calais, each recognised by the European Commission as strategically important, and designated as ‘core ports’ under the TEN-T network 2014-2020, have been working together on the BRIDGE Project.

During the event, and in the presence of their stakeholders and the Nord-Pas de Calais Council (as the owner of the Port of Calais), a Memorandum of Understanding between the two ports was signed by the Côte d’Opale Chamber of Commerce and Industry (as the port manager) and Dover Harbour Board.

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George Jenkins, Chairman of the Dover Harbour Board, said “I welcome the praise of the Minister for the work that has been done by the refreshed board and executive team in improving relationships with Port users, while also re-launching and developing engagement with the local community. With our recently announced vision for the Dover Western Docks Revival capable of supporting major inward investment into Dover, I am delighted that the Minister wishes to give us his backing in creating a thriving port which in turn supports and delivers for a thriving town. We will be resolute in continuing our engagement with the community; this is a real opportunity for the Port and Town of Dover to come together and deliver an exciting future for all.”

During his visit Mr.Hammond viewed some of the developments in port infrastructure that have been delivered in the last 12 months. He said: “The port has put in an excellent performance over the past year with a 13% increase in ro-ro traffic, and an £85 million investment programme in key infrastructure projects. This includes the completed berth 6 and traffic management improvement works which include the creation of a new holding area with capacity for 220 freight vehicles. This is equivalent to taking almost 4 km of traffic off Dover’s roads.”

Mr.Hammond added “I would also like to thank everyone at the port for their remarkable resilience in ensuring that the port continued to operate effectively during the appalling weather we experienced this winter.”

Commenting on the visit and the announcement, Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott said: “I am grateful to the Minister for praising our hardworking team on all they have achieved, and for providing the certainty on Trust Port status they have craved for some time. Our commitment to be the Best Port in the World for the benefit of our customers and community is clear, and I look forward to further enhancing our relationships as we develop a shared vision to the benefit of future generations.”

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Proof that the Port of Dover is a national asset – and crucial to the performance of the Kent economy – has been demonstrated by an economic impact survey.

Independent economic consultancy Oxera has calculated the 2.2 million freight vehicles a year using the Port carry goods worth an estimated £89 billion, reinforcing Dover’s reputation as Europe’s busiest ferry port.

The report also highlights Dover’s role as one of Europe’s most important ports, with 98 per cent of its freight traffic by weight either originating in or destined for the EU.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “This report shows the real, and too often unseen, value of the Port and the work of the team on behalf of UK plc, and the customers it serves.

“The scale and value of goods handled by the people working at the Port is staggering and demonstrates its importance to the nation and the need for continued and major investment.”

The report also found the combination of Dover’s location and the efficiency of its operations resulted in a net benefit to its customers of some £2.3 billion.

Tim Waggott added: “Being the closest UK port to mainland Europe means a reduced crossing time, coupled with excellent service and capacity, this adds up to a remarkable saving to hauliers who choose to travel through Dover.”

To add further value, Dover Harbour Board recently announced plans for the revival of the Western Docks with the development of a new cargo terminal and associated facilities. This includes the prospect of creating more than 600 jobs, which would generate an additional £25 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) per year for the district’s economy.

Tim Waggott added: “The report is proof positive that every day we are delivering for the UK economy, as demonstrated by our current investment of £85 million to upgrade the Eastern Docks.

“We are also looking to protect this nationally vital trade route by securing long-term capacity through our Dover Western Docks Revival vision, and must secure additional powers in order to deliver this effectively. The timing is right, our customers share our vision, and so enabling the Port to quickly pursue the revival and regeneration of Dover’s Western Docks makes eminent commercial and economic sense.”

Andrew Meaney, Managing Consultant of Oxera, said: “Following a robust economic analysis, it is plain to see the Port of Dover is a vital cog in the UK economy and European logistics chain. It already adds significant value and, given the right powers, can add so much more. Without it, the UK would be less competitive and the cost to industry would be substantial.”

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