News that P&O Ferries plans to launch two new ships for its Dover-Calais service is further evidence of the need to expand facilities at the Port of Dover, says Chief Executive Bob Goldfield.
 
The Port of Dover is moving forward with a £420 million expansion programme to build a second ferry terminal with four ferry berths at the Western Docks within the harbour.  An environment impact assessment into the proposals is nearing completion and the port hopes to start building work in 2010 with the terminal opening in 2013 or 2014.
 
Dover is one of the world’s busiest international ferry ports, and 40,000 additional freight movements during 2007 pushed the port to a new record high of 2,363,583 journeys.
 
Bob Goldfield commented: “The growth in passenger travel and freight volumes is driving the port’s Eastern Docks ferry terminal to operate at almost its maximum capacity. With forecasts for this growth set to continue the second terminal is vital to facilitate trade and travel between the UK and mainland Europe.
 
“The new P&O super ferries are expected to begin operating in 2010 and 2011, and meanwhile, SeaFrance launches its new, 200-metre ferry next month. The port has the capacity to handle these vessels, but this clearly emphasises that business is moving forward and that there is a need to plan and build facilities for the next generation.
 
“Our ongoing investment projects in existing infrastructure include a £4 million road scheme to improve traffic flows exiting Eastern Docks thereby maximising landside capacity in the terminal. Construction is already under way and we expect to complete the work in March 2009.
 
“Growth in ferry freight is running at a rate of more than five per cent a year, and Dover continues to attract a steadily increasing share of this important part of the UK’s supply chain.”

14 June 2008