Here is the official statement Doverforum had through this morning directly from DHB...
Section 31 announcement
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Dover Harbour Board (DHB) has welcomed today's announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport on the resolution of the Section 31 challenge regarding the tariffs levied by DHB in 2010 and 2011. The decision, coming only a few months after DHB received formal Government approval for its second ferry terminal (Terminal 2), is another significant vote of confidence in the strategic direction of the UK's busiest trust port and its management team.
Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover said: "We have always believed that we have a very strong case for the tariff levels that we charge and that they are always set with due regard to the policy guidance given by Government." Mr Goldfield went on to state: "Only a realistic tariff level can ensure that we can meet our many obligations to all of our stakeholder groupings, including our ferry operators."
It is DHB's role to ensure that the Port of Dover is operated on a sound financial basis that ensures the future of the port as a going concern for the benefit of all customers and stakeholders, including the local community. The ferry operators are a vitally important part of the Port's immediate and long-term future and today's announcement will enable the Port's Board and management to develop a new and stronger understanding with the ferry operators. DHB expects to hold a number of meetings with the operators in the coming weeks to chart an agreed understanding and a way forward for future tariff negotiations.
The Port counteracted on account of the following..
1. The Section 31 challenge was lodged by P&O Ferries Holding Limited, DFDS Seaways and SeaFrance S.A. (since liquidated) under the Harbours Act 1964.
2. All objections were on the grounds that the dues levied by DHB (2010 and 2011 tariffs) ought to be imposed at a rate lower to that which they have been.
