Independent economic consultancy Oxera has calculated the 2.2 million freight vehicles a year using the Port carry goods worth an estimated £89 billion, reinforcing Dover’s reputation as Europe’s busiest ferry port. 

The report also highlights Dover’s role as one of Europe’s most important ports, with 98 per cent of its freight traffic by weight either originating in or destined for the EU. 

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “This report shows the real, and too often unseen, value of the Port and the work of the team on behalf of UK plc, and the customers it serves.

“The scale and value of goods handled by the people working at the Port is staggering and demonstrates its importance to the nation and the need for continued and major investment.”

The report also found the combination of Dover’s location and the efficiency of its operations resulted in a net benefit to its customers of some £2.3 billion.

Tim Waggott added: “Being the closest UK port to mainland Europe means a reduced crossing time, coupled with excellent service and capacity, this adds up to a remarkable saving to hauliers who choose to travel through Dover.”

To add further value, Dover Harbour Board recently announced plans for the revival of the Western Docks with the development of a new cargo terminal and associated facilities. This includes the prospect of creating more than 600 jobs, which would generate an additional £25 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) per year for the district’s economy.

Tim Waggott added: “The report is proof positive that every day we are delivering for the UK economy, as demonstrated by our current investment of £85 million to upgrade the Eastern Docks.

“We are also looking to protect this nationally vital trade route by securing long-term capacity through our Dover Western Docks Revival vision, and must secure additional powers in order to deliver this effectively. The timing is right, our customers share our vision, and so enabling the Port to quickly pursue the revival and regeneration of Dover’s Western Docks makes eminent commercial and economic sense.”

Andrew Meaney, Managing Consultant of Oxera, said: “Following a robust economic analysis, it is plain to see the Port of Dover is a vital cog in the UK economy and European logistics chain. It already adds significant value and, given the right powers, can add so much more.  Without it, the UK would be less competitive and the cost to industry would be substantial.”

“Looking ahead, I foresee persisting challenges – the volatility, uncertainty and unevenness of growth that plagued 2013 will stubbornly remain as common features for 2014,” said group chairman Fock Siew Wah. “The container shipping and port industry has been rocked by game-changing developments in recent years which precipitated the shake-up we have seen in 2013,” noted group ceo Tan Chong Meng. PSA International posted 61.81m teu in 2013, increasing 2.9% from the previous year. Net profit for the year increased by 13.4% to S$1.43bn, partly attributed to one-off income from asset disposals. [28/03/14]

The project includes expansion works, such as the construction of a third berthing facility. Needing investments between USD 120 and 350 million the improvements will allow Port Iquique to serve the upcoming generation of NewPanamax vessels, able to transport up to 12,000 TEUs.

Entering the North American market, the new Kalmar Ottawa T2 is a thoroughly purpose-built terminal tractor for superior performance, productivity and serviceability.

Chris Booth, Vice President, Terminal Tractors, says: “This is a true milestone in the company’s nearly 60-year history of making terminal tractors, carrying on Kalmar’s tradition of durability and reliability with innovative design and performance features. With features like a strengthened chassis, faster fifth-wheel lifting, safety enhancements and easier serviceability, the T2 will enhance the demanding task of spotting trailers by bringing more order, control, and efficiency to the process.”

The T2’s ground-breaking design should also translate to easier maintenance and serviceability, another crucial component of productivity in a fast-paced terminal. In turn, many routine service procedures, such as oil and transmission fluid checks, can be accomplished more quickly and safely from ground level. The T2 utilises Kalmar Ottawa’s proven three-point air suspension system and electric cab tilt, which also helps speed-up maintenance and servicing.

Today, yard tractors need to be more than just muscles, and the T2 shows the way with a superior operator-friendly design that opens the door to enhanced productivity. The redesigned cab offers more interior room and better visibility.

The Kalmar Ottawa T2 was unveiled at the end of February in the annual North American dealer meeting and now makes its debut in front of heavy-duty trucking industry professionals. The new tractor will be displayed on stands 20030 & 20050 at the Mid-America Trucking Show on 27-29 March.