Port Of Dover Calls On Stakeholders

The Port of Dover is launching a 6-week public engagement period until 31st March, to hear from local communities, visitors, Port users and wider stakeholders on the outcomes and ideas they think the Port should pursue to 2050.

This is the latest phase of ‘Port of Dover 2050’, the programme by Britain’s busiest port and ARUP to develop a long-term plan to become the UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled port, entrenching the Port as a symbol of national trade resilience well into the future.

In our ever-changing world, patterns and behaviours of travel, business, commerce, and leisure are rapidly changing too – driven by societal shifts, technological advances, economic change, and our climate and environment. The Port of Dover itself faces challenges as it looks ahead to the future, from the critical need to decarbonise maritime and road transport and rising sea levels, to skills gaps and rapid advancements in digitalisation. However, through its 2050 plan and the identification of solutions, these challenges will become opportunities. 

Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said:

“The level and scale of change seen by the Port of Dover throughout its history, from Roman times to the award of our royal charter in 1606, to today, is simply vast. To remain an established strategic asset for the United Kingdom to the present day has taken creativity and innovation at every step to adapt to the challenges of the day.

Port of Dover 2050 is our strategic masterplan project to help us understand the opportunities and challenges the Port faces now and into the future and the changes and potential investments we need to make over the long term. With the launch of the public engagement period today, we are seeking to work with our many stakeholders to identify the best solutions; subsequently driving value for our business and employees, the local community, and the regional and national economy – through economic, environmental, and social benefits.

So far, through our online engagement hub, we’ve been delighted to hear from members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and our employees about your memories and aspirations for the future of the Port. These have informed the possible outcomes and ideas for change we are now seeking your views on – and we can’t wait to hear from you during this next stage of the 2050 engagement journey.”

To find out more and feed in your views, visit the Port of Dover 2050 online engagement hub.

https://portofdover2050.commonplace.is/

You can also meet the Port of Dover team and continue the conversation throughout March at some special community pop-up events.

St James Retail Park in Dover, on March 14th and March 16th

Dover Waterfront Parkrun on March 16th on the Seafront/Marina Curve.

Further Information:

The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.

As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.

Dover is also an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to the most prestigious cruise lines. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a brand-new marina which is a major feature of the exciting waterfront development, and opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.