National Transport Awards shortlist Port of Dover for Port of the Year accolade

The Port of Dover has been shortlisted for the prestigious 'Port of the Year' award at this year's National Transport Awards.

The Port of Dover was able to demonstrate how 2014 was a year of positive community, business and regeneration momentum. Handling £100bn of trade annually and with strong projected growth in the next 15 years, 2014 was a crucial platform for the business in its continued support of UK plc.

The Port's award submission highlighted the implementation of corporate governance changes and new structures to increase accountability, the establishment of the Port of Dover Community Fund and a new skills training partnership with East Kent College, increased European engagement to create a fully integrated freight corridor, and significant capacity, environmental, heritage and cultural initiatives.

Dover is up against the container terminal at the Port of Southampton, the new offshore wind development at the Port of Hull, the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal, and last year's winners the Port of Tyne.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "I am delighted that my staff's unstinting efforts to implement our integrated corporate social responsibility and business strategies have received national recognition.

"2014 was a year of transformation and partnership providing a strong base for future business growth as we look to progress the redevelopment of the Western Docks to ensure that the local community captures the significant employment and regeneration benefits of the scheme.

"I wish the other ports the best of luck and look forward to the awards ceremony."

On hearing Dover had been shortlisted for 'Port of the Year', the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott said: "Over this past year the Port of Dover through the creation of a Community Trust has demonstrated its long term commitment to the well-being of the wider Dover Community. The transformation being brought about by the Port's commitment makes it (the Port) well worthy of the award for being Port of the Year."

The 2015 National Transport Awards are organised by Transport Times and supported by the Department for Transport and Passenger Focus. The award ceremony will take place at Westminster Park Plaza Hotel, London, on 8 October, with Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, as keynote speaker.

On hearing the news of the Port's short-listing, Dan Bridgett of P&O Ferries, said: "Port of Dover is a key part of Britain's transport infrastructure on which millions of tourists and hundreds of thousands of businesses rely. We are very pleased to be working closely with the Port of Dover team to deliver 58 sailings every day to and from Calais."