Port of Dover records positive start to a new year

The Port of Dover has reported positive traffic growth for the first quarter of 2013 compared with the first quarter of 2012.

Passenger numbers grew 6.5% to 2,135,295, coach traffic increased 13.8% to 15,640 and road haulage vehicles (RHV) increased 6.7% to 518,979 during the first quarter (Q1) of 2013 compared with one year earlier.

The positive start to 2013 was helped by an early Easter, which saw the Port handle over a quarter of million passengers during the holiday getaway. In addition, the cross-Channel market only had two ferry operators operating services out of Dover at the beginning of last year. However the arrival of a third ferry operator has supported the growth and improved the market share for the Port of Dover.

Tim Godden, Head of Strategic Analysis said: "We are delighted that in spite of the on going economic challenge, passengers are still choosing to travel the Channel using the Port of Dover. The increased traffic combined with the early Easter holiday contributed towards a positive start to 2013. The Port's staff did a great job to make sure everything worked smoothly for our customers."