Port of Dover regains market share

The Port of Dover's strong traffic growth for the first quarter of 2013 has seen Europe's busiest international ferry port regaining market share in the key freight market.

Road haulage vehicles (RHV) increased by 6.7% to 518,979 during the first quarter (Q1) of 2013 compared with one year earlier whilst Eurotunnel truck volumes decreased by a significant 9%.

Tim Waggott, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Dover, said: "Dover Harbour Board has been professionally managing the Port of Dover for over 400 years with a focus on delivering great customer service. We are a robust long-term player in the cross-Channel market and, as evidenced by our ongoing £85 million capital investment programme to substantially upgrade the existing ferry terminal, we fully expect to be successfully operating and growing in the years to come."

The Port's passenger numbers also grew by 6.5% to 2,135,295 and coach traffic increased by 13.8% to 15,640.

Mr Waggott added: "What we have at the Port of Dover is the ability to react swiftly to prevailing market conditions whilst at the same time securing the long term future of the primary cross-Channel gateway. Our ferry operators have weathered the economic storm and the strong competition from Eurotunnel, providing greater choice and capacity whilst reflecting the Port's long-term confidence with the introduction of new tonnage and new services. This is a great team effort from everyone associated with the UK's number one cross-Channel gateway."