The Port of Dover has reported that a month on since the end of the Brexit transition period, freight traffic volumes are at 90% of the level that is typical for the time of year.
This follows the significant stockpiling experienced before Christmas and initial reports of quiet Cross-Channel ports at the start of January. It appears that the Short Straits crossings will continue to be the preferred route connecting the United Kingdom to Europe.
The Port of Dover, together with DFDS and P&O Ferries spent many years preparing for Brexit alongside partner organisations in the UK and in France to ensure trade would continue.to flow smoothly. Border systems are said to be operating efficiently and customers are quickly getting on their way.
Sarah West, Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Dover said:
“I’m really encouraged to see such a positive start to the New Year as we adapt to the new systems and processes involved in a new, post-Brexit transition era.
Our operation has proved its resilience and flexibility in the past by successfully adjusting to many major changes in our external landscape and I have great confidence that it will continue to do the same.
The message to hauliers is that as long as you come to Kent border ready and with a negative COVID test, then it won’t be long before you are on your way to France on the shortest ferry crossing.
My thanks go to our team here at the Port, our partners and customers for ensuring that together, we are prepared.”
Port of Dover Press Release 8 February 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20221129053300/https://www.doverport.co.uk/about/news/traffic-continues-to-flow-smoothly-through-the-por/13575/
The Port of Dover handles up to £122bn or 17% of the UK’s trade in goods.
Current ferry services at the Port of Dover are as follows.
DFDS
- Dover – Dunkerque. Up to 12 sailings per day each way, using the DUNKERQUE SEAWAYS, DOVER SEAWAYS and DELFT SEAWAYS.
- Dover – Calais. Up to 15 sailings per day each way, using the CÔTE DES DUNES, CÔTE DES FLANDRES and CALAIS SEAWAYS. The CALAIS SEAWAYS will be replaced by the new CÔTE D’OPALE in Summer 2021.
P&O Ferries
- Dover – Calais. Up to 19 sailings per day each way, using the SPIRIT OF BRITAIN, SPIRIT OF FRANCE, PRIDE OF KENT and PRIDE OF CANTERBURY.
