Port of Dover hits all-time freight high

The Port of Dover recorded its busiest day ever for freight traffic yesterday (23 November 2016) with 10,558 freight vehicles handled by the Port. That is nearly 500 more than the previous record and is equivalent to four extra ferry loads or nine kilometres of traffic in one day.

This freight high builds on a 3% growth in freight during the third quarter of 2016.

Following 30% growth in freight in just the past three years, freight traffic is once again increasing at Europe's busiest ferry port, which handles 17% of the UK's trade in goods.

As the shortest sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe, freight wants to use the quickest, cheapest and most efficient crossing but Dover had seen a marginal shift away to other ports in recent times due to the issues at Calais. However those pressures have now eased following the closure of the Jungle and Dover is once again back to breaking records in support of a growing economy.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "The Port is busier than ever, with strong volumes projected for the rest of the year.

"Dover continues to play a critical role in ensuring that the UK's trading relationships with our European partners remain strong as we move towards Brexit.

"As we approach the busy festive season for freight and passenger traffic, we will be doing all we can to keep the traffic moving in order to ensure the nation's shops remain stocked and people get away for their well-earned breaks."