Nevertheless, some damage was regrettably caused to the Port as well as to some property belonging to its customers. The storm having passed, it is now time for the Port to assess that damage and look into how best to repair it whilst at the same time giving every possible assistance to affected customers.
The Eastern Docks escaped relatively unscathed with most damage restricted to some sheet cladding. These were either removed completely or re-secured temporarily pending permanent repairs or replacement. Fenders also took a buffeting from ships as they arrived in berth in the challenging conditions but the damage appears to have been restricted to the sacrificial facing pads. The fantastic effort of Port staff, those carrying out rapid repairs and those of the tug crews helping ferries berth safely, together with robust infrastructure that stood the test meant that little disruption to operations was experienced at Europe’s busiest ferry port.
The Western Docks suffered more damage, but this is not surprising given its exposed position and the direction of the wind. There is some damage at the Admiralty Pier, but mainly to ancillary items such as hand-railing, canopies and fencing to the high level fishermans walkway and turret areas. Several cope edge stones have been dislodged to the inner quayside of the pier extension but that appears to be the only structural damage, showing the quality of the infrastructure at the Port in withstanding extreme conditions. For obvious safety reasons, Admiralty Pier is therefore closed for public access until further notice.
Cars parked at the cruise terminal were damaged by the severe seas overtopping breakwaters in the high winds which at times were gusting above 70 miles per hour. The Port of Dover is providing every assistance to its cruise customers in dealing with insurance claims, onward travel arrangements or any other requirement to support them following this very unfortunate turn of events.
Further work to assess the full extent of the impact of the storm on the Western Docks is on-going. Currently a Surveyor is at the Port assessing the damage and a number of insurance companies have already been in contact. Yesterday, Port staff from all disciplines were also mobilised to clear the shingle washed up onto the seafront in order to ensure that this important community asset is restored as quickly as possible.
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “The Port will continue working tirelessly to ensure that its customers are not disadvantaged by the effects of this natural event. For their benefit and for our community, we are determined to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”