Peel Ports Group, the company which runs Sheerness Docks, increased its operating profit by more than a quarter last year.

The company, which also acts as the statutory harbour authority for the River Medway, suffered a small decline in turnover in the year to the end of March 2015, down 1.2% to £616.1 million.

Group operating profit was £136 million, up 27.8% compared in 2014, according to its latest accounts filed at Companies House.

Earnings before interest, taxes and other charges was £195.1 million, up 9.6% from £178 million.

Profits for the year were £21 million after a loss of £6.3 million last year, owing to a £10.1 million loss after it closed its final salary pension scheme.

The firm, which is investing heavily in the Port of Liverpool, said a diversified customer base, long-term contraxts and significant guaranteed revenue had underpinned its turnover and profit growth at ports.