Operating profits at the Port of Dover rose last year, despite the economic downturn.

Dover Harbour Board's annual report and accounts, published today, showed revenue went up by more than five per cent and there was a record number of cruise ship visits, but the amount of freight fell by 2.4 per cent.

"The ailing economy is failing to dent traffic flows through the port,” said chief executive Bob Goldfield. Cruise activity is booming and motoring tourism remained buoyant."

The board has £43million available for future investment.

"No doubt the turbulent economy is having its impact on the port, but the impact is by no means negative," said Mr Goldfield.

"Rising fuel costs hit airline charges even harder, which in turn drives tourist traffic on to ferries; tighter budgets mean that hauliers seek more cost-efficient routes to market; and a strong euro attracts visitors in to the UK."

For the seventh successive year, revenue increased - by 5.3 per cent - reaching £60.8million. Revenue from ferry activity rose by 3.7 per cent to £44.3million. However, profit before tax fell by £4million to £16.6million as a result of the impact of the sale of assets.