The Port of Dover confirms it will be 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.

Mike Rodwell, Managing Director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Together with the Port of Dover, we will do everything we possibly can to ensure that none of our customers is inconvenienced due to this storm and will be liaising closely with them to prepare for their arrival in Dover next week.”

Further work to assess the full extent of the impact of the storm on the Western Docks will be undertaken urgently just as soon as it is safe to do so. The Port is also clearing 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 be 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.”

The Port was closed due to adverse weather conditions and concerns over customer and staff safety.  The Port and ferry operators will now continue to work together to ensure that the terminal remains open and services are running with minimum disruption. 

Passengers are advised to check with their ferry operator before travelling and consult our website (www.doverport.co.uk) or twitter account (@Port_of_Dover) for the latest information. Please note that there may be initial delays to services as the Port re-opens.

The port is monitoring the weather situation closely and liaising with the ferry operators with an aim to re-open the Port once it is safe to do so. Please note that there may be delays to services when the Port re-opens.

The primary concern of the Port and ferry operators is the safety of their customers and staff and apologises for any delays or inconvenience as a result of this closure. All customers are asked for full co-operations and support.

Demonstrating that the port of Dover is a vital trade link between the UK and mainland Europe, truck volumes were up by over 17% compared to Q3 2012, resulting in a 63% market share in the cross-Channel freight market.

Car volumes were up by over 9% and coach volumes increased by 13% following a fantastic summer performance in the tourist market, resulting in a 55.5% and 65% market share respectively.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “My warmest congratulations to our major ferry customers on securing increased market share against a backdrop of overall growing markets.  Such results reflect our joint commitment to providing brilliant customer service, and continued investment in port capacity.”