More giant cruise ships could be set to dock in Kent after plans to upgrade a historic pier were revealed.

Bosses at the Port of Dover want to replace cast iron bollards on Admiralty Pier with new quick-release hooks in a bid to attract larger vessels.

The site already welcomes a number of cruise liners each year but chiefs say they now require "substantial mooring capacity beyond what is currently available”.

They have submitted plans to Dover District Council for five powered quick-release hooks on the Grade II-listed site.

In a statement submitted with the application, port bosses say the scheme will enable the harbour to accommodate modern cruise liners.

"It will require the removal of tarmac covering and carefully lifting the granite setts beneath," they said.

“The visual change, on completion of the works, would amount to the bollards themselves, the immediate concrete slabs on which they sit.

“Various options for the installation of the required mooring capacity have been considered and the current proposals have been chosen since they cause the least visual and physical harm to the heritage asset.”

Bosses at tourism group Visit Kent have backed the proposal, which has been supported by The Dover Society.

"We fully support the plans the Port of Dover has submitted, which forms part of routine work on its operational facilities to maintain high standards for the diverse range of cruise ships that choose Dover as their UK port of choice," Visit Kent chief executive Deirdre Wells said.

"We know that the cruise industry contributes about £10 billion to the UK economy and supports more than 80,000 jobs so any initiative that helps to deliver more visitors to Kent can only be a good thing."

During lockdown, Disney cruise ships docked in Dover amid restrictions on worldwide travel.

The Disney Magic liner spent 15 months in the town during the height of the pandemic.