The Jolene arrives at the port of Dover

Live animal exports could start up from the Port of Dover if a trial today is successful.

Berthing trials are due to take place this afternoon for a ship that could be used to export live animals from the port.

Dover Harbour Board said it has had a request from Barco de Vapor to operate its ship, mv Joline, from one of the port's main ferry berths in the Eastern Docks.

The port bosses stress that safety is at the heart of their operations - and they have asked Barco de Capor to bring its ship in for an initial trial to ensure the moorings and vehicle loading bridge connections are "fit for purpose" before any exports can start.

"The ship will be subject to stringent operational rules and a full evaluation of the berthing trial will be carried out before any final decision is made as to the suitability of the vessel to operate from the Port of Dover," said a spokesman for the harbour board.

"We understand that Barco de Vapor intends principally to carry livestock transporter vehicles to and from Calais.

Live animal export protests at the Port of Dover today

"The High Court has made it crystal clear that ports, and Dover Harbour Board in particular, must facilitate this legal trade but we will be rigorous in demanding through the relevant authorities that all aspects of animal health and welfare agreed with those authorities whilst in the port are fully complied with.

"We will therefore be liaising closely with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and its regulating agency, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, throughout this process."

The port has previously been the scene of many angry confrontations between those who oppose the live animal export trade and the transporters who operate it.

If the trade does resume, it is expected more demonstrations will take place at the entrance to the docks.

It comes after the Port of Ramsgate tried to stop live animal exports after the death of 40 sheep there last September.

It was then forced to re-open the trade.