Rising Ferry Traffic Emphasises The Need To Expand Dover's Port Capacity

The Port of Dover saw increases in its freight and tourist traffic in 2006 for the second year running underlining the need to expand port capacity.

A record 2.3 million lorries passed through the port in 2006 whilst 2.6 million tourist cars and over 100,000 coaches used the ferry services to Calais, Dunkerque and Boulogne. The freight and car totals showed growth of 13.6 and 3.6 per cent respectively compared to 2005.

The number of passengers who travelled through the port increased 3.4 per cent to 13.7 million.

Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said the Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal was running at nearly full capacity at peak times and ferry facilities must be expanded in the near future if the port was to continue to operate efficiently.

"We have completed a master plan study looking at the requirements of our customers for the next 30 years. This is showing that the Eastern Docks is running out of capacity with no room to expand in the next few years.

"We are therefore looking at creating a second ferry terminal at the Western Docks and we believe we will need this by 2012 or 2013."

The port's plans for the second ferry terminal will be unveiled at a public consultation exhibition and meeting at Dover Town Hall on 25 January. Further information is available at www.doverport.co.uk.