by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

A massive revamp of the Port of Dover totalling £85 million has been announced today.

The capital investment plan, which has just been approved by Dover Harbour Board, will see the Eastern Docks ferry terminal receiving a major upgrade by 2015.

This will include increasing the port's capacity and building extensions to the piers to cater for the new super-ferries, improvements to the existing berths and the complete replacement of berth six.

Additional assembly and pre-assembly space will be provided and much of the area will be re-surfaced.

"Despite the tough economic climate, the port has seen growth in the tourist sector and the business is buoyant and optimistic," said Kate O Hara, head of commercial and marketing.

"This has been confirmed by the introduction of new and bigger vessels, including the largest ferry ever to sail from Dover, P&O’s Spirit of Britain.

"The port has supported its customers’ optimism through its major investment programme and will continue to do so in the coming years."

The port provides sailings every 30 minutes during peak times and a typical mid-week day offering 54 sailings from P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and SeaFrance.

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