Port Of Dover Expert Appointed As Representative To International Advisory Group

PIANC, the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, has appointed Dover Harbour Board's Head of Development and Planning, Nigel Bodell, as the UK expert on its port master planning panel.

Charged with shaping international guidelines, PIANC consists of a network of individuals who are at the forefront of a particular maritime field. Its authoritative reports are used worldwide by engineers in the planning, design, construction and management of infrastructure for ports and waterways as well as being a respected voice in litigation.

Port master plans are an increasingly recognised strategic tool for the long-term development and competitiveness of a port and help to ensure that logistics, urban, technical, economic, environmental, safety, security and social issues are all fully considered.

The Port of Dover's 30-year Master Plan was the first of its kind in the UK, leading the way in UK port planning. Nigel played a critical role at each stage of Dover's plan including traffic forecasting, port capacity assessments and the preparation of an incremental plan to maximise the use of the existing harbour. He also led detailed studies on wave climate, tidal flow, navigation, sedimentation and transport.

The Port of Dover's master planning work has covered the legislative obligations in obtaining consent for a major new port development with a requirement to submit an Environmental Statement following completion of a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment. The Port's master plan is now quoted as an exemplar by the Department for Transport.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Bob Goldfield, said: "The considerable expertise that Nigel has gained and demonstrated during his career at the Port of Dover will be invaluable to PIANC. Such recognition of the Port's expertise is yet another illustration of the increasing reputation that the Port of Dover is gaining on the international stage."