Approving the £400 million scheme will, when market conditions require its construction, effectively double the capacity of Dover’s ferry port. The decision is a clear sign that the Government expects traffic through this key gateway to increase substantially beyond the current recession.

This is also fantastic news for the town of Dover as it allows the related waterfront enabling works that are the necessary pre-cursor to the regeneration of this part of Dover, a development described locally as the catalyst for Dover’s renaissance, to be delivered in advance of Terminal 2.

Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “This is a great day for the Port and its long term future, for our local community and for the long-term resilience of the UK economy, all of which have been at the forefront of our minds during the development of this scheme.”

The Government’s announcement that Terminal 2 can be built is further testament to the exceptional lengths to which Dover Harbour Board has gone in order to consult and engage with its customers, stakeholders and the local community.  The few holding objections submitted were removed earlier this year following further positive engagement with the respective bodies and so Terminal 2 was unopposed when the Secretary of State made the decision to approve the scheme.

Director of Port Development, Mike Krayenbrink, who managed the master planning process added: “The scale and detail of consultation that has been undertaken at all levels over the past few years has been unprecedented.  It is a clear indication of how seriously we take our responsibility to develop the Port both as a national asset and as a key part of the local community.

Terminal 2 will be the single biggest development ever to be undertaken by Dover Harbour Board and will become the second biggest ferry terminal in the UK after Dover’s existing ferry terminal in the Eastern Docks.

Bob Goldfield concluded: “This decision should give confidence that good things are now starting to happen for Dover and that the team at the Port is determined to play a big part in ensuring the future growth and prosperity of both Port and town together.”

Barloworld Handling’s operations in UK, Europe and Southern Africa all recorded double digit improvements in revenue and a return to operating profits. Barloworld Handling is the world’s largest independent distributor of forklift trucks and related equipment.

In the UK, the company focussed on the provision of intelligent service to existing customers, leading to improved retention whilst also gaining significant new accounts.  Phil Bastow, managing director for the the UK says “During the year the business performed particularly well in the ports, terminals and logistics sector, with some notable contract awards. We have a highly competitive offering in this area, matching class leading equipment to bespoke intelligent service, which truly helps customers to reduce cost and improve efficiency”.

Utilisation across Barloworld’s national short term hire fleet also grew as industry demand returned.  The company has increased the size of its fleet and continued its investment in new Hyster trucks so that the fleet age profile and condition remains one of the best in the industry.

Energy efficient product introductions across the Hyster forklift and container handling range also helped to support opportunities as businesses look to achieve better environmental performance and reduce energy costs.

Barloworld Handling’s parent company, Barloworld Ltd, also reported impressive year end results with annual revenue up 22% to R49,823M (£3.8billion). Barloworld Ltd is a large multinational corporation with representation in 41 countries and provides world class solutions in the industrial equipment, automotive and logistics sectors across the globe.

Gävle Stevedoring Company implemented Hogia Terminal Cargo during the spring of 2011 with the goal to streamline SSAB goods volumes at a new warehouse in the terminal area. The solution has met their expectations on reduced costs and improved traceability as well as analyzing flows that develop and optimise operation. As a result, Gävle Stevedoring Company selected Hogia as the strategic IT partner for the entire operation.

The most important addition is the replacement of the existing system with Hogia Terminal Container which will improve container management and reduce costs as well as improve the service towards customers. At the same time, Hogia Terminal RoRo will be deployed to create an efficient flow of units and data for the newly started RoRo line to Rauma, Finland. The next step is to implement Hogia Terminal Combi for intermodal transport. The entire solution is a continuation of Hogia’s knowhow and extensive experience of creating efficient integrations with industry stakeholders.

‘From experience, we know that solutions from Hogia can provide us with a competitive edge. The integrated container-, RoRo-and intermodal transport solutions from Hogia, will improve our setup considerably, which will give us an advantage when making new business deals as well as taking care of existing customers’, says Ulf Boogh, vice President, Gävle Stevedoring Company.

Gävle Stevedoring’s investment in Hogia Terminal Container, RoRo and Combi is in line with the expansion of the terminal and fairway and with the goal to increase the port’s attractiveness and capacity. The port had already invested in payroll and business systems from Hogia and the co-operation now continues with the deployment of Hogia Terminal Systems’ solutions as an operative business support.

‘The decision by Gävle Stevedoring Company to extend their successful solution from Hogia is a token of our success as a supplier. They are now investing in our most comprehensive solution by far and they won’t be disappointed’, says Nicholas Tengelin, Company Manager, Hogia Terminal Systems.