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A major leap forward took place in a docklands redevelopment yesterday.
The Port of Dover opened its Dover Cargo Terminal West after five years of building and preparation.
It is the second main feature of the phased opening of the Dover Western Docks Revival.
The overall £250 million project is expected to be completed at least by the middle of next year.
The terminal's first day saw goods from the Seatrade fresh produce reefer Lady Rosebay being processed.
Port of Dover Cargo is the company involved in the day to day work there.
General manager Nik Scott-Gray said: “This heralds an exciting new chapter for Port of Dover Cargo.
"It’s amazing to see the new terminal fully functional and processing such a large variety and volume of cargo using equipment, warehousing and IT systems.
"The Dover Cargo business is long established as one of the best in the industry and I’m thrilled that we can now take it even further with the endless opportunities that the new terminal brings us.”
Port of Dover Cargo Ltd has seen an expansion in its customer base recently.
New and existing clients have begun to make use of various features of the new facilities over the last few months, including an additional multi-purpose berth.
The business has an established trade in perishables freight from Central and South America and the new facility means that the Port now has the capability to process a whole range of commodities.
Barbara Buczek, chief commercial officer at the Port of Dover said: “I’m incredibly proud of the whole team for delivering this huge milestone moment for the Port."
The first main feature of the DWDR was established on May 3 this year when the 500-metre long Marina Pier opened.