Port Operations Return to Normal

With all aspects of the summer getaway operation running at full pace, the Port of Dover worked around the clock with its operational partners to clear waiting Dover-bound freight vehicles overnight. The backlog of tourist passengers that was generated on Friday has also now been cleared along with successfully getting Saturday’s holidaymakers off on their way. So far this weekend the Port has processed 72,000 passengers, which is more than 200 miles of tourist and freight traffic combined.

With the entire port system working efficiently, including strong support from French border colleagues and ferries running through the night, the Port demonstrated that its summer plan will work for the rest of the holiday period, as it did in clearing huge volumes of tourist and freight traffic to get back to normal by the early hours of Sunday morning.

We should not have been in this situation in the first place, however, with all partners working together, the plan will ensure that trade continues to flow effectively, families get away on their holidays quickly and our community is open and free to go about its business.

Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, said: “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has turned this situation around, from the French and UK authorities to our ferry operators, Kent partners and our own port staff. I am also incredibly grateful for the support and understanding that our customers and community have shown us during this challenging period. We all now owe it to them to ensure our summer plan is delivered in full for the rest of the holiday period.”

The Port of Dover is set for another busy day today. With the additional French border control booths we have installed being fully utilised and our passenger champions on hand to help, the system is performing well, but please check with your chosen ferry operators for updates if you are intending to travel. Please head to the Port via the main M20/A20 and M2/A2 routes and ensure you bring food, water and supplies in your vehicle for the journey.